Thank you so much for clicking on our Widlife Protection and Preservation page!

A Place Where Wildlife Is Protected and Life Is Honored

At Avalon Legacy Ranch, there is something deeper happening beyond the celebrations, the gatherings, and the beautiful moments shared here.

For over 14 years, this land has been intentionally protected as a wildlife habitat.

That isn’t a side note to what we do—it is part of who we are.

From the very beginning, we made a commitment to care for this property in a way that allows wildlife to live, move, and thrive in their natural environment. That means preserving trees instead of clearing them. Protecting the lake and natural water sources. Allowing the land to remain, as much as possible, undisturbed and whole.

More than that, over 90% of our property is dedicated to establishing a safe haven where natural wildlife can thrive. In the midst of continuous development all around us, this land remains a place of rest—a place where we have quietly but firmly said: not here… your habitat will not be destroyed here. Here, you are safe. Here, you are free.

You will see it if you slow down long enough.

Woodpeckers echoing through the trees.
Armadillos moving quietly through the brush.
Beavers along the water’s edge.
Rabbits and squirrels weaving through the landscape.
Turtles always present, resting in the sun along the shoreline.

Ducks and geese choosing our lake as they make their way North—because they know they are safe here.
And each spring, the quiet joy of watching their babies take to the water for the very first time.

And over 70 varieties of birds finding refuge here throughout the seasons.

We are also honored to work with the National Audubon Society as part of their committees annual bird count for our area—contributing in a small but meaningful way to the protection and understanding of the species that call this land home.

This is not accidental. It is intentional stewardship.

We are deeply aware that being entrusted with this kind of land is a gift. Not everyone gets the opportunity to preserve something instead of develop it, to protect instead of change it. We do not take that lightly.

Every decision we make—how we build, where we build, what we leave untouched—is filtered through that responsibility.

Because of that, Avalon feels different.

There is a peace here that cannot be manufactured. A quiet that comes from letting the land remain what it was created to be. And when families gather here—whether for a wedding, a celebration of life, or a moment in between—they are stepping into something real. Something grounded.

We are proud of that.

Proud that for 14 years, this land has been cared for with intention.
Proud that wildlife still calls it home.
Proud that we have chosen preservation over convenience, again and again.

And most of all, we are grateful.

Grateful to be stewards of something that will outlast us.
Grateful to share it with the families who come here.
Grateful that in a world that moves quickly, this place remains still.

At Avalon Legacy Ranch, protecting wildlife isn’t something we talk about.

It’s something we live.

If you’re here to read more about us, welcome! We think it is important to know the people behind the venue.  We all pour our hearts and souls into Avalon Legacy Ranch every day.  Nothing is more important to us than providing the most beautiful and perfect setting for the couple and their families.

My name is Debra Ladd.  I was born in Happy, Texas and have lived in Austin, Oklahoma City, England, and Atlanta, Georgia, as well as McKinney.

As the owner of Avalon Legacy Ranch, I come from a long line of pioneers, people who risked everything to create a better life for others. That legacy has been passed down through generations of my family, and has become my legacy, and the legacy of Avalon Legacy Ranch.  We hope you will make Avalon Legacy Ranch a part of your legacy as well.  Avalon Legacy Ranch is for dreamers.  Dreamers who know that setting is everything, and no one can tell them no, but themselves.

I often have people ask me if I  have always wanted to own a wedding venue. The truth is the thought never crossed my mind until the day that I drove onto the property that would become Avalon Legacy Ranch.  I never thought that I would be blessed enough to create a place of beauty for so many to enjoy.

Five years ago, after working as a public school teacher for 12 years, I was ready to retire and live “happily ever after” on my ranch outside of Happy, Texas.  My youngest two children were not thrilled with that plan. They wanted to stay in McKinney,  My son asked me to come see an old industrial house on a 25 acres property outside of McKinney, TX.

None of us could believe there really could be a place with 25 acres just outside of the McKinney city limits.  None of us would have ever imagined the property would be ours and it would completely change our lives.  I didn’t go there that day expecting my life to change, but change my life it did. As we walked around the property, the idea of Avalon Legacy Ranch began to develop. I realized  if I sold everything I owned, I could turn the property into the most unique, beautiful wedding venue in North Texas, and by God’s grace and with the help of so many others, my dream became a reality.

Selling farmland that had been in the family for almost 100 years was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made,  Yet, as I prayed, I was reminded everyone of my ancestors had left their home to start a new life.  As I prayed, I felt like God gave me the scripture from Psalms 22, “The poor will be fed, and generations will say, ‘The Lord has done it.'” The owners accepted 4 other bids that fell through before ours was accepted.  Nine months after I first bid on the property, my offer was accepted.

The repairs were extensive and we refused to book a single event  until we had new decks, outdoor pergolas, the chapel and the gardens completed.  Along the way I was blessed with the help of Cas Franklin, an international awarded landscape architect, who designed all of our gardens.  He created a magical setting as you can see in all of our pictures.

Now, over a decade later, we have hosted 1,000+ weddings, numerous church, school and business events, received multiple awards, and been featured in wedding magazines and blogs.  In addition, we have blessed to donate money to the Samaritan Inn, to orphanages in India and Africa to fulfill our vision, “The poor will be fed.” We have been blessed enough to win awards that only the top 2% of wedding venues win and have on top of all that, we have made thousands of new friends along the way

Best of all, we have had the honor of being a place where brides and grooms begin their legacies.  Where families have come together to celebrate the new and the old in an environment that is elegant and inviting.

We tell our couples, “We care more about your wedding than you do!” We know that that is an extraordinary statement, but it’s one we prove every wedding.  We will be here for you.  Your Legacy is Our Legacy.

Best,
Debra Ladd