Austin has become a wedding destination not just for couples who already live in Texas, but couples all over the United States. Whether it’s because the couple met in Austin, went to the University of Texas, spent some time here as a kid, or simply visited one time and loved it, this beautiful city has become a go-to wedding weekend destination. Which also means that there are a lot of venues being built to accomodate all of the couples looking for a space to host their wedding. Each couple has a different style and priority list on what their looking for in a wedding venue. We’ve been wedding photographers for eight years in Austin, TX., so we’re familiar with almost all of the venues in the city and surrounding hill country, but today we’re focusing on the modern spaces. Here are five modern wedding venues in Austin, TX.

The Arlo

The Arlo has become a social media sensation, with couples traveling from all over the country to host their weddings here–and for good reason. Nestled in the Texas Hill Country, this venue is the largest on our list, offering immaculate and spacious rooms for every facet of your wedding day. It holds a stunning getting ready lounge that has every fixture you’ll ever need already built in, in addition to an entirely seperate cottage so your partner can relax and get dressed uninterrupted. Once you’re both dressed, the options for your first look and photographs are ample–you can choose the architecture of the courtyard, the views from the staircase, the intimacy of the lawn, the window light of the hall. Your ceremony can be held indoors, at Storie Hall where the clean look and floor to ceiling windows make any design a dream, or outdoors on The Lawn where you can cover the fireplace in florals and create the most romantic setting. Once you’re offically married, you can head to cocktail hour in The Courtyard and enjoy your signature drink and your favorite people. And when dinner is ready, everyone will move into The Ballroom where you’ll have your grand entrance moment, your first dance, and an evening partying to the performance of your DJ or band. Don’t forget your grand exit down the main stairs, with bubbles or cold sparks or simply cheers from your friends and family.

If you’re looking for a versatile space that guests won’t stop talking about, we highly recommend a trip out to see The Arlo.

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Mae’s Ridge

Set just outside of Austin, in Johnson City, you’ll find the venue that arguably has the best views. There’s a special energy about Mae’s Ridge that is so welcoming, and maybe that’s largly due to their incredibly kind owners and staff. This venue’s simplicity and clean aesthetic makes your design options endless, allowing your personality to truly shine through on your wedding day. You’ll get ready in the central suite, where you’ll be able to stay close to your wedding day setup and your vendor team is never far away. And your partner can get dressed in their neighboring suite, which stands on its own and even has retro arcade games, shuffle board, and a pool table to entertain friends. Once you’re ready, you can walk down to your ceremony overlooking iconic views of the Texas hill country (and if needed, the rain option here is still stunning and open-air). Guests will enjoy cocktail hour on the lawn which has a built-in bar and swings to enjoy. And once it’s time to enter into the reception, the doors will simply open for guests to head right to their tables only a few steps away. With plenty of room for your dance floor and an amazing entertainment list, you’ll be able to party through the rest of the night, and maybe even sneak out for some sunset photos at the overlook.

If you’re looking for a place that’s relaxing and private, yet close enough for guests to enjoy Austin, we can’t recommend Mae’s Ridge enough.

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Laguna Gloria

If you’re looking for something totally unique, and maybe something that’s not 100% wedding venue, then you’ll want to check out Laguna Gloria. Part of The Contemporary Austin, Laguna Gloria maintains regular open business hours where guests can tour what used to be the original Austin Museum of Art, as well as take art classes. But if you choose to host your wedding here, the space is yours to make all of your Italian-inspired wedding dreams come true. Because this space isn’t dedicated as a wedding venue specifically, couples get ready off-site and then transport their weddding party to the villa in the early afternoon (usually around 3:30pm). Partners in a suit or tux often arrive dressed, and partners working with a dress generally put it on in the villa. Once settled at the venue, the magic really kicks in.

Imagine a garden ceremony, a cocktail hour at the piazza, and an al fresco dinner under the string lights.

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Wish Well House

Just a bit north of Austin proper, Wish Well House is Georgetown’s most aesthetic wedding venue. The eye for design in this space is unmatched, and if you appeciate a little touch of color and texture, I challenge you not to fall head over heels for this venue. With getting ready suites that are equally comortable for both partners (no more debating who gets the smaller room), Wish Well House takes pre-ceremony support for you and your wedding party to the next level–both rooms even have their owns showers. Imagine gazing out from your suite balcony as you write your vows, playing some foosball with your best friends, then grabbing a refreshing drink from your private mini fridge. Once you’re ready, you’ll walk down the stairs to your ceremony on the stunning checkered flooring or the lush greenery wall. Family can enjoy cocktail hour outside in the courtyard or in the A/C of the first floor, both with bars on standby. Then you’ll dance the night away in the reception space with it’s beautifully high ceilings and open concept for design.

If you’re looking for something modern yet somehow timeless, it’s well worth a visit to Wish Well House.

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South Congress Hotel

Right in the heart of downtown Austin, South Congress Hotel is one of our favorite–and might I say iconic–modern wedding venues. South Congress itself holds some of the most famous Austin shops and murals, where your family and friends staying on site can literally walk out their door and enjoy the best this city has to offer. Imagine getting ready in the main suite upstairs, with your own private balcony overlooking the pool. Once your dress in on, you’ll walk down the staircase to your first look to see your partner for the first time. You both will grab your wedding party and go out onto S. Congress for some timeless downtown portraits (and probably a few shouts of congratulations from passersby). Afterwards you’ll grab a drink at the bar, freshen up, and get ready to walk down the aisle, where the stunning hotel glass doors will be your backdrop decorated with your favorite florals. And once it’s officially official, and you’re married(!!!), you can enjoy cocktail hour and head into the main room for your reception. Oh, and don’t forget the grand exit where you’ll run out of the glass doors and straight to your afterparty, which is conveniently in walking distance from this ideal location.

Needless to say, we’re big fans of wedding days at South Congress Hotel, and we highly encourage you to check it out as you look for your perfect venue.

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Whether you’re going for downtown or hill country, intimate occassion or big party, we hope this list was helpful in adding more venues to your tour route or finding new ones to explore. Austin is a phenomenal place to host your wedding weekend and we know your guests will have the most memorable experience celebrating you in this vibrant city.

As for us, we’re Carhart Photography, a Texas-based wedding photography and videography team devoted to producing love stories that will endure for generations. Serving Austin, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. We’re here to make sure you recieve beautiful photos and videos that tell your unique wedding story through an uncomplicated and seamless experience. If you’d like to learn more about working with us, you can find all of the info at carhartphotography.com