10 Questions You MUST Ask Yourself Before Eloping In Austin
So you're engaged and looking to plan an elopement in Austin. Congrats! This is such an exciting time for you and your partner. But if you're here, you're probably wondering, "Should I have an elopement or a wedding?"
For the longest time, elopements were taboo. Weddings were "supposed" to be larger celebrations. Thankfully, like a lot of outdated traditions, this idea has fallen by the wayside.
Mostly.
When you're deciding on a wedding vs. eloping, there are some really important questions to ask to figure out which style of gettin' hitched you're looking for.
So let's explore the different questions to ask yourself before taking on this new adventure with your honey!
Elopement vs. Micro Weddings
A lot of people often get confused about the differences between elopements and micro weddings. Traditionally, elopements involved only the couple and the officiant. Maybe a friend or two.
Before the big boom in the wedding industry, it was really just elopements or weddings. There wasn't a label for "micro weddings." COVID-19 changed all of that dramatically. Now it's only a matter of finding your Goldilocks wedding day dream fit!
So here is how the sizes are broken down:
Elopements: up to ten people
Micro Weddings: Up to 50 people
Full Blown Weddings: 50+ people
Is Eloping Selfish?
Absolutely not! If you and your partner decide that you want to have a low-key wedding in the form of an elopement, that's entirely up to you. In the end, your marriage is between the two of you—this is the start of that journey together.
Why Is Eloping A Good Idea?
If you're craving an intimate wedding ceremony, then eloping is the ticket. But there are so many other benefits to eloping. Let's go over some of the top reasons you should elope!
Elopements Avoid All Of The Wedding Day Drama
It's a well-known fact that weddings have drama. You’ve heard the stories on Reddit or even TikTok. Everyone knows that the traditional wedding day is full of family with opinions, friends getting too drunk, and the trillion things that could go awry.
In the time leading up to the big day, there's also potential drama. It could be bridesmaids going rogue or your mother making it her wedding instead (we've all seen those movies!).
Then, there are the oodles of vendors you need to hire. Tours to take. Trials to plan. All of it can lead to potential drama that, if you're not committed to the journey of it all, will cause undue stress for you and your partner.
Your wedding day can still be an incredible experience but with less stress!
You Get To Save Money
Especially nowadays, having an affordable wedding day is important to a lot of couples. Having an elaborate wedding isn't always in the budget, even in the best of times.
That's why eloping can be so great! You and your partner can start your epic story together, just the two of you, and still be able to afford the things you prioritize afterward like a honeymoon, downpayment for a house, or something else you valueg.
Wedding Planning Is Stressful
Even if you somehow avoid drama on the wedding day, it can still cause stress, having to plan every facet of the experience. Seating charts. Family opinions. Finding the perfect location.
This isn't meant to scare you, but I'm sure you can agree that there are oodles of resources out there intended to make the experience more stress-free.
While planning to elope doesn't mean it'll be entirely stress-free, the fewer details you need to focus on, the less stress that will head your way. And doesn’t that sound amazing?
Elopements Can Be More Intentional And Meaningful
This isn't to say traditional weddings aren't intentional and/or meaningful! Of course they are! However, elopements tend to be more intimate and intentional, mainly due to the limited details that require focus.
When you elope, they have to focus more on the guest list, the location, and the wedding ceremony because those are some of the main facets of the day. An average wedding has at least six vendors—an elopement has an average of three total (flowers, officiant, photographer).
And without a large audience, couples often feel more comfortable writing their own vows, which adds an additional layer of intention to the day.
Adventurous Locations
Weddings are about location, location, location! Especially when you elope in Austin, everywhere you look is a cool location. If you want to get married at a state park, we've got you covered. Looking for a funky urban feel? Downtown Austin is the ticket!
The elopement experience is defined by creating a customized experience, and unlike traditional weddings, you aren't held back by the size of your venue or guest count. The world is your wedding oyster!
That's one of the super awesome parts about eloping in Austin—you don't even have to stick to one location! You can get hitched in one spot, then whisk your photographer off to another location for photos!
Quality Time Together
For big weddings, it's actually hard to spend time with your partner! Big weddings equal big guest lists, which equals a ton of people to greet. Sometimes, at big weddings, couples don't even have time to eat!
