How to Plan a Beautiful Austin Elopement (That Still Feels Like a Wedding)
Eloping doesn’t have to mean sneaking away at midnight. For many modern couples, elopements are intentional, romantic, and deeply personal—sometimes even more meaningful than a traditional wedding.
As an Austin elopement photographer, I’ve had the honor of capturing heartfelt backyard vows, simple courthouse “I dos,” mountaintop moments in the Hill Country, and emotional elopements with just two people and a prayer. If you're planning an elopement in Austin, this guide is for you.
📝 Step 1: Make It Official
To legally elope in Texas, you’ll need to:
- Apply for a marriage license at any Travis County Clerk’s Office
- Present valid ID (both parties must appear)
- Wait 72 hours before the ceremony can happen
- Use an officiant (judge, ordained friend, or pastor)
- File your signed license afterward
💡 Pro Tip: You can schedule a civil ceremony at the Travis County Courthouse, or choose your own location and bring an officiant.
🌿 Step 2: Pick a Meaningful Location
Austin has no shortage of incredible elopement spots—whether you want something natural, urban, or deeply personal. Here are some top picks:
💐 Nature & Hill Country Settings
- Mount Bonnell – Stunning overlooks and dreamy sunsets
- Commons Ford Ranch – Tall grass, fields, and glowing golden hour
- Zilker Botanical Garden – Lush, curated backdrops
- Lady Bird Lake Boardwalk – Water views + downtown skyline
- McKinney Falls State Park – Peaceful and dramatic nature
🏛 Courthouse Elopement
- Travis County Courthouse – Efficient and classic
- Bring florals or dress up the moment with post-vow portraits nearby
✨ Intimate Venues + Backyards
- Sekrit Theater – Austin’s most iconic glasshouse elopement venue
- The Arlo – Chic indoor/outdoor spaces, modern white interiors
- Private homes or Airbnb estates – Totally custom and cost-effective
👗 Step 3: Dress Your Way
Elopements mean freedom. You can be traditional, casual, bold, or artistic—it’s all about what reflects you. We've photographed brides and grooms wearing:
- Flowy dresses, lace gowns, or short bridal sets
- White suits or floral dresses
- Cowboy boots or barefoot in the grass
- Embroidered jackets or matching sneakers
Want to include cultural, spiritual, or family traditions? Even better. Elopements are the perfect space for creativity.
💍 Step 4: Keep or Reinvent the Traditions
Just because it’s small doesn’t mean it isn’t a wedding.
Here are some sweet elements that make elopements feel meaningful:
- First look or prayer together
- Handwritten vows
- A post-vow toast or dance
- Cutting a mini cake
- Bringing a bouquet or boutonnière
- Including your pets or your parents
- Reading letters from loved ones who couldn’t attend
The best part? There’s no pressure. Just presence.
📸 Step 5: Hire an Austin Elopement Photographer You Trust
Your wedding day—no matter how big or small—deserves to be documented. When you book an Austin elopement photographer, you're getting:
- Timeline guidance
- Location scouting
- A calm, comfortable presence
- True-to-you, emotional, and documentary-style photos
- Someone who will help you feel confident and cared for from start to finish
You won’t regret investing in memories that last.
🥂 Step 6: Celebrate However You Want
Once you're married, you can:
- Head out to a romantic dinner downtown
- Plan a small party for family or friends later
- Send announcement cards
- Take off on your honeymoon
- Or just grab tacos and toast to your forever
However you celebrate, own it. This day is yours.
Final Thoughts
An elopement in Austin gives you space to celebrate what matters: your relationship. Whether it’s on a cliff at sunset or inside a historic courthouse, it can be just as meaningful—if not more—than a full-scale wedding.
If you're looking for an Austin elopement photographer who knows how to capture the quiet, beautiful, and real moments, we’d love to walk alongside you.
Ready to plan your elopement in Austin?
Contact us here and let’s get started on creating something beautiful.
FAQs
Q: How do I legally elope in Austin?
A: Apply for a marriage license at a Travis County Clerk's Office, wait 72 hours, then have a ceremony with an officiant and file the signed license.
Q: Where can we elope in Austin?
A: Some favorites include Mount Bonnell, Sekrit Theater, Commons Ford Ranch, Zilker Botanical Garden, and downtown rooftops.
Q: What’s the difference between a micro wedding and an elopement?
A: Elopements typically include just the couple (or maybe a few guests). Micro weddings are small but often include full ceremonies and receptions with up to 30 guests.
Q: What should I wear to elope?
A: Anything you want! Traditional wedding attire, a jumpsuit, something bold and colorful—it’s all about what feels like you.
Q: How long should we book a photographer for?
A: Most elopements need 1–3 hours, depending on the location and how many moments you want captured (getting ready, vows, portraits, etc.).
Q: Can we elope at a courthouse in Austin?
A: Yes! You can book a civil ceremony through the Travis County Courthouse or bring an officiant elsewhere.
Q: Do I need a permit to elope in parks or public spaces?
A: Some locations do require a permit for photos or ceremonies—we’ll help you check and apply if needed.
Q: Should we bring a bouquet?
A: It’s a beautiful touch! Even a small bouquet or boutonnière adds elegance and elevates your photos.
Q: Can I bring a friend or family member?
A: Absolutely. Some couples include their parents, children, or even pets. You can make it intimate without being totally private.
Q: How do I book an Austin elopement photographer?
A: Just fill out this form and we’ll help you start planning!
