the perfect places to get married
The Hill Country is THE place to get married in the great state of Texas, and it isn’t hard to see why. With rolling hills, beautiful greenery for most of the year, and an abundance of natural features to choose from, Central Texas Hill Country can’t be beat. The wedding season here is LONG (early March – November, and even into December…I had 6 weddings last December!), so you can take advantage of having double the days available over our northern counterparts. Below, in no particular order, are my favorite five Texas Hill Country wed ding venues and a couple of reasons why!
Pecan Springs Ranch | Austin
This venue is spacious, you have OPTIONS for your ceremony location, a beautiful bridal suite (technically, a whole house!), and many backdrops for gorgeous photos! If you’re expecting a lot of people, this is your place. Chairs, tables, and lawn games are included with your rental. Also, beer burros if you want donkeys to serve your guests their drinks during cocktail hour!
Chandelier of Gruene | Gruene
Another venue that accommodates a large number of guests, Chandelier seats 300 in its open-air rock chapel. Nestled in a grove of large live oak trees, this venue offers ample paved parking, an outdoor patio containing a fire pit and adorned with garden lights, the gorgeous chapel, and a HUGE reception hall. Now, why do they call it Chandelier of Gruene, you might be asking…well not only is there a small one overhead at your chapel ceremony, there is a massive, grandiose crystal chandelier at your reception! No matter your floor plan, it’s a stunner! Onsite lodging is available (and pool access).
Canyonwood Ridge | Dripping Springs
Canyonwood Ridge is definitely one of my favorite places to photograph a wedding. Not only to you have indoor/outdoor ceremony options…this means you have a built-in backup plan in case of inclement weather! With a wonderful view, gorgeous chapel with tons of natural light, large bridal suites, and a reasonable price point, it’s the whole package.
Red Berry Estate | San Antonio
Want your wedding to feel like something out of The Great Gatsby? The owners have taken painstaking steps to lovingly restore this historic home with a rich, interesting story. Multiple ceremony sites (including waterfront), a huge reception area that catches the sunset, a casino to keep your guests entertained, and stunning areas to get ready for your big day in, it’s one of the best kept secrets in the area! It’s screaming for you to rent a classic car to drive off in at the end of the night.
Vista West Ranch | Dripping Springs
Full disclosure: I got married there in 2017, I had the most wonderful experience…and they had an ice machine on site! I didn’t think that was not standard at venues where drinks will be served, but it may not be. It’s gorgeous indoors and out, the images at sunset are ah-mazing, and there’s hardly any cell service. If you want an unplugged ceremony, this is your spot! They have onsite lodging and, if you need to house more people, their sister location The Creek Haus is a marvelous option. Images taken by the wonderfully talented AJH Photography. If you’re wondering who this wedding photographer chose for vendors, here you go:
Food: Matt’s El Rancho catered enchiladas, and guests had chips and salsa during cocktail hour
DJ: Mike Bond from Premier Austin DJs (who is the absolute BEST)
Florist: Petal Pushers
HMUA: Reagan (now with Southern Tease)
Dress: Allure Style 9068 from Celebrations Bridal with alterations by my super talented aunt
And that’s my list of favorite Texas Hill Country wedding venues! Well, at least until next year. Book your venue, and then reach out.
