Were you aware that plenty of people consider Austin, Texas one of the top cities to tie the knot in? Most couples who have spent time touring the capital of the Lone Star State would likely agree that Austin earns its spot as one of the best cities for weddings for plenty of reasons. Maybe it’s how effortlessly the city merges the natural charm of the Texas Hill Country with the energetic pulse of a big city. Others might credit the delicious food and live music scene for setting the stage for a memorable wedding.
Or maybe it’s the city’s devotion to staying “weird,” offbeat and interesting. Whatever the reason couples are drawn to Austin to get married, it’s widely known that an Austin wedding is likely to be a great one. Every couple who chooses to marry in the greater Austin area finds boutique hotels, outdoor gardens, dedicated wedding venues and plenty of entertainment. Whether you picture saying your vows in an Austin hotel, at a rustic country venue, or even getting married for free in Austin, read on for our full guide to Austin as one of the best cities for weddings — and one of the best places to get married.
Distinctive Wedding Venues Around Austin, Texas
Austin, Texas has a reputation as one of the most unique cities in America, so it makes sense that its wedding venues would follow suit. These Austin wedding spots take pride in bringing an offbeat, quirky and original flavor to the Southern wedding scene.
- Hummingbird House: The Hummingbird House sits on six acres of beautiful gardens. The property was originally a nursery and flowers can be found around every corner. The water feature and canopy of arching trees create a romantic atmosphere that has won the Hummingbird House “best places to get married in Austin” award many times.
- Sanctuary Event Space: The Sanctuary Event Space can be found right in the heart of Austin, but feels like worlds away. The space is the perfect blend of rustic and contemporary and comes with a studio, a cottage house, and a loft. Many people marry under the old oak trees and string up lights in the trees to eat dinner under. If you’re looking for an eclectic and unique mix of all things Austin, the Sanctuary Event Space is worth considering.
- Springdale Station: Springdale Station carries its name well as it is actually a turn-of-the-century train station. It was initially created by a businessman who wanted to express his love of railways and even sports a 1939 Pullman car. The dreamy light fixtures that line the outside of the building bring in a charming wedding atmosphere and the unique structures, including a beautiful outdoor patio, lend themselves to a myriad of wedding activities.
Where Can I Get Married Cheaply in Austin, Texas?
Let’s be honest: weddings aren’t cheap, and a typical large Austin wedding budget usually lands somewhere around $38,000. As the world continues to live within the contours of the COVID-19 pandemic, weddings and their budgets are getting smaller and smaller. That’s actually one more reason Austin is the best city to get married in. If you got engaged in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic and are hunting for a free place to get married in Austin, Texas
- Zilker Botanical Gardens: If you’re looking to keep your wedding small, the Zilker Botanical Gardens are a great option to consider. Prices for small weddings here are relatively cheap. If you decide to book for a small wedding in the spring, you also have the added bonus of beautiful blooming flowers all around you, along with the picturesque fountain that remains on the grounds. Zilker Gardens is one of the prime reasons why Austin ranks as the best city to get married in Texas!
- Mount Bonnell: This favorite Austin hiking spot looks over Lady Bird Lake and is a great place to watch the sunset. If you’re looking for a low-budget, no-hassle wedding, it’s a great idea to grab your small bridal party and an officiant friend to perform a quaint, yet intimate ceremony as the sun sets over the striking Austin water behind you.
- The Courthouse: This tried and true wedding option isn’t only worth considering for a quick wedding. Getting married at the courthouse in Austin is something that many locals and visitors alike do. All you need is a marriage license, to pay a small fee, and find a witness to substantiate the marriage. That way you can focus on a fun honeymoon and starting a wonderful life together after!
Want more fun things to do on a budget in Austin, Texas? Take a look at our constantly updated list!
