10 Unique Wedding Venues in Austin
Austin is home to countless venues – and with Keep Austin Weird in mind, there are so many fantastic, unique spaces to choose from. This list encompasses 10 of my favorite unique venues in Austin, Texas for the couples who want to create an unforgettable, bespoke experience for their wedding day. Complete with romantic restaurants, amazing art galleries, sandlot baseball fields, and landmark theaters, I guarantee you Austin has what you are looking for to host your unprecedented wedding celebration.
Photo Credit: Nowadays Film
1. Justine’s Secret House
Justine’s Secret House is a truly hidden gem on Austin’s east side. I hosted my 30th birthday here and it was one of the best days of my life hands down. That’s because Justine’s Secret House is intentionally curated, with remarkable art hanging on the walls, and even a taxidermied peacock. There’s an upright piano, red walls, a charming porch, and an intimate courtyard. Part Chateau Marmont, part haunted New Orleans Victorian, part Parisian salon, the venue is the private dining and event space for Justine’s Brasserie, an iconic Austin staple with the best French food in town. With Justine’s catering, your guests will be talking about the dinner at your wedding forever.
With a capacity of 80, this venue is perfect for a microwedding, with the ceremony in the courtyard. If you’re looking for a venue that feels like Austin’s best kept secret, hidden in plain sight, Justine’s Secret House is the place for you.
For private event inquiries & information for Justine’s Secret House email Director of Justine’s Secret House, Erika Stojeba at cherie@justinessecrethouse.com
Photo Credit: Live Nation Special Events
2. The Historic Scoot Inn
A quintessentially Austin music venue, The Historic Scoot Inn is perfect for the couple who wants to embrace Austin’s title as the live music capital of the world. An active music venue established in 1871, the Scoot Inn has a stage and a large open dance floor area large enough for 800 guests.
While the Scoot Inn has capacity for a huge event, it can also feel extremely intimate, and provide space for unique activations throughout your wedding night, like an art show, photo booth, or dance lessons. The Scoot Inn is perfect for two-stepping the night away with all your favorite people. Hire a live band and you’ll feel like the headliner of one of the coolest shows in town.
Photo Credit: Sekrit Theater
3. Sekrit Theater
The Sekrit Theater is perfect for the couple who has dreamed of tying the knot in a secret fairy garden. The property features a picturesque, weathered old greenhouse that makes a truly magical backdrop for an intimate ceremony. Designed by “creators of art, magic, and mystery,” the Sekrit Theater is a creative’s paradise. Complete with an old school bus, whimsical fountains, vintage cars, and a checkered floor in the greenhouse, the property is the perfect venue for a night filled with mystery, magic, and meaningful moments.
Self proclaimed as Austin Weird, you’re bound to create a unique and unforgettable night at the Sekrit Theater.
Photo Credit: Nowadays Film
4. Poeta at Swoop House and Garden
Poeta is an unforgettable Italian restaurant nestled in Austin’s east side. With a cozy bungalow dining house, as well as a sprawling garden and lawn, Poeta is a hidden oasis that makes you feel right at home. Run by the award winning chefs behind locally treasured restaurant Intero, Poeta’s ever evolving menu offers the best dishes I’ve had in Austin. Focusing on local and seasonal ingredients, your guests will be ooh-ing and aah-ing with every course.
Poeta’s restaurant describes the experience best: ”For the same reasons behind revisiting the works of your favorite poet, when novelty wears away, we aim to offer an experience that brings you back for food and atmosphere- wherever that may be... Find familiar comfort, or inspire new moments with friends, family, and self at Poeta.” For an experience that feels welcoming and familiar, while simultaneously offering awe inspiring newness, you can’t go wrong with a wedding at Poeta.
Photo Credit: The Long Time
5. The Long Time
Far out in east Austin, The Long Time offers an immersive experience that will feel like a true getaway. Home to the local Sandlot baseball league, The Long Time is known by locals for it’s wholesome and heartwarming baseball games, live music, and community gatherings. The space is fully customizable, with firepits, an old house full of character, concession/bar area, outfield camping and trailers for multi-day events, and of course a sandlot baseball field.
