Tips for planning an intimate wedding in the Austin area.
The Austin and Hill Country area is rife with wedding venues but what if your guest count is under 50? When you’re not having a big wedding, what is the perfect venue?
Consider this is your natural-light loving photographer’s guide to choosing the perfect intimate wedding venue in Austin.
You’re looking for the Goldilocks of Austin wedding venues. You don’t want a place that’s too big, making you feel like no one showed up to your party, or a place that’s too small and lacking a variety of photo opportunities.
It’s gotta be just the right amount of space and most importantly – it has to fit your vibe. Are you more about crusty old buildings or are you hoping to spread out a little and enjoy the Hill Country views?
Thankfully you have the option for either or both for your Austin Elopement or Microwedding.
Austin Small and Intimate Wedding Venues
Hill Country Venues with views
Austin has a ton of venues with sweeping panoramic Hill Country views but most of them either aren’t set up for an actual wedding, or are too big to feel like you’re getting your money’s worth out of the space.
There are tons of big Airbnbs which can be great for the party couple, but not having access to power for music, lights, adequate prep space for your caterer.. etc. It can be a problem. Also what if it rains? How will you plan for that?
Additionally, when choosing an all-outdoor venue you need to think about the weather and time of year you’re having your wedding. Fall & Spring are the most popular because of moderate weather but they might come at a higher price on the weekends because it’s considered “peak season” in Central Texas.
Here are my dream intimate wedding venues in Austin including some inside the city:
Lucky Arrow Retreat (pictured below)
South Congress Hotel
Having shot a half dozen weddings in downtown Austin at numerous hotels, I have to say South Congress Hotel is my favorite. I love the light that streams in through the lobby, the energy of South Congress for your portraits, and the minimal Marfa-esq theme inside makes for great portraits.
These types of locations are more about having it all in one place rather than ceremony & reception in different locations. You can show up and get married, stay the night and still have a laid back day!
Sekrit Theater
Very very intimate, no getting ready space and minimal street parking. Best for an elopement or a family-only wedding ceremony.
Downtown Austin Venues
The Umlauf Sculpture Gardens
The Amala Sanctuary
It’s a cute little place in the middle of central Austin! Tucked away on a side street where no one ever goes.
The Allan House
Weekdays are less busy than weekends and you can definitely have a brunch sized wedding at a full-sized wedding venue!
Wildflower Center
Growing up, I was surrounded by native Texas plants and buildings that worked WITH the landscape and weather of Central Texas, rather than against it. The Wildflower Center exemplifies that and is one of my favorite venues in Austin. There are endless backdrop opportunities in all seasons and the opportunity for al fresco dining is easily achieved here!
Laguna Gloria
An old Italian Villa perched high on the hill, Laguna Gloria feels like an oasis in the middle of the city. Perfect venue for large or small with all kinds of classic garden party inspo.
Intimate Wedding Photographer in Austin
Of course these are just my favorite selections of the wedding venues in Austin that can hold your intimate wedding. Whether it was time related, or you’re just not that into spending all that money planning a party for 150 people, there are many options for an intimate wedding in Austin.
I know that planning a wedding can be stressful but if you’re thinking about having a super small wedding or elopement and are ready to book an Austin intimate wedding and elopement photographer – contact me using the form below and tell me all about your plans!
Intimate wedding photography pricing available for weekday *Monday-Thursday* events with guest counts of 20 or less.
Email me and let’s talk about your day! I’m looking forward to hearing from you!