When you elope, you can have alone time with your honey. With fewer to zero people around, your intimate moments will be uninterrupted. Doesn't that sound amazing?
Why Is Eloping A Bad Idea?
Okay, we've discussed the upside of eloping...what are the downsides to eloping? Most couples don't quite consider the possible consequences of eloping. This isn't meant to deter but rather help you make a fully informed decision.
It Usually Doesn't Include A Reception or Party
One of the major draws of a traditional wedding is the big party! If you go the route of the big wedding day, then you can dance the night away with friends and family! The DJ can fire up your favorite songs, and you can have an audience for your first dance.
If these things aren't important to you, then this isn't a con for you. Not everyone dreams of a traditional wedding with traditional activities.
And that's okay!
It Might Upset Loved Ones
If there's one thing I know, it's that you'll find someone in your life who will find a way to be upset with you for eloping. It's the unfortunate and very common truth. And sometimes, it might not be the person you imagine.
Family almost always means well...but you know what they say about good intentions paving the road...
You May Regret It
I mean, you'll never regret getting married to the love of your life! I'm throwing this in there for objectivity, but if it turns out you regret not having the big party, you could always throw a reception down the road, and I promise no one would blink an eye.
Limited Guests
I'm sure you have a number of loved ones you want in the moment you say "I Do." But since you're looking to elope, the guest list is going to be a tad tight.
It can be really, really, REALLY hard to narrow it down to a couple of guests without some form of heartache. Depending on location and goals, your dream elopement may or may not include everyone you love.
Sometimes, it's just easier to be the two of you so no one's feelings can get hurt.
It Might Feel Underwhelming
This ties into the realization that it won't be a hoppin' party. Depending on the kind of elopement you plan, it could be done in an hour and feel like any other day. Every elopement day is different, and if you're worried you'll feel underwhelmed, then plan some special events.
Some examples are:
Go to a fancy lunch or dinner
Wear a special outfit
Take photos at multiple locations
Turn it into a weekend getaway in Austin, like a mini-honeymoon
Are Elopements Secret?
Sometimes. For particular situations, sometimes couples get married before the big wedding for different reasons. Military couples might get married under the radar for legal requirements before deployments.
Taxes, benefits, etc. There's no right or wrong reason to get married without anyone knowing. Some people may disagree, but it's a choice between you and your partner.
Will I Regret Eloping?
Only you can decide if you'll regret it. But in the end, you're getting married to the love of your life. For most people, that's enough to stave off regrets. I can’t guarantee you’ll be regret-free, but I can guarantee you’ll be happy to be married!
Is It Normal To Have An Elopement With Guests?
Elopements can be all shapes and sizes, but generally speaking, couples invite maybe two or three guests at most. Of course, it’s your day, so do what you want!
How Do Elopements Work?
Let's go over the different steps needed to plan your wedding in Austin.
Marriage License. In Texas, you need to obtain a marriage license three days before the wedding. It's a really simple process at any county clerk's office. Make sure Y'all need to bring your IDs and apply for a license. Possibly stand in line and violá! You have a marriage license!
Hire an Officiant. Officiants in Austin, TX, are amazing! A lot of them enjoy elopements and even have special elopement packages. They'll be able to recommend locations, and most will file the marriage license, so it's one less thing for you to worry about.
Find a photographer. Naturally, I'm going to say this is one of the most important facet of your elopement. It's vital to have a way to capture your memories to remember forever. Plus, when you hire me, I can help you find some of the most epic locations!
Pick a location. Some of the most amazing photos and memories are made by the location chosen. Below, you'll find a list of elopement locations, so make sure to check those out.
Find a spot to celebrate. Every Austin elopement is made even better with a yummy meal right after. Imagine having a beautiful and intimate ceremony, followed by having dinner at one of the many incredible restaurants that Austin has to offer.
Can I Elope And Still Have A Wedding?
Absolutely! Having an elopement or even a civil ceremony before your wedding is totally fine. People have vow renewals after weddings, right? Same thing, different style. The beautiful thing about life is that we can all choose how we live it.
You want to elope in Austin and then have a wedding? Do it!
How Much Are Elopements?
Every elopement day has different layers and details to it. Whether you just want it to be the elopement ceremony at Lady Bird Lake or to get hitched in Downtown Austin, there's no right or wrong way to elope.
