Everything You Need To Know

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There are nice hotels everywhere. Why the Gage?

For us, venue was everything.

To put it simply, the Gage fit the bill for what we wanted in a wedding: a place that provides adventure for our friends and family, a place where the food is excellent, a place that is off the beaten path, and a place that feels like home.

At The Gage, we're lucky enough to have the entire property blocked out for our guests for the weekend. That means that your neighbor at breakfast, by the pool, or at the Historic White Buffalo Bar, will be a guest of the Sprakonchick Wedding. This atmosphere will allow us to create a more intimate experience for all of our loved ones for the entirety of the weekend. While The Gage already feels like home to us, we know that it will only get better when we're surrounded by those we love. We couldn't think of a better place - or a better way - to tie the knot.

Also, the Gage was just named the #4 Resort in Texas by Travel + Leisure. Pretty cool, huh? 

What should I wear?

The wedding ceremony and reception attire is "black tie." This means that men should wear tuxedos, and women should wear long or otherwise formal gowns. Please note that the ceremony and reception will be taking place at the Gage Gardens, which is a short, 6 minute walk from the main hotel. Both the ceremony and the reception will take place outdoors, so sensible footware is recommended.

Men, if you need some inspo, check this out. | Ladies, we're fairly certain you've got this, but just in case, click here.

The attire for the welcome dinner is "upscale casual." The hosts respectfully request that our guests dress in relaxed semi-formal attire such as collared shirts, dress pants, or favorite dresses. This event will be taking place outdoors on a stone patio on the main hotel property, meaning that, in most cases, you won't have to walk far or go off-roading.

For everything else: It's West Texas in September. This means that it will be pleasantly warm during the day and cool in the evenings. During this time of year, the highs average around 80 degrees, and the lows average around 60 degrees. This means that during the day, it will be warm enough to hang by the pool, and in the evenings, it'll be cool enough to get cozy around the fire. If you are prone to getting a little chilly, we recommend you bring a wrap or something else to keep you warm.

What's up with the pool? 

The fantastic thing about the desert weather is that it's the perfect pool season this time of year. The pool at The Gage is no exception. The pool has its own bar, where you can put drinks on your room or pay cash for them. This bar does NOT take credit cards. Towels are provided for you at the pool, so leave your bath towels where they are.

I'm driving. Got any tips?

We sure do! Check out our handy list below:

1. Gasoline is something you'll want to have on the forefront of your mind on this journey. Most vehicles will need to fill up at least once during the trip, especially if you don't begin your journey with a full tank. For our folks coming from the west, we recommend that you stop in Junction, Sonora, or Ozona along I-10. The 50 mile stretch after Ozona to Fort Stockton has been lovingly deemed "The Void" meaning that there are very, very limited stops for bathrooms or gas. (If you get desperate, go to the Bakersfield Exxon.) Of course, Fort Stockton is also a great place to fill up if you can make it all the way there. For our folks coming from Midland, you should be able to make it to Fort Stockton before filling up. We're less familiar with this part of the journey, so let us know if you have any recommendations you find on your way.
2. The bride recommends - from personal experience - to take it easy on the gas pedal on Hwy 385. This is the beautiful, deserted stretch of highway that will take you from Fort Stockton straight into Marathon, Texas. The state troopers like to hang out about 2 miles north of the highway junction of 385 and 90. While the blushing bride got off with a warning, you might not be so lucky.
3. If you are driving an electric vehicle, there are charging stations in Fort Stockton and Fort Davis. We think there is a charging station at The Gage, but have not confirmed. If this is something you need, let us know.
4. While the area is pretty remote, the roads are reliable. Don't worry about driving (or renting) a big truck or SUV. Any car should be fine for your journey.
5. If you'd like an interesting cultural experience, stop at the Sonic in Ozona. The staff there has created a secret menu for unique combinations. Also, our 80s and 90s babies should recognize something very familiar about this place.
6. If you run into any car trouble, text our wedding hotline at 432-244-0832. We'll help you figure something out to get here safely. If you're really in a bind, call 1-800-934-6521, which is the state-funded roadside assitance program. (While one of us is very experienced in state government programs, she isn't sure how reliable this will be.)

Where can I eat around here?

For Dinner on Thursday, Sunday, or Monday, we recommend 12 Gage, located at the Gage Hotel. Reservations are highly encouraged, so please make one here. (While we have run of the whole hotel, the 12 Gage Restaurant is still a popular place for locals and travellers in the area.) Big Bend Pizza in Marathon is also an option for Thursday night. If you're not afraid of a little drive, Alpine (about 30 minutes from Marathon) is home to a myriad of restaurants including Reata, Guzzi Up, and La Casita. Dinner will be served Friday and Saturday evening of the wedding weekend, so don't worry about finding food then.

