The Best Formal Wedding Venues in Austin, Texas
Who says you can’t have an upscale, high-end wedding in Texas while still enjoying its notorious warm southern hospitality? Check out the best formal wedding venues in Austin, Texas that we love, all luxurious spots in the heart of the city, in no particular order.
For couples comparing formal venues around Austin, a few things worth weighing as you read through the list: Texas weather can change quickly, so a venue with both an outdoor ceremony site and an indoor option, like Canyonwood Ridge and its chapel, takes a lot of stress off the day. If many guests are traveling, a hotel like The Driskill or a property with cottages on site, like Camp Lucy, keeps everyone close. And for the Hill Country venues outside the city, set your ceremony time so you can step out for photos while the sun goes down over the views.
1. The Driskill
The historic Driskill Hotel stands as a landmark of Texas hospitality in the center of downtown Austin – ideal for an elaborate city wedding. This iconic Austin hotel has provided restful nights, inspiring gatherings, memorable occasions, and more for more than a century. Its 189 well-appointed guestrooms, three exemplary dining options, historic spaces, and matchless service are all perfect for any formal wedding, whether it’s for 80 or 350 guests. What’s more? Request a block of hotel rooms so guests who wish to stay can continue to enjoy your grand wedding celebration.
For more information, check them out here!
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2. Ma Maison
Wedding and event venue Ma Maison combines the warmth of home with European-inspired elegance. A beautiful, natural oasis of beauty and exceptional customer service can be found in Texas Hill Country right outside of Austin at their 10,000 square foot property and immaculately designed outdoor sites inspired by French heritage. There is no end to the possibilities for your big day (including a lake view area!) as you choose from an array of indoor and outdoor luxurious ceremony and reception sites. If you’re looking for a high end romantic wedding venue, Ma Maison checks off so many boxes. Très fancy!
For more information, check them out here!
3. The Arlo
The Arlo is a fairly recently built (finished in February 2021!) modern wedding venue conveniently located between Austin City Center and Dripping Springs aka “The Wedding Capital of Texas”, offering elegantly designed spaces that feel both contemporary and timeless. Featuring a 15,000 square-foot event venue that was thoughtfully designed for bright and airy beauty, functionality, and comfort, their facility is purpose-built to impress you and your guests on your big day. Their open high ceilings and bright neutral floor plans allowing for plenty of natural light are ideal for a modern wedding – presenting an up-scale, metropolitan aesthetic with unmatched panoramic country views. A true modern luxury venue to host your Austin black tie wedding.
Check them out here.
4. Commodore Perry Estate
The Commodore Perry Estate features one of Austin’s most significant architectural landmarks, surrounded by beautiful formal gardens on an exclusively private and luxurious walled estate. In addition to offering a day-of wedding coordinator, they offer one of Austin’s most thought out romantic wedding locations perfect for your lavish Texas wedding with a historic charm. Exchanging vows on the steps of the renowned mansion is just one way the story goes. Commodore Perry Estate will deliver an unforgettable elaborate Texas wedding that is as unique as you are. In addition, having a stay in this hotel will make you feel as if you’ve arrived at the stately European country home of an old friend – thanks to its vintage charm.
Check them out here!
5. Canyonwood Ridge
Located in Dripping Springs, Canyonwood Ridge is a Hill Country Venue for all fancy weddings and events just twenty minutes outside of downtown Austin. Located on a ridge top, the 12,000-square foot venue offers scenic views of the Texas Hill Country and was specially designed for luxurious weddings. A wedding at either the outdoor ceremony site or the indoor Chapel offers stunning backdrops and planning flexibility. In addition to providing protection from the unpredictable weather in central Texas, the Chapel is adjacent to their large Reception Hall, allowing seamless transition from ceremony to reception. Canyonwood Ridge offers dramatic views and Hill Country elegance with a balance of clean simplicity and flexibility for couples planning their dream Texas wedding.
Check them out here for more info!
Check them out here for more info!
6. Highpointe Estate
Highpointe Estate is a gorgeous venue for your extravagant Texas wedding, located on 42 acres with stunning views of the San Gabriel River Valley. You can create the perfect mood for your extraordinary wedding at HighPointe Estate through its thoughtfully designed spaces. The interior features chocolate-brown wooden trusses, stunning chandeliers, and an abundance of natural light coming in from the large doors and windows – a wedding photographer’s dream! The outdoor spaces have spacious porches, gardens with water features, and plenty of room for outdoor fun! In addition to the large estate, there are breathtaking natural spaces around it for elegant outdoor ceremonies.
Check them out here.
7. Camp Lucy
Huddled on a heavenly Hill Country ranch in Dripping Springs, Texas, Camp Lucy’s elegant, unique, and artistically detailed, luxurious wedding venues offer picture-perfect settings for all celebrations of love. This stunning Texas wedding location is home to four truly unique, elegant Hill Country venues, each with its own special features but all with the impeccable design and service that are the hallmarks of Camp Lucy. On top of it all, find accommodations for you and your guests in their lovely cottages that include world-class luxuries and modern amenities.
Check them out here.
8. Grand Lady Austin
Only 14 miles outside of Austin, this historic-mansion-turned-wedding-venue is set on nearly 20 acres of land and provides the perfect backdrop for your luxurious Texas wedding. Built as a wedding gift in 1881, The Grand Lady’s ornamental woodwork and stained glass windows have been maintained and updated with fidelity to the original vision, while the furnishings embrace modern style and function. This stunning Texas wedding venue offers the perfect mix of historic touches and modern design for your formal wedding photos and story.
Check them out here.
9. The Preserve at Canyon Lake
The Preserve at Canyon Lake formal wedding venue consists of 15,000 square foot tucked in the middle of a wildlife preservation in Texas Hill Country just 20 minutes west of Austin. The views and natural scenery at The Preserve are nothing short of amazing. Between the 100 year oak trees, crystal clear spring-fed lakes, and the hill side backdrops, you will be hard pressed to find a more breathtaking setting for your special event. The Preserve wildlife preservation is also home to abundant wildlife, including deer, turkey, raccoons, fox, hawks, songbirds, and many more! Escape the hustle bustle of the busy city while not travelling too far and enjoy the beauty and tranquility The Preserve has to offer!
Check them out here
10. Cactus Moon Lodge
An incredibly unique yet luxurious resort style lodge and venue with six adorable casitas and 26 acres. All inclusive bookings consists of a “buy-out” of the entire lodge exclusively for you and your guests for two nights. This deluxe venue has a floating lodge on top of a bank of hills for a killer view, a sunken Spanish plaza surrounded by exotic greenery and cacti, star gazing decks, a gourmet’s kitchen and a pool that pulls everyone together!
If interested in hosting an intimate setting for your guests in an outdoor, unique and luxurious wedding venue, make sure to reach out here ASAP. This exclusive Austin wedding venue is accepting only 10 events per year.
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