The cost is up to how many facets you want to add to the day. Average Austin elopement packages cost anywhere between $500 and $1200. Some companies and wedding venues are all-inclusive—others will offer the space and officiant only.
Once you decide on your priorities, you'll be able to create a budget out of that.
Where To Elope in Austin
Planning an Austin elopement boils down to finding the perfect location! There are three things Austin is known for: Tacos, Traffic, and a plethora of wedding venues.
Now, not every wedding venue offers elopement packages, but trust me when I say a lot of them do! Whether you want to get married at Chapel Dulcinea or at one of many state parks, Austin has incredible spots to get married!
Let's go over ways to narrow down the right wedding venue for your elopement!
Wedding Venue, Airbnb-Style Rental, or Natural Location?
Nowadays, you can get married almost anywhere. But in Austin, there are some spots simply to die for when it comes to elopement ceremonies. And some of them will help you have some of the most beautiful elopement photos ever!
State Parks and Natural Locations
Enchanted Rock
While this spot isn't exactly in Austin, it's still absolutely stunning. Imagine getting married on a huge rock at sunset with sweeping views of the hill country. Trust me—it's worth it. Keep in mind that Enchanted Rock is a bit of a drive, so consider booking a BnB that evening to celebrate!
Location: 16710 Ranch Rd 965, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624
Butler Park
In downtown Austin, next to Lady Bird Lake, this park has stunning views of downtown and is close to some of those amazing restaurants I mentioned above!
Location: 1000 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, Texas 78704
Texas State Capitol
Iconic in the middle of downtown Austin, the Texas State Capitol is a magnificent building that offers memorable photos and gorgeous green lawns year-round. It's a popular venue for elopements, so be aware there will be people in the background.
Location: 1100 Congress Ave., Austin, Texas 78701
Mount Bonnell
An extremely popular hiking spot in Austin, this cute park overlooks a really pretty river and has killer sunsets! It also has a boulder section that is somehow perfect for a couple of your friends to sit while you get married on the edge of the (metaphorical) world!
Location: 3800 Mount Bonnell Rd; Austin, Texas 78731
Some Elopement Venues in Austin, TX
Looking for something with a roof over your head? Here are some cute wedding venues in Austin that will have you "covered."
Travis County Courthouse
The Travis County Courthouse is an absolutely gorgeous building with Art Deco design and a judge ready to sign your marriage license! While it won't be everyone's first choice of venue, this spot to elope in Austin is a classic spot!
Location: 509 W 11th St, Austin, Texas 78701
Umlauf Sculpture Garden
Able to accommodate both elopements and any kind of traditional wedding, Umlauf Sculpture Garden is a venue in downtown Austin. There, you can get married surrounded by lush gardens, unique art, and stunning sunset light streaming through the trees during your ceremony!
Location: 605 Azie Morton Rd, Austin, Texas 78704
Chapel Dulcinea
This elopement venue is the only free chapel in Austin, and you have to see it! It's a tiny chapel overlooking the gorgeous hill country. The owner built the venue for photos, with little nooks and crannies that your photographer (me!) will love.
Location: 16221 Crystal Hills Dr, Austin, Texas 78737
Horseshoe Bay Resort
This luxury resort is a perfect venue for elopements in Austin! Right off a lake, there are lots of little spots to elope with your partner. And if you're looking for a spot to crash that evening, you can book a room at the resort!
Location: 200 Hi Cir N, Horseshoe Bay, Texas 78657
The Carpenter Hotel
I love this hotel! It's a great venue to get ready or have an elopement. As a photographer, I love this venue for its unique backdrops and light. Plus, it's a great spot for a weekend honeymoon after all is said and done. You can't go wrong with The Carpenter Hotel, I promise!
Location: 400 Josephine St, Austin, Texas 78704
Final Thoughts
Both people from out of town and living in Austin choose to elope here. As you can see, this city is incredible for it! I love the intentional sweetness of elopements!
No matter if you've decided to elope or go the traditional wedding day route, it's going to be wonderful. It's the first day of the rest of your lives—the journey's form doesn't indicate the destiny of a relationship.
So go forth and have your dream elopement!
And don't forget to reach out when you're ready for photos at some of Austin's most beautiful locations!