It’s only one hour north of downtown Houston, but with those pristine Lake Conroe views and that marina sparkling like a 1.5-carat, brilliant-cut engagement diamond, La Toretta Lake Resort & Spa feels like a million miles away. Which is why this resort is pretty much perfect for the bride who loves the idea of a destination wedding, but without the hassles and costs of destination travel.

Here’s an idea: Book your long-weekend wedding at La Toretta. Have your rehearsal dinner at Chez Roux, the first-ever American restaurant from internationally renowned, Michelin-starred French chef Albert Roux. Schedule a couple of hours of bridal-party indulgence at Spa Terre, and, say, a round of golf, for the sporting types, at the resort’s 18-hole, par-72 course. On the big day, say your vows (beachside, sunset, perhaps?), and then celebrate in style in the spectacular Versailles Ballroom, with panoramic views of the aforementioned marina, and room for all your nearest and dearest to eat, drink and kick up their heels. After the festivities, retreat with your new hubby to a sumptuous suite, while your guests nestle down in their own comfy rooms or lavish lakeside villas. On Sunday morning, give guests the option of heading out on the water for a refreshing sail on a professionally captained boat, then let revelers gather at their own sleepy pace for mimosas and brunch, before heading back from whence they came.

See? Destination wedding at a destination oh so very close to home. Call 936.448.4400 and talk to Christine O’Hagan or Alana Padgett—they’re your La Toretta go-to gals.