Austin Wedding Venues

Austin — with its rich hill country backdrop, vibrant night life, close proximity to multiethnic cuisine, and neighboring cities of Dripping Springs (“wedding capital of Texas”), Fredericksburg (history and wineries), Georgetown, Wimberley, Buda, San Marcos — is a popular destination for weddings. Elissa R Photography has shot weddings all over Austin and central Texas. If you are considering the best venue to get married in the Austin area, I hope this list will help you. (All photos here taken by Elissa R.)

Camp Lucy Camp Lucy houses two separate venues on the same bit of land - Ian's Chapel and Sacred Oaks. Surrounded by rolling hills and big enough to accommodate 200-350 guests, these venues are a gorgeous and spacious pick for a hill country wedding. 40-55 minutes from downtown Austin. (Ian's Chapel Wedding // Sacred Oaks Wedding)	Prospect House Prospect House is a new addition to Dripping Springs-Driftwood wedding venues. The space was designed with modern lines and with plenty of natural light, and can accommodate 220 guests. The very Instagrammable square altar sits on a dais surrounded by hill country. 30-45 minutes from downtown Austin.
Greenhouse at Driftwood A real, working greenhouse sits adjacent to a beautiful building (owned and maintained by a family) for your getting-ready, and there are numerous places on the property to hold your ceremony. The open-air reception area criss-crossed with festoon lights can accommodate 250. 30-45 minutes from downtown Austin.	Barr Mansion At Barr Mansion, you will likely get ready in the iconic Tiffany-blue historic mansion, hold your ceremony under one of the trees in its yard, and party down in the giant glass "barn." Barr has a full-service kitchen and requires you use their catering (amazing organic menu). Accommodates 300. Located 20 minutes from downtown Austin. (Barr Mansion Wedding)
Allan House Located in downtown Austin, this historic 1880s house with its trademark bay window and sizable courtyard is minutes away from most downtown hotels. Many couples opt to get married outdoors (a tent is provided in the winter) and use the mansion inside for dressing and the cake cutting. Fits 60 inside; 220 outside. (Allan House Wedding // Bridal Session // Wedding)	Vista West Ranch The grounds of Vista West Ranch are full of tall lush grasses, perfect for sunset portraits, and the tin barn provides two levels for photographers to shoot first-dance photos. If needed, the inside can make for a good rain plan as well, though the outdoor patio framed by trees is gorgeous in good weather. This venue is also home to The Creek Haus. Fits 250 guests (VWR) or 150 (TCR). 45-55 minutes from downtown Austin. (Vista West Ranch Wedding // Wedding)
Blanton Museum Having your wedding among artwork and the iconic blue walls of Blanton Museum's Stacked Waters is truly a sight to behold. You may rent just the atrium for your ceremony and reception, or choose to get married in part of the permanent collection. Accommodates 150-300 (depending on facility rental). Located in UT campus, 3 minutes from downtown. (Blanton Museum Wedding)	Hotel Ella Nestled in downtown Austin, this boutique hotel, with its stylish Grecian columns, veranda, and cabana-style pool, is a great mix of classic and modernity. The second-floor veranda is a great spot for a first look, while the pool also has amazing photo potential. Located in downtown Austin. (Hotel Ella Halloween Wedding)
Le San Michele Located in South Austin/Buda, this Mediterranean-inspired house and its expansive gardens will give your guests a taste of Europe in Texas. With 12 acres to explore and use as photo backdrops, there's no limit to the beautiful possibilities. Accommodates 300 (outdoors). Located 30-45 minutes from downtown Austin. (Le San Michele Wedding)	Mercury Hall Perhaps one of the most well-known venues in Austin, with its iconic stained-glass windows, Mercury Hall is in South Austin, just 10 minutes from downtown. The venue has an altar shaded by giant oak trees and a courtyard perfect for cocktails or an outdoor reception during nice weather. The venue gets great light no matter what time of year. The hall can comfortably hold 120 but seats up to 150. (Mercury Hall Wedding // Two // Three // Four // Five)
The Lookout This private residence-turned-wedding-venue is located on 6 acres overlooking the Texas hill country. You can choose to take portraits in lush fields, near towering trees, or by a koi pond. A covered pavilion is available for reception activities. Accommodates 100+, located 25-40 minutes from downtown Austin. (The Lookout Wedding)	Chateau Bellevue This historic mansion, also known as The Austin Women's Club, is in the heart of downtown Austin. Built in the 1880s, the upstairs rooms are available for portraits and have very regal furnishings suitable for a more classical couple. Ceremonies often take place in the courtyard, insulated from road noise, while the reception can be outdoor/indoor within the ground floor. Accommodates 150, located in downtown. (Chateau Bellevue Wedding)
