My Favorite Austin Wedding Venue: South Congress Hotel
South Congress Hotel, a hip boutique hotel in the heart of Travis Heights, is easily my favorite Austin wedding venue. And, if you know anything about the arts and culture scene here, you know that’s saying something! Located just minutes from downtown, it’s easy to access yet offers an oasis from all the hustle and bustle. Not to mention, it’s impeccably decorated with an eclectic mix of industrial, mid-century modern, and boho decor. There are so many reasons why this venue has stolen my heart!
South Congress Hotel: An Overview
This venue is ideal for all kinds of couples. Not only does it encompass a diverse array of styles, but it can also accommodate all kinds of celebrations. Whether you’re envisioning an elopement, a micro-wedding, or a big dance party, South Congress has you covered! However, I find that the majority of my couples who gravitate toward this venue really want their day to feel laidback and uniquely Austin. They want to focus on the guest experience with high-end amenities and cuisine. Michelle and Brock’s wedding was like that!
In that sense, South Congress truly is the perfect venue. With three in-house restaurants offering incredible food, including a steakhouse and a Japanese omakase restaurant, there’s no need to look elsewhere for a caterer. And the world-class pastries at Café No Sé are the perfect sweet finish to any meal! It couldn’t be easier to avoid planning headaches—especially when the spectrum of possibilities is so wide.
Photography at South Congress Hotel
South Congress is truly unique in that it offers an array of indoor and outdoor spaces that are ideal for portraits. If the weather is poor, we can easily spend our entire time inside the hotel and still come away with gorgeous images! There are so many stylish spaces to work with, with unique houseplants, vintage furniture, and tons of natural light. For example, I like to shoot wedding party portraits in the lobby underneath the entryway awning if there’s rain. Or, if weather permits, I like to lead everyone around the outside of the building for some great candids. Both locations are honestly fantastic!
In general, my couples who get married here really want to prioritize photography. They want their images to feel candid and thoughtful, not stiff or posed. I find that South Congress works really well with that style, as it lends a cinematic quality to the portraits. I also love taking a walk with my couples in the surrounding neighborhood at sunset. The energy of the street combined with golden hour and the glow of their joy makes for pure portrait magic! Overall, I find that South Congress allows me to get really creative with my art, so I always enjoy shooting there when I get the chance.
Design + Planning
I’ve worked with a number of talented designers, planners, and florists at this venue. And, time and again, I’ve seen them do incredibly unique and diverse things with the space! The white walls are the perfect backdrop for a design with a bold color palette, and it’s always fun to hang some disco balls from the ceiling for a bold party vibe. Despite its size, the event space can also feel really intimate with the addition of Edison bulbs and plenty of candles. This venue is a prime example of modern meets warm and intimate, so there’s no limit to the directions you can take when designing your own event!
Some planners I’ve had the honor of working with at South Congress include Bird Dog Wedding, Pearl Events Austin, and XO Moreau Events. In addition, some fantastic florists I’ve worked with include Blumen Floral, Earl Grey Floral, Stems, and The Farmer and I.
Hopefully, it isn’t hard to see why South Congress Hotel has outranked all the rest to become my favorite Austin wedding venue! If you’re feeling inspired by this space for a portrait session, or if you’ve already booked it for your own Austin wedding, I would LOVE to hear from you. Reach out today with this quick form!
