Best Wedding Venues in Austin of 2022

Finding the right venue in Austin can be a difficult process—there’s a lot to take into consideration, from pricing and capacity to parking and overall amenities (and plenty of other details in between). To make the process that much easier on you, we’ve rounded up a list of the best wedding venues in Austin with all the information you need. 

This list is diverse: There’s a sculpture garden, historic train station, wildflower center, and rustic clubhouse with awesome skyline views, among other places. But they all have one thing in common: You’ll only find these stunning wedding venues in Austin, Texas.

Final Verdict

There are dozens of unique, romantic, and just plain cool options when it comes to the best wedding venues in Austin. But, Tillery Place takes the cake for its distinctly Austin ambiance, secluded-but-convenient location on the East Side, and plethora of fun on-site perks. 

Guide for Choosing the Best Wedding Venues in Austin

Is a Wedding Venue in Austin Right for You?

To answer this question, we asked the pros—Elizabeth McKellar of The Nouveau Romantics and Katy Preisler of Keely Thorne Events)—what makes Austin a good wedding destination. According to them, the city’s unique venues, perpetually sunny weather, and awesome activities and attractions make it an ideal spot.

“The amazing part about Austin is there are a variety of atypical venues that cover a variety of styles for the modern bride,” Preisler says. 

Adds McKellar, “What I love about Austin as a destination wedding spot is the combination of a really great calendar of months that work well for indoor/outdoor weddings [and] that it’s a destination that folks LOVE visiting—there’s so much to do in terms of food, music, outdoors, and more.”

Comparing Wedding Venues in Austin

Consider these main criteria when looking for the perfect wedding venue in Austin:

• Pricing: Every venue is different, and the venue fee may include amenities like furniture, parking, day-of-event coordination services, and other extras, or it might not. Confirm the big-picture pricing before you settle on a venue—ask exactly what the rental fee covers, whether there’s a refundable deposit, and how many hours the fee includes.    
• Capacity: Make sure your venue is spacious enough to accommodate your guest list (and then some). “One of my top points for venues is capacity—finding the right ‘feeling’ and fit for your guest count is at the top of my list,” McKellar says.
• Time of Year: “Check the football schedule and [for] any other big events,” McKellar advises. “Planning a wedding (or getting a hotel block or flights) during UT football, Austin City Limits, Formula 1, or SXSW is a hard bet, which means that other weekends are usually pretty desirable. The one upside is that the weather for most of the year is really agreeable to weddings, so that’s our saving grace.”
• Guest Experience: Don’t lose sight of your guests during the planning process—especially if you’re doing a destination wedding or inviting a lot of out-of-towners. “Guest experience should always be valued as far as temperature based on your time of year, ease of transportation/access to the venue, and of course staffing and how they will support you and your guests for your special weekend,” Preisler says. 
• Setup/Takedown Time: “I would also consider how much time you and your vendor team need or get to set up, and what the breakdown timing is,” McKellar says. “That’s not really something couples think about—but us vendors are absolute hounds on—and it makes a big difference on labor costs.”
• Overall Vibe: Above all, it’s important to choose a venue that checks off your specific criteria, fits your aesthetic, and feels good to you. McKellar explained that the venue’s size, weather back-up plan, price point, and overall feeling and atmosphere are paramount.

Book Your Austin Wedding Venue Today

To begin the booking process, couples should start by requesting pricing information from the venue. This info should include the number of guests expected in attendance, the day of the week, and how much the total cost will be. Some venues have this information listed online; for others, you may need to request a quote via their contact form, email, or phone. Once you’ve received pricing info, you can choose a package, along with any additional amenities/features. You’ll then select a payment schedule and make a deposit.

If you’re hiring a wedding planner (which is highly recommended), you’ll want to do so before selecting your venue. Planners are able to help you navigate the booking process and provide valuable insight that you wouldn’t have otherwise. “More guidance is always helpful, so speaking to a vendor first won’t just open your eyes to locations you may not have thought of, but also to locations that will help you meet your budget in the long term,” according to Preisler.

Methodology

To determine the best wedding venues in Austin, we looked at over 30 venues scattered around the city. Our main criteria included pricing and value (we wanted to include a range of options for every budget), space layout and capacity, location, and any restrictions on catering, alcohol, music, or furniture.