The Best Wedding Venues in Austin

Multiple ceremony locations to pick from; unique rental inclusions, like a golf cart, bridal/engagement photo session, and prep kitchen; one-hour rehearsal is included

Laguna Gloria is the picture of lakeside elegance. Located on the shores of Lake Austin, this grand European-style villa overlooks lush grounds and pathways lined with contemporary artwork—it’s a memorable location to get hitched, to say the least. It’s also just five miles west of downtown Austin, so guests can easily get to and from the venue.

The rental fee is separate from everything else, but it does include some unique amenities: use of a golf cart, a bridal or engagement portrait session, and a prep kitchen space are all included. Rates range from $4,900 to $7,900 in the high season; from $3,900 to $6,900 in the mid-season; and from $2,900 to $5,500 in the low season. 

The venue can accommodate up to 175 people for a seated dinner and on-site ceremony. Guests will delight in wandering the grounds and basking in the art (in flux from season to season) and scenic natural setting, and the iconic Driscoll Villa makes for the picture-perfect place for cocktail hour. Depending on the size of your wedding, you have a few options for the ceremony:

• The Amphitheater is underneath a canopy of trees by the water and can accommodate 150-175 guests.
• The Temple of Love, meant for more intimate ceremonies (up to 100 guests), is located down a gravel pathway illuminated by festoon lights.
• The Four Seasons Garden features old-world Venetian statues and string lights in the trees and can accommodate 100-150 people.

Multiple packages available, over 250 parking spaces, two private changing suites

One of the best parts about having your wedding at Springdale Station is how easily everything flows, thanks to the layout. A converted train station that dates back to the turn of the century, this venue is basically two big event halls (there’s 4,300 square feet of floor space in total), which affords a seamless transition from ceremony to reception—with the added bonus of an outdoor area. The space is simply beautiful, with floor-to-ceiling windows, stained glass, hardwood floors, mid-century chandeliers, and an antique rail line awning. 

Location, location: Springdale Station is just five minutes from downtown and within a short driving distance to several hip eateries, bars, and attractions. The venue pricing varies by month and time of year—fees start at $3,000 during the week in January and February and go up to $7,300 for weekends in March through May and October and November. (Note that these are just the base rental rates.)

You can opt for either a DIY package or a turnkey package, depending on how much direction and guidance you want. As evidenced by five-star reviews across sites like The Knot and WeddingWire, Springdale Station is one of the most beloved venues in town.

Rental fee includes exclusive use of the terrace, lawns, arbor ceremony areas, gardens, Crenshaw Room (with large washroom), and catering kitchen; special “Intimate Wedding” package for ceremonies with up to 15 guests; discounts available during off-season months

If cost is a concern, consider renting out the UMLAUF: It’s just $2,200 for a weekend morning and $2,750 for a weekday evening (rates go up to $4,950 from there), and discounts are available during the off-season months. The rental fee includes use of the entire gardens: six acres of pathways, ponds, waterfalls, and sculptures by the 20th-century American artist Charles Umlauf. 

Conveniently, the UMLAUF is equally suitable for big weddings and more intimate affairs. The Covered Terrace and Lawns can accommodate up to 250 guests for a seated dinner, and various spaces of the venue can be tented for additional coverage. Or, you could opt for an intimate ceremony package for up to 15 guests. And, it’s all just mere blocks away from Austin’s downtown attractions. Art, nature, and love—what more could you want?

Full weekend buyouts available, multiple layout options, flexibility with catering/bartending/music

“Let the ancient oaks at Sanctuary create a canopy of love and magic for your special day,” reads the Sanctuary Event Space website. And it’s true—there’s just something magical about this space, largely due to those dreamy, giant trees. (The 4.6 and 4.8-star reviews on The Knot and WeddingWire, respectively, are proof of how well-liked this venue is.)

The rental fee includes full access to the ceremony site, cottage, studio, and loft with treetop balcony, and you can use these areas as you see fit; base rates range from $2,500 to $5,000. Or, you have the option of renting everything for the entire weekend, from Friday at 3 p.m. through Sunday at 11 p.m. (This includes access to an overnight honeymoon suite).

Surprisingly, considering how tucked-away it is, this venue can accommodate up to 150 guests. And with terraced grounds, there’s plenty of space for everyone to mingle. A central Austin oasis, Sanctuary is located just blocks away from Barton Springs and within walking distance to some of the best restaurants and bars in the city.

Ample on-site parking (100 spaces); tables and chairs, two-hour photo session, and more included in rental fee; catering prep space

Founded in 1982 by Lady Bird Johnson and Helen Hayes, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is a significant part of Mrs. Johnson’s environmental legacy, with its commitment to landscape restoration and plant conservation. As a result, the nine-acre grounds provide a naturally beautiful landscape for weddings. Couples have consistently remarked on the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff, and the venue has garnered 4.9-star reviews on sites like The Knot.

The rental fee includes exclusive use of the window-lined Great Hall, Courtyard, Theme Garden, Auditorium, and Cecille’s Arch, plus a bevy of other perks, like a rehearsal, photo session, tables and chairs, and even a year-long dual membership for you and your fiance. Base rental costs range from $3,000 to $6,500, depending on the day and time of year.

Multiple packages available, spacious kitchen area with grills

The historic Zilker Park Clubhouse was originally built as a lodge for the Boy Scouts of America in 1934, and today, it’s easily one of the best wedding venues in town. Just west of Zilker Park, this charming hilltop lodge offers stunning views of downtown, providing the perfect backdrop for all your photos. Aside from the clubhouse itself, there’s a sizable concrete terrace and rock patio for guests to mingle on, plus a kitchen. This venue is also known for being affordable, with different packages available for Austin residents and non-residents (you can pick from four-hour, eight-hour, or all-day access). 

With a maximum capacity of 100 people, Zilker Park Clubhouse is a great pick for those who want more of an intimate, casual vibe. The venue is essentially DIY, meaning that you get to bring in whatever food and drinks you want—unlike with most other venues, which have a curated list of vendors. It’s also well-reviewed on sites like The Knot with a rating of 4.9 stars.