If you’re planning a wedding in the heart of Texas, you’re likely searching for the best Austin wedding venues that feel both meaningful and beautiful. Whether you’re envisioning a romantic garden ceremony, a sleek rooftop cocktail hour, or a weekend-long celebration filled with food, music, and soul, Austin delivers in style.
As a local wedding photographer, I’ve had the chance to work in some of the most stunning venues in the area. These are my top five Austin wedding venues that go beyond good looks—they offer immersive experiences, incredible light, and spaces where real connection takes center stage.
1. Laguna Gloria
Nestled on the edge of Lake Austin, Laguna Gloria is part Italian villa, part sculpture garden, and completely magical. With its old-world charm and rich artistic history, it’s one of the most iconic wedding venues in Austin—and a favorite for couples who crave a blend of nature and elegance.
- Ideal for: Romantic, editorial weddings
- Best features: Sculptures, olive trees, serene water views, golden hour portraits
- Ceremony Vibes: Say your vows beneath the towering trees, with lake views and the scent of rosemary in the air
- Photo Moments: Staircases, fountains, arched doors, and that painterly Austin light
Laguna Gloria allows you to host a celebration that feels intimate but elevated. Think alfresco dining under string lights, European-style portraits, and guests wandering through the gardens with craft cocktails in hand.
For couples who want timeless imagery and a sense of storybook romance, this is one of the top Austin wedding venues that delivers every time.
2. Commodore Perry Estate
A hidden gem in Central Austin, the Commodore Perry Estate blends European grandeur with Texas charm. As part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, this venue offers an ultra-luxurious experience—from the private chapel to the manicured gardens.
- Ideal for: Bespoke weddings with a refined guest list
- Best features: Stunning architecture, private chapel, ivy-covered walls, estate-style ambiance
- Getting Ready: Luxe suites filled with natural light and designer touches
- Reception Possibilities: Dinner on the lawn, courtyard dancing, or a tented soirée under the stars
This estate is made for couples who want a full wedding weekend experience. Guests can stay on site, enjoy custom menus from the in-house culinary team, and explore Austin’s charm without ever feeling like they’re in a big city.
The venue’s design-forward aesthetic means minimal décor is needed—everything feels intentional. For photographers and planners alike, Commodore Perry is a dream.
Mattie’s at Green Pastures
Tucked away beneath a canopy of oak trees in South Austin, Mattie’s at Green Pastures is a venue that radiates Southern charm, hospitality, and vintage romance. With its iconic white mansion, historic setting, and sprawling lawn, it’s ideal for couples who want their wedding to feel warm, inviting, and effortlessly elegant.
- Ideal for: Intimate celebrations with a touch of timeless charm
- Best features: Historic house, towering oak trees, wraparound porch, peacocks roaming the grounds
- Vibe: Southern elegance meets relaxed sophistication
- Reception Style: Outdoor dining under the stars or intimate gatherings in the farmhouse-style dining rooms
Mattie’s is perfect for couples who value history, legacy, and thoughtful details. It’s a place where your guests feel like they’re part of something special—where every corner invites connection and every photo feels like it could live in a family heirloom album.
4. The Arlo
Just outside the bustle of downtown, The Arlo blends modern architecture with the serenity of Texas Hill Country. With its floor-to-ceiling windows, bright interiors, and wide-open ceremony spaces, this venue is incredibly versatile and effortlessly photogenic.
- Ideal for: Larger weddings, elegant celebrations with modern flair
- Best features: Indoor-outdoor flow, neutral palette, grand hall with natural light
- Outdoor Ceremonies: Oak trees and sunset views create a magical, serene backdrop
- Reception Options: Use the expansive indoor spaces, open-air patios, or both
The Arlo offers privacy without feeling remote and modern elegance without feeling cold. It’s ideal for couples who want a design-forward space where they can create a celebration that feels fresh, open, and immersive.
As one of the newer Austin wedding venues, The Arlo has quickly earned its place on the radar for planners and photographers alike.
5. Barr Mansion
There’s something about Barr Mansion that feels enchanted. Maybe it’s the historic home draped in ivy, or the glass-enclosed ballroom that looks like it came straight out of a greenhouse fairytale. Either way, it’s a venue where nature and design dance beautifully together.
- Ideal for: Nature lovers, vintage romantics, whimsical weddings
- Best features: Farm-to-table catering, century-old oak trees, twinkle lights, the glass ballroom
- Eco-conscious: One of the greenest venues in Austin, with a deep commitment to sustainability
- Vibe: Earthy, textural, relaxed, and completely unforgettable
From the moment you arrive, you feel like you’ve stepped into a different world. The team at Barr Mansion is known for curating deeply personal weddings, and the venue’s rich textures and garden pathways make for stunning editorial imagery.
If you want an Austin wedding venue that feels soulful, Barr Mansion might be your perfect match.
Tips for Choosing the Right Austin Wedding Venue
Choosing between these Austin wedding venues can be the hardest part—they’re all so good. But here are a few tips to help you narrow it down:
- Know your guest count: Some venues work best for intimate celebrations (like South Congress Hotel), while others can host larger gatherings with ease (like The Arlo).
- Consider the vibe: Editorial and romantic? Go Laguna Gloria. City-chic with a rooftop vibe? SoCo Hotel. Grand and historic? Commodore Perry.
- Think about seasonality: Spring and fall are ideal in Austin, especially for outdoor venues.
- Plan for a weekend: Austin is a destination in itself. Choose a venue that makes it easy for guests to explore the city while celebrating your love.
Let Your Venue Reflect Your Story
Your venue isn’t just a backdrop. It’s where you’ll walk down the aisle, share your first dance, and toast with the people who matter most. When you choose one of these curated Austin wedding venues, you’re choosing a space that will hold some of your most meaningful memories.
As a wedding photographer who has worked across these locations, I help couples document their day in a way that honors the space, the light, and the emotion of each moment. Whether your vision is editorial and minimal or lush and romantic, these venues offer the perfect setting to bring it to life.
Let’s connect and talk more about which venue speaks to your story. I’m here to guide you through the visual planning and create imagery that feels like you.
Let’s talk venues + vibes to find the best Austin wedding venue for your day.
