Austin Elopement Guide - How to Elope in Austin, TX

Austin, the capital of Texas, is a city where you’ll find the hustle and bustle of urban life, along with a few quiet spots out in nature. And if a big wedding doesn’t really feel like your jam, maybe because you don’t want to tie the knot in a stuffy venue or you don’t want to share the moment where you exchange vows with everyone you know, eloping in Austin can be a great way to get married in a way that actually feels like you!

This guide will tell you everything you need to know to elope in Austin, to help you plan your one of a kind adventure! 

Setting a Date When You Elope in Austin

Austin has a humid subtropical climate - which means that while its winters are pretty mild, summers are long, and they're hot! Before you start planning the details of your elopement day, one of the first things on the wedding planning to-do list is setting a date. So before you pull up the Google Calendar, here’s what you should know about the seasons, and the best time to elope in Austin.

Summer in Austin

For most couples, unless you’re used to the scorching Texas summers, this won’t be an ideal time to elope in Austin. The weather is hot, with average highs in the 90s all summer and humid conditions that make exploring outdoors a little difficult. Despite the heat, this is a popular time to travel to Austin, so you’ll see a lot of people out and about - especially near the water!

There are a few ways to beat the heat if you decide to elope in Austin in the summer. The first way is to choose an elopement location that’s close to a stream or somewhere that will allow you to cool off. You can also plan your ceremony for sunrise or sunset - not only will the weather be nice and mild, but you’ll also have the best lighting!

Fall in Austin

Fall is a great time to tie the knot. Though September is usually still pretty hot (by which I mean it’s often over 90 degrees during the day), temperatures fall pretty quickly starting in October. The weather is much better for outdoor adventures, and Austin also has a lot of festivals in the fall, which can be fun to check out during your stay!

Winter in Austin

Winters are quiet in Austin, so this is a great time to elope if you want to avoid crowds. While Austin does get the occasional cold front, and you’ll definitely want to bring some layers, daytime temperatures are usually pretty mild, in the 60s. This can be nice for hiking and outdoor adventures!

Spring in Austin

Spring is the most popular time for travelers to come to Austin, and it can be a great time to tie the knot! Temperatures are in the 70s and 80s - more mild than the summer, but warm and perfect for exploring outdoors. 

Though it can get busy, there are some things you can do to avoid the crowds when you elope in Austin. First, I always recommend that couples plan their ceremony for a weekday. Weekdays are always less busy, and this will help you get more privacy for your ceremony! You can also elope at sunrise or sunset - sunrise will (almost) always be the least busy time of day at any elopement location, but sunsets are also typically much quieter than the middle of the day.

The Best Austin Elopement Locations

This is the most exciting part! Choosing the place where you’ll exchange vows and begin your marriage. The city is full of gorgeous spots, but to get you inspired, here are some of the best Austin elopement locations to consider.

Chapel Dulcinea

The Chapel Dulcinea is a really unique spot - and an incredible Austin elopement location. The chapel sits on a cliff on the edge of a little hiking trail, offering gorgeous views of Austin. It’s an outdoor chapel, protected by a roof but with open walls, so while you have a little bit of shelter from the elements, you still get to experience tying the knot outside! 

Chapel Dulcinea has a pretty magical background story. The couple who started it was young, in love, and broke - they got married and spent all of their savings on a little reception at a Pizza Hut. Later, they wanted to help couples who were in a similar position, so they opened the Chapel Dulcinea - a completely free wedding venue. Today, the chapel is still free for weddings Monday through Thursday, and has a small fee for weekend weddings!

The gorgeous location on a cliff side in Austin makes it an amazing elopement location.

McKinney Falls State Park

McKinney Falls State Park has some amazing scenery that you won’t believe is right in the city! It’s one of the best Austin elopement locations for couples who want to tie the knot in nature. Onion Creek flows over limestone ledges and rocky cliffs, creating waterfalls that tumble down into the pools of water. You can hike, camp, boulder, or have a picnic and explore the forested scenery and the waterfalls at the park!

Zilker Botanical Garden

Located in the heart of downtown Austin, you don’t have to go far from the hustle and bustle to experience the views at the Zilker Botanical Garden! The gardens are nestled in Zilker Metropolitan Park, and you’ll find gorgeous backdrops including themed floral displays, cobblestone pathways lined with oak trees, koi pounds, and more. It’s the perfect Austin elopement location for couples who want to tie the knot in an oasis in the city!

Hiring an Austin Elopement Photographer

Your elopement day should be an incredible experience - and exploring with the love of your life, getting married somewhere beautiful, and beginning your marriage with an adventure is something you’ll want to remember! 

Your photos should tell the entire story of your day, and as an Austin elopement photographer, I’m all about authentic photos that document the honest feelings and real moments of the day you got married. I won’t force you into any awkward poses or stage corny shots - instead, I’ll let you be yourself (with a little help when it comes to where to put your hands) and make sure when you get your photos back, you’ll see yourselves, the way you really are. 

If you want to elope in Austin, contact me!

Austin Elopement Packages

As an elopement photographer, my job is to make sure you have an absolutely incredible elopement day! My Austin elopement packages include photography, but I’ll also be there to help you plan, with location recommendations, and all the support, tips, and advice you’ll need.

To learn more about Austin elopement packages, contact me!