DREAM VENUES + LOCATIONS
CHECK DIFFERENT WEDDING SITES LIKE THE VENUE REPORT, GREEN WEDDING SHOES, JUNEBUG WEDDINGS, HAPERS BAZAAR, ROCKY MOUNTAIN BRIDE, BRIDES MAGAZINE
and local wedding blogs (the list goes on and on) for ideas on location and venue options because they usually have lots of info on the venue and have way better photos of the space and set-up inspiration than looking at venues through The Knot, Wedding Wire or even sometimes their websites!
Public Lands
There are tons of amazing beautiful outdoor spaces you could use but just make sure you check on usage info and permits. It’s also super important to leave no trace behind if you use public land! I shot a pop up wedding I shot out in West Texas (it was at a staycation, actually!) where they didn’t have to get a permit at all. They had everything set up on a nearby cliff with the mountains perfectly scattered in the background! A few close friends and family members primarily made up their guest list, and everyone chipped in to help set up the ceremony space. It was such a sweet thing to witness!
Texas Wedding Venues
If you’re just beginning your wedding planning journey, or if you’ve never been to Texas before, I’m sure you’re dying to know what some of my favorite wedding venues are! Below I’ve listed some rad wedding venues that I’ve either already had the opportunity to shoot at, or have been dying to shoot at:
Austin:
Prospect House, The Greenhouse at Driftwood, Lucky Arrow Retreat, Laguna Gloria, Springdale Station, One Eleven East, Star Hill Ranch, Chapel Dulcinea, The Grand Lady Austin, Barr Mansion, Montesino Ranch, Zilker Botanical Garden, Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center, Sekrit Theater, Justine’s Secret House, Hotel Saint Cecilia, South Congress Hotel, The Line Hotel, Austin Proper Hotel, Casa Cartel, Hotel Ella, Commodore Perry Estate, Lincoln Chapel, Camino Real Ranch, Cactus Moon Lodge
Pro Tip
Contact the owners or hosts ahead of time about bugs or mosquitos if you’re looking into Airbnbs, VRBO’s, or public lands for an outdoor wedding during non-winter months. If you find out that the area might have mosquitos be prepared to buy enough bug spray and bug repellent items to keep you and your guests comfortable.
JUST REMEMBER YOU CAN MAKE ANY SPACE WORK
A place doesn’t cater? Call your favorite food truck to come cater for everyone (which usually saves a lot of $$$) or have a potluck where each guest brings a dish. You need to find chairs for everyone for the ceremony? If your ceremony is short and sweet, standing is usually not an issue and you can do more interesting intimate setups where people stand surrounding you or you can find a local rental company that can deliver and pickup chairs. If you end up going with a venue be sure to read their contract thoroughly!
Don’t feel pressured into booking a venue until you’re 100% confident.
I’ve had previous couples who didn’t fully read the contract and booked to later find out they could only hire the venue’s preferred vendors and couldn’t hire their own vendors, they weren’t allowed have any candles or sparklers, their time was very constrained on the day of the wedding, or there were hidden fees such as purchasing liability insurance from them. Definitely double check everything before booking!