Palm Door Palm Door boasts two downtown Austin locations: on Sabine and on Sixth. Home to the amazing catering company Pink Avocado (whom you are encouraged but not beholden to use), the Palm Doors have a more industrial feel to their space and are a good fit for modern-leaning couples. Sabine can accommodate 150 seated; Sixth, varies depending on room. (Palm Door on Sabine Wedding // Two // Three)	Star Hill Ranch This venue, which encompasses multiple 1900s buildings set to look like a nostalgic Texas main street, is a unique choice in Bee Cave, TX. There are two chapels, an arbor, reception hall, and more, ranging to accommodate anywhere from 10-500 guests. Located 25-35 minutes from downtown Austin. (Star Hill Ranch Wedding)
Umlauf Sculpture Garden Nestled in the heart of Austin, right by Zilker Park, the Umlauf Sculpture Garden is a lovely spot to have your wedding amid nature and art. Curated gardens and sculptures created by the talented artist Umlauf can enthrall your guests prior your ceremony under the iconic metal altar. The facility allows use of a windowed room for your getting-ready and guests can be seated in the pavilion or lawn. Accommodates up to 250. Located 10 minutes from downtown Austin. (Umlauf Sculpture Garden Wedding // Wedding)	LBJ Wildflower Center The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is a gorgeous choice year-round (as they vary the types of blooms available), though early spring during bluebonnet season is the best. When rented, the wedding party has the freedom to explore the entire property, which can make for amazing photos. Depending on where you decide to hold your ceremony/reception, capacity will vary. 20 minutes from downtown Austin. (Wildflower Center Wedding // Wedding // Arbor Wedding // Engagement)
Brazos Hall If you're looking for giant space in downtown Austin, Brazos Hall is your best choice. The converted 1900s grain mill is now a two-level event space with an indoor industrial vibe and covered roof with a glowing view of downtown. The main floor has over 8000 sq. ft of space! Accommodates 900 (standing). (Brazos Hall Wedding)	The W Austin A spa and wedding venue, rolled in one? Perfect. The W Hotel is not only luxurious, it's also gorgeous: modern and sleek, with interiors so photogenic you'll fight the Saturday night crowd for a photo in the red-velvet "secret bar." The venue also takes care of most of the planning for you: in-house catering, cakes, coordination, etc. Accommodations vary. (W Austin Wedding)
Laguna Gloria The art center Laguna Gloria, set at the shore of the Colorado River, is a breezy and picturesque spot to hold a wedding. While the building (with its signature striped awnings) is not encouraged for the reception, the outdoor grounds are beautiful and multi-tiered, with gardens and giant sculptures for your guests to admire. Accommodates 150. 15 minutes from downtown Austin. (Laguna Gloria Wedding // Portrait Session)	Chapel Dulcinea The only free chapel in town (well, slightly out of town), Chapel Dulcinea overlooks a beautiful view of the hill country. To reserve your 1.5-hour time slot, you must put down a deposit which is retrievable when you arrive on your wedding day. There are two getting-ready rooms on-site, an open-air pavilion free with chapel use, and a separate hall available for (paid) rental. The chapel accommodates ~20 guests seated. 30-45 minutes from downtown Austin. (Chapel Dulcinea Elopement // Elopement // Wedding)
Malverde The upper level of restaurant La Condesa holds their event space Malverde, which is covered in plants, bright artwork, and midcentury-inspired furniture. This is the perfect reception space for a chill, boozy wedding before you hit 6th Street for the after-party or walk back to your hotel blissed out and just-married. The space can accommodate probably 40-60. (Malverde Wedding)	The Mansion Until recently called "Texas Federation of Women's Club's The Mansion," this is a historic 1930s building that hosts events in UT campus. The ballroom is large enough for an air-conditioned summer ceremony (a rare find these days), with enormous ceiling-to-floor windows perfect for classical portraits. The courtyard is also available for ceremonies or photo ops. 5 minutes from downtown Austin. (The Mansion Wedding)