The Omni Hotel: Corpus Christi

Iconic weddings call for proud, majestic atmospheres – and the most beautiful setting for a Coastal wedding in South Texas is the iconic Omni Corpus Christi Hotel. Originally opened on Valentine’s Day in 1985 as The Hershey Corpus Christi Hotel (Yes, that Hershey…a Hershey’s Kiss chocolate candy rested on each pillow at turndown service), the property has evolved to become the high standard for luxury hotels along the southern Gulf Coast of Mexico. Overlooking Corpus Christi Bay, The Omni Corpus Christi Hotel stands 18 stories above Corpus Christi’s blue green waters. With ballrooms to fit 1,000+ guests, 475 guest rooms for bridal parties and a whole suite of bridal services under one roof, the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel has emerged from a multi-million dollar facelift to become the Gulf Coast’s premier wedding destination and venue.

The lobby reflects elegance and a Coastal chic that guests encounter at every turn. A true resort hotel, the mood exudes class and style. Herringbone tile patterns zig-zag the floor, and blue and white accent wallpaper inspires Imperial appointments on credenzas and tables throughout the lobby. Accent tables honed of natural stone hold modern seashells on pedestals; a natural coral sits pristinely in a bell cloche.

Framed, vintage black & white photographs of Corpus Christi taken by legendary historian and photographer Doc McGregor line the walls of the lobby and tell tall fishing tales about the waters of the Gulf Coast.

Brian Murphy, Director of Sales & Marketing, says the refined tone and stately atmosphere of the hotel make the perfect backdrop for a wedding and a reception. He says the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel offers brides and grooms the secret to a dream wedding: simplicity.

“We can do everything under one roof and I mean everything,” Murphy said. “We are the only four-diamond hotel in the Coast Bend. Match that with the award-winning Republic of Texas Bar & Grill, ballrooms with sweeping views of Corpus Christi, ceremony space – the list goes on.”

Murphy says at the top of that list is a unique Omni promotion, “Honeymoon on Us.” Meet a few criteria when booking a wedding event at the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel, and a paid honeymoon is a gift to the couple at one of 14 resorts around the world.

The hotel also features a high end salon, gift shop, massage parlor and athletic club. Aside from the fine dining on the top floor of the building at the Republic of Texas, the hotel also boasts a restaurant on the second floor, The Glass Pavilion Restaurant. Right outside the glass-walled eatery is the chef’s fresh herb garden – ideal for a small, intimate garden ceremony.

Alice Butler, the hotel’s Wedding Coordinator, brings 16 years of experience to her brides. She prides herself on remembering every detail that needs to get noticed with a wedding event, including the most important: fun!

“We take a lot of pride in making sure that guests have an incredible experience at the Omni Corpus Christi,” Butler said. “We think about them the minute they walk through our doors so our brides enjoy the wedding, too.”

Butler said beyond arranging interesting cocktails hours and family gatherings before the reception, she has seen brides create small, beautiful dinner affairs for family before dancing the night away at a large wedding receptions. One such dinner featured a newly married couple, an Elvis impersonator and 40 close friends.

Butler said she helps brides to navigate from idea to realization, especially with the practical elements of a wedding, like space planning.

“Many brides want everything in one room, which we can easily do,“ Butler said. “We help them plan the space most effectively to maintain all of the traditional parts of a wedding, like a walk down the aisle. We help them to adjust their vision to meet their budget and plan.”

Omni Corpus Christi is a full-service wedding resource, according to Butler. She said that brides and grooms who choose Omni can expect an elevated experience with personal care.

“Omni Corpus Christi is a complete support system, from the minute anyone involved with the wedding steps on our property,” Butler said. “We have the gift shops, the salons, the restaurants, the bars – we cater to everyone who touches the wedding in any way. Your guests are our guests – you are never on your own here.

“You have to think about what you want your guests to take away from your wedding. Omni Corpus Christi makes sure that they leave happy and remembering your wedding as spectacular!”

Written by Omar Lopez

Photos provided by Omni and D&P Photography