For breakfast, we recommend sticking to V6 Coffee Bar at the Gage Hotel. Her favorite is an iced americano with a Green Tea Energizer Smoothie (or the Sunshine Smoothie, 86 the yogurt and add spinach and protein). His favorite is the Marathon Muffin and an espresso. If you're looking for something quick, the Gage Hotel lobby typically offers fresh brewed, serve yourself coffee, although this might change on wedding day. On Sunday, make sure you stop by the "Thanks a Brunch" whether you plan to hit the road or stay and decompress for a while.

For lunch, you can either head back to V6, or you can make your way to Brick Vault Brewery and Barbecue. The food at the Brick Vault is spectacular, and so is their beer. The beer selection rotates, so ask for a sample if there's something you want to try before you buy. We both love the brisket, pulled pork, sausage, the mac and cheese, the borracho beans, the.... well... I think y'all get that it's all good. The French Grocer also serves sandwiches or other lighter bites.
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For snacks, you can head to the White Buffalo Bar for a lighter fare (think, chips and guac), or you can always grab a muffin or other baked good back at V6. Finally, the French Grocer is a good location to pick up some packaged snacks that you might be craving.

I want to go hiking! I want to go to Marfa! I want to stargaze!

Hey, well you've come to the right place. West Texas is an incredible oasis for all things art, culture, and nature. While we will be unable to join in any hiking adventures before the wedding, it is our hope to explore the beauty of the area after the official festivities. Here are some things you can do if you arrive a day or so early or stay a day or so after: 

• Plan your hike in Big Bend National Park.
• Scope out some of the art in nearby Marfa. (While you're there, you can also make the trek to Prada Marfa.)
• Hit up the brand new spa at the hotel.
• Make your way to Fort Davis and visit the MacDonald Observatory for some state-sponsored stargazing.

Please note that Uber is not a thing in Marathon, Texas. For you to travel outside of the town of Marathon, you will need to have access to a vehicle.

Anything else I should bring?

• Sunscreen
• Bug Spray

Can I take photos during the ceremony?

While we know that you all are trying to celebrate us by taking your personal photos of the ceremony, we've booked incredible photographers to help capture this event. (To get a sneak peek, you can check out our photographer's work here.) Seriously though, we'd like to give them the best opportunity to "get the shot." Please keep all phones away and on silent during the ceremony. We'll be available for selfies after!

Where IS the Ceremony?

The ceremony is located in the Gage Gardens across the railroad tracks from the Gage Hotel. It's a little bit of a trek, so please give yourself plenty of time to make it there. (Our planner recommends leaving the hotel at 5:00 to arrive and be seated at the ceremony site by 5:30).

There is limited parking at the venue. For our younger, able bodied folk, we encourage you to walk to the ceremony, so that we may reserve any parking spots for other guests who may have a harder time getting to site.

Are Children Welcome at Wedding Events?

To allow all wedding guests a weekend of relaxation and uninhibited revelry, we will be unable to accomodate children during the weekend at official wedding events. We sincerely appreciate your understanding.

What About Pets? 

While your pups might enjoy the great outdoors and all this area has to offer, the hotel will not be allowing pets on property during the weekend. Also, most of the trails in Big Bend National Park do not allow pets. Trust us, you don't want to get all the way out here with Fido in tow, just to turn back around...

I need to work remote while I'm there. Is that possible?

That's no fun! But yes, it's possible. The Gage has internet throughout the property. Please note that the cell reception is not always reliable in the area, so should you need to make any important phone calls, we recommend that you use wifi calling. The V6 Coffee Bar at The Gage is a great place for a quick Zoom meeting and an espresso.

Do you have a wedding hashtag?

YES! I'm (Molly) so glad you asked. Since Chad got off of Facebook and Instagram shortly after we met, I've always tagged my Instagram posts of him with #findcsakonontwitter, which directed my friends and family to stalk him on his only remaining form of social media: Twitter. Now that it's time for us to say, "I Do," our wedding hashtag is: #FindCSakonAtTheAltar.

I have more questions! How can I reach out?

Chad set up a dedicated phone line that for all things Sprakonchick Wedding at 432-244-0832. You can text this number at any point with questions, concerns, well-wishes, or whatever's on your mind, and someone will be in touch. You'll also be receiving periodic updates from this number, so it doesn't hurt to keep it close.