My Favorite Austin Wedding Venues
I love being an Austin wedding photographer because of all the eclectic and beautiful venues here! Those looking to host a large wedding, an intimate affair, or simply elope with their lover are bound to find the perfect venue that accommodates their needs and fits their unique vibe. From a European-style garden venue near hotels and amenities to a modern all-white space in the heart of Hill Country, there’s something for everyone. So, keep scrolling for the lowdown on my favorite Austin wedding venues and plenty of photo inspiration!
Favorite Outdoor Wedding Venues: Laguna Gloria and Mattie’s Austin
Laguna Gloria is a serene garden wedding venue overlooking Lake Austin. I love this venue because it has so many perks! It’s centrally located but transports you into a different world, full of lush plant life and European-style architecture. The Italianate villa, built in 1916, overlooks the lake and shines bright with history and drama. Surrounding the villa, you’ll find secluded garden pathways and so many beautiful corners to use for photos. There’s even space for a family-style table for a cozy and unique dinner setting.
Tip: A rain plan is necessary at this venue as there isn’t a spacious indoor area. Plan for a tent if you have a large party!
Mattie’s is a historic home-turned-restaurant set amongst a grove of gorgeous oak trees just south of the river. Like Laguna Gloria, it’s centrally located but has a secluded feel. Builders constructed the home in the 1890s, and its historical features remain largely intact. It offers a lovely, moody space for getting ready and a stylish bar perfect for portraits or just hanging out with your VIPs. An addition onto the back allows large parties to dine indoors, and a permanent tent allows for candlelit outdoor dinners when weather permits.
Tip: The restaurant remains in full service during your event unless you buy out the whole property. Be sure to let the venue coordinator know if you’re interested in taking photos inside the house so they can recommend the best package for your needs.
Favorite Elopement Venues: UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Hotel Saint Cecilia
UMLAUF is a large garden with sculptures situated all around the property. It’s a stunning little oasis in the center of Austin, right next to Zilker Park. I love this venue for midday elopements or small weddings! You can have your ceremony here, then head off to one of the nearby restaurants for an intimate reception. Or you can elope here with just the two of you and stay nearby at the Carpenter Hotel. The small indoor space onsite also works well for a small cocktail hour with cakes and hors d’oeuvres.
Hotel Saint Cecilia feels like the city’s most hip little corner. You walk in and feel transported to old Hollywood! Bunkhouse, owners of Carpenter Hotel and several Marfa properties are the proprietors, so it’s no surprise I’m obsessed. It’s situated just off bustling South Congress but feels secluded and tranquil. It offers new garden suites and a poolside bungalow to give you the feeling of a true escape. I love the oak tree in the back for intimate ceremonies and the patio for a small reception.
Tip: The room furthest back on the property has a porch and space for a private ceremony below, which I also love for an elopement or micro-wedding. Ask the team for suggestions!
Favorite Intimate Wedding Venue: Justine’s Secret House
Justine’s Secret House feels like you’ve been transported from East Austin to the French Quarter of New Orleans and sits quietly in its little corner of the city, tucked far away from the bustling streets of Austin’s vibrant East Side. Once inside the property, you don’t even feel like you’re in a city. This venue encompasses so many amazing things in one! It has delicious food (hello, Justine’s Brasserie!), incredible ambiance, a laidback vibe, knowledgeable staff, and many spaces to move around the property. Most couples use the courtyard for their ceremony and the inside of the house for dinner. A seated dinner in the back lot is also an option for large parties.
Favorite Large Wedding Venues: Prospect House and South Congress Hotel
Prospect House is the best Hill Country wedding venue for a modern couple who wants an edgier wedding. If you don’t want your wedding to feel like Texas but still want to showcase the gorgeous views, this is your jam. It’s a modern, all-white venue with natural light flooding in. There are options for an indoor or outdoor ceremony and large getting-ready quarters, and the space overall is a clean canvas for showcasing your unique style. I recommend hiring a planner who knows what they’re doing and a top florist for a wedding here! You won’t regret going all-in on this space.
I’ve shot large weddings of over 100 guests and elopements of two at South Congress. This venue can do it all and is incredible for whatever direction you take! Its interior is modern, with mid-century desert vibes that set it apart from any other hotel in Austin. Plus, it’s minutes from the Texas Capitol in the heart of South Congress, so your guests can take in the complete city experience.
Favorite Venue for Outdoor Portraits: Laguna Gloria
This venue is an obvious choice! There are so many options for portraits in the gardens. I usually just ask my couples to take a walk and take it all in while photographing them candidly. All of the views are stunning and unique. There are also some great options at sunset (I can’t get over the sunsets I’ve seen here!) and for portraits of larger parties.
Favorite Venue for Indoor Portraits: South Congress Hotel
Most hotels don’t allow portraits inside the lobby. I dealt with this at my wedding, and it was such a bummer. We book our venues for the vibes, and it’s only natural to want to utilize the whole space for our big days. That’s why I love South Congress! They allow portraits all around the grounds when you get married there. It’s laidback, with desert-cool vibes in the color palette. I highly recommend it if you’re interested in an indoor venue with great opportunities for portraits.
Favorite Venue for Getting Ready: Mattie’s Austin
Most couples don’t consider their getting-ready shots when choosing their venue, but these make up a large portion of your gallery. Enter Mattie’s! I’m obsessed with the coziness and moodiness of their getting-ready space with its gorgeous colored walls. It’s not a particularly large space, but it feels intimate and has lovely lighting, so it’s perfect for a small group.
As you begin planning your Austin wedding, I hope these favorite Austin wedding venues inspire you! All epitomize the eclectic, artistic style my couples tend to have (that I love to capture!). Does it sound like we’re a match made in heaven? Contact me for a discovery call, and let’s find out if we’re a perfect fit. I can’t wait to hear your love story!
