You’ve officially transitioned from post-engagement bliss into full on wedding planning mode. You’ve created the essential Pinterest board (or seven), started working out your budget, and maybe even determined your ideal honeymoon spot. Now’s it’s time to lock in the venue. Luckily, Austin and the surrounding Hill Country are home to a plethora of awesome locations for your big day.
And while there's no shortage iconic venues and historic mansions around town, why not try something new? Here are six of Austin’s hottest new wedding venues — plus two opening soon.
800 Congress
Located squarely in the middle of downtown, 800 Congress is a fabulous urban wedding destination from the Parkside Projects team. With its understated industrial vibes (think exposed brick and ductwork) and adorable street-side terrace, this newly opened space (formerly Hickory Street Bar & Grill) provides the perfect backdrop to get hitched in style. 800 Congress can accommodate up to 300 seated guests — perfect for a Texas-sized affair.
Archer Hotel Austin
Opened last September, the Archer Hotel Austin is North Austin’s hippest new hotel gem — and a great wedding venue to boot. Situated in the Domain Northside, the Hill Country-chic, 171-room Archer Hotel includes a variety of amenities in the special wedding packages. From a personalized menu by acclaimed Austin chef David Bull to upscale rooms and event space, a ceremony at the Archer promises to be a classy good time.
Featherstone Ranch
Open as of February 2017, Featherstone Ranch is gloriously located in the heart of the Hill Country on 65 acres outside of Fredericksburg. Whether you’d like to wed under one of the property’s towering oak trees or on Featherstone’s lovely patio, one thing’s for sure: Your guests will simply adore the panoramic views of the surrounding hill-capped landscape.
Red Ridge Receptions
Local couple Chris and Bethany Eppinger bought Red Ridge in August 2014, and their own love story is hard to beat. The pair met after posing as models in a department store engagement photo series. They discovered their mutual dream was to own a wedding venue, and voila, Red Ridge in Smithville was born. This family-operated, rustic-chic spot is truly something special — and its hilltop views of Bastrop are to die for. Red Ridge can accommodate up to 150 guests, and they have several additional in-house services to take advantage of.
The Reverbery
Last year the Hilton Austin downtown underwent major renovations, in the process introducing highly anticipated restaurant Cannon + Belle and The Reverbery — a new take on the typical hotel venue. The venue, available for weddings and other events, pays homage to the recording studios in the Live Music Capital of the World. The 4,000-square-foot space offers a flexible, indoor/outdoor layout too, thanks to a wall of folding windows.
South Congress Hotel
The South Congress Hotel is an excellent option for the trendy, city-loving couples among us. Opened in 2015, this lovely little boutique hotel located in the heart of SoCo can accommodate up to 150 guests for a seated meal, and up to 250 for standing room only. Drink in the view of the downtown skyline while you sip craft cocktails during the reception, and then head to the Continental Club for the after-party.
And coming soon:
Rocking R Event Center
Located on 20 gorgeous acres near Hutto, Rocking R Event Center is just finishing up renovations on the property. Scope it out at an upcoming open house, or check out the Rocking R Facebook page to find out more.
Redbird Ridge
This quaint Hill Country event space is set to open in winter 2017, and it is already taking reservations for weddings. Find more info here.
The Archer Hotel at Domain Northside.