The Long Time is best for couples who have an all encompassing vision for their event. For those who want a down to earth, art forward, community driven experience, The Long Time is the space for you. Your wedding party can even make it an all weekend affair and camp in the outfield.
Photo Credit: Nowadays Film
6. Paramount Theater
Built in 1915, the Paramount Theater has long been a staple in downtown Austin. Hosting star studded movie premiers during SXSW, iconic musical acts, and an intentionally curated summer movie series, the Paramount Theater has something for everyone. I have a special place in my heart for the Paramount – my fiance and I went on our first AND second dates here, and have been back countless times. So it’s safe to say that I’m familiar with the space.
The Paramount Theater is perfect for the couple who loves the stage. With capacity for 350 guests, get hitched on stage with your friends and family watching on from traditional theater seating. You won’t have to worry about decorating, because the theater is already stunning with its ornate architecture. Have the full theater experience by featuring your wedding announcement on the iconic marquee, and get unbeatable photos under the flashing lights of the historic Paramount sign.
Photo Credit: The Contemporary Austin
7. Moody Rooftop at The Contemporary Austin - Jones Center
For the art-forward couple who love the vibe of a city wedding, the Moody Rooftop at the Contemporary Austin Jones Center art museum downtown is the perfect place to get married. The open-air rooftop overlooks Congress Avenue, with views of the Paramount Theater to the north, and Ladybird Lake to the south, you’ll truly be right in the heart of Austin.
The rooftop has subtle but impactful architectural details, including panel lighting inside the dancefloor and a trellis-eque ceiling that will shield you and your guests from the hot Texas sun. With room for a seated dinner of up to 150 guests, the Jones Center is perfect for the couple with a moderate guest list who wants to dance the night away in a luxe art-forward space surrounded by skyline views.
Photo Credit: UMLAUF Sculpture Garden
8. UMLAUF Sculpture Garden
Tucked away just behind Austin must-visit Barton Springs, the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden is an idyllic art and nature retreat. Founded in 1991, the UMLAUF Sculpture has cemented itself in the center of Austin’s cultural scene. With eight acres, the garden marries the beauty of nature and sculpture in a serene retreat.
The space features a sleek limestone and steel arbor ideal for exchanging vows beneath. With capacity for 250 guests, you’re sure to have plenty of space to celebrate your nuptials while still embracing and enjoying the incredibly curated collections.
For the couple who craves connection to nature, the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden delivers the perfect wedding experience.
Photo Credit: The Cathedral Austin
9. The Cathedral
This refurbished church from the 1930s features iconic gothic arched windows, maintaining the unmistakable church grandeur (not to mention bathing the space with natural light). Complete with light wood floors, shiplap walls, and crystal chandeliers, The Cathedral embraces the integrity of the old Baptist church, while making the space more approachable and customizable to your vision.
Conveniently located close to downtown, your guests won’t have to travel far for your church-inspired event. For the couple who loves the character of a church wedding, but wants a venue to serve their ceremony and reception, The Cathedral is the perfect solution.
Photo Credit: Nowadays Film
10. Woodbine Mansion
Located just outside of Austin in nearby Round Rock, Woodbine Mansion sits on a quaint main street. This historic house, built in 1900, is perfect for the couple who is looking for character, history, and charm – but also can’t cut down their guest list enough for a micro-wedding. Woodbine Mansion can fit 250 guests for an indoor only wedding, or 500 for a primarily outdoor event.
In my experience, most large venues can feel impersonal, like a white box waiting for you to decorate it. Woodbine Mansion is different. The building is decorated with original chandeliers, ornate mirrors, and stunning wallpaper. It has a spiral staircase and beautiful artwork. At the Woodbine Mansion you won’t have to worry about tons of decorations because the venue is already stunning.
Austin has no shortage of unique venues perfect for your unforgettable wedding. Not to mention, they all look great in film photography. ;) Let’s connect today and I’ll help you find the perfect place for your special day, and document your memories of the wedding of your dreams.