Couples who love to visit museums when they travel, who make their own art, who frequent the theater, or who just love a beautiful sunset will swoon over the Laguna Gloria.

The Contemporary at Laguna Gloria is one of Austin’s finest museums. The sculpture gallery overlooks Lake Austin, and shines beautifully as the sun sets over the water. With breathtaking views and permanent art installations, the venue is unmatched in its ability to marry natural and artistic beauty to create the perfect backdrop for your wedding day. Its rich history has also earned it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.

The grounds are stunning, featuring a lakefront lawn, live oak trees, stone fountains, woodlands, countless sculpture installations, and more. The layout options for your ceremony and reception are endless. Say I do under the canopy of tree branches, or tie the knot as the lake glistens just beyond your feet. It’s safe to say that no two weddings are alike at this venue, with so many options to customize.

Be a Part of Austin History

Originally home of Clara Driscoll and Hal Sevier, editor of the Austin American (today the Statesman) Newspaper, the 1916 Italianate-style villa still stuns today. The couples designed their home in an Italianate-style, inspired by their honeymoon in Lake Como, Italy. And, you can tell! The grounds and architecture literally looks straight out of the cliffs of the Italian coast.

The house was named Laguna Gloria for a nearby lagoon off the Colorado River. In 1943, Clara gifted the home to the Texas Fine Arts Association.

In 1961, the site was converted to the Laguna Gloria Art Museum and became an integral piece of the Austin arts scene. Soon after, the museum began offering art classes, and in 1983, a facility was built on the grounds specifically for the growing art school.

In 1992, the institution changed its name to the Austin Museum of Art, and four years later, moved its primary exhibition space to 823 Congress Avenue (The Contemporary), in the heart of downtown Austin. Laguna Gloria remained the site of The Art School.

Have Your Own Art Filled Italian Oasis in the Heart of Austin

A checkered tile patio stretches beyond the back of the villa, overlooking Lake Austin and the west hills. Above, the stuccoed tower complete with green and white striped awnings sets the scene for your Italian, art inspired wedding. Stairs cascade down the hillside to the lakefront, complete with ornate, cherub adorned fountains (which are perfect for grand floral installations, see below!).

Say I do Minutes from Downtown Austin

Conveniently located just 15 minutes northwest of downtown Austin, the Laguna Gloria is easily accessible by car. It is also located right next to Mayfield Park, which is also on the National Register of Historic Places. Mayfield Park is full of stunning peacocks, and the park is open to the public. You could easily stop at the park for a few photos with the gorgeous peacock crowd.

Be Immersed in the Beauty of the Grounds

Clara Driscoll was an avid gardener and planted native and foreign plants around the grounds. She designed the terraced gardens that still remain today. Immediately behind the villa is a vast tiled patio, perfect for dinner and dancing late into the evening. The view from this area is stunning, looking directly over Lake Austin and the west hills. A large lawn sprawls before the entrance, with a tall, stunning art installation that sets the scene for your guests – they will immediately understand the vision and vibe.

The Laguna Gloria is the perfect backdrop for your Austin wedding. Its rich history is perfectly captured on film photography and Super 8 video, making your love story shine as timelessly as the venue itself. I can’t wait to capture your love at the Laguna Gloria!

book now :)