Texas offers stunning scenic backdrops from charming small towns to vibrant big cities for couples looking to elope and celebrate their union in an intimate, romantic setting. From the rolling hills of the Texas Hill Country to the glistening waters of the Gulf Coast, the Lone Star State provides a variety of beautiful and unique locales to exchange vows with your partner away from it all.
Brenham
Nestled within the rolling hills of Washington County, halfway between Houston and Austin, Brenham is a charming small town with enormous appeal. Its blossoming arts community, rich history, and quiet countryside spaces make it an excellent choice for couples looking to elope in a quaint, romantic setting.
This Texas town has over 30 unique venues suited for intimate weddings, including charming bed and breakfasts, historic downtown buildings, and scenic outdoor ranch venues. The surrounding communities of Burton, Chappell Hill, Independence, and Washington offer even more options for couples seeking solitude and character. Hummingbird Hill Weddings & Events in Chappell Hill presents a perfect setting for intimate weddings and elopements, featuring an on-site chapel, comfortable lodging, and the unique charm of Scottish Highland cattle roaming the picturesque grounds.
In the spring, vibrant wildflowers like bluebonnets bloom across Brenham’s countryside, providing a colorful backdrop for wedding photos. The charming historic downtown district also offers picturesque backdrops for wedding photos, with couples able to stroll by historic buildings before their intimate ceremony.
Fredericksburg
For couples looking to elope amongst rolling vineyards, Fredericksburg provides a romantic escape. This Texas Hill Country town is the epicenter of Texas Wine Country, with over 60 wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms in the surrounding Gillespie County. The wineries provide idyllic backdrops to say “I do” and pop a bottle in celebration after exchanging vows.
Beyond the wineries, Fredericksburg’s German-Texan charm makes it a unique elopement destination. Strolling down Main Street, couples can take in the German-inspired architecture before their wedding ceremony. Quaint bed and breakfast accommodations add to the old-world romance and provide charming places for newlyweds to spend their wedding night.
Adventurous couples can hike up Enchanted Rock, one of the most popular excursions in the area, before reciting intimate vows with the trademark pink granite dome in the background. With authentic German cuisine and welcoming residents, Fredericksburg encapsulates small-town romance.
San Antonio
For couples seeking vibrant culture, history, and culinary delights, San Antonio provides an alluring elopement destination. The iconic Riverwalk, with its restaurants, bars, boat rides, and strolling paths beside the water, creates a romantic backdrop for weddings. Afterward, newly married couples can toast with cocktails while admiring the Riverwalk ambiance.
Beyond the Riverwalk, destinations like the historic Alamo, the Spanish Missions, and the Historic La Villita Arts Village transport couples back in time and provide unique wedding photography backdrops. In the trendy Pearl District, couples can dine at contemporary eateries, pose for photos in front of colorful murals, and enjoy cocktails at Instagram-worthy bars to celebrate their nuptials.
For lodging, hotels like The Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa in the bustling downtown area and the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa provide luxurious escapes where couples can exchange vows and then relax and unwind in style.
Lost Pines/Bastrop
Couples seeking natural serenity close to Austin can head to the Lost Pines region near Bastrop. Here, couples can get married under the sprawling pine trees along the Colorado River before retreating to the luxurious Hyatt Lost Pines Resort & Spa.
This grand Hyatt property, located right outside Bastrop, provides lodging perfection with wedding-ready amenities. On-site event coordinators remove the stress of planning so couples can simply focus on celebrating their intimate wedding ceremony in a storybook location. At the resort, couples can stroll trails lined with majestic pine trees, unwind at the spa, or tee off on the golf course after becoming newlyweds.
Also in the heart of Bastrop’s wedding country, The Mansion at ColoVista offers an idyllic setting for intimate weddings. Perched on a bluff with a panoramic view of the Colorado River and sunset skyline, the mansion provides picturesque photo opportunities in every room, on-site lodging, and a three-tiered pool, adding luxury and convenience to your special day. Plus, it’s just a short drive from Austin’s airport.
Nearby in Bastrop, couples can also exchange vows downtown or enjoy casual dining and explore the shops showcasing the town’s historic charm. Within a short drive, Austin’s trendy culinary and arts scene also awaits to continue the newlywed celebrations.
Marfa
For off-the-beaten-path elopement bliss, couples can escape to the West Texas arts hub of Marfa. Renowned for its contemporary art scene and mysterious Marfa Lights, this quirky town provides an unforgettably unique backdrop for eloping couples.
Minimalist art galleries, boutique hotels, and modern architecture give Marfa an avant-garde edge. The blue skies, stunning mountain views, and golden prairies provide natural artistry. At night, couples can view the enigmatic Marfa Lights and stargaze under the expansive West Texas skies after the wedding.
The scenic town of Marfa is also conveniently close to iconic Big Bend National Park for couples seeking an adventurous elopement experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Round Top
For couples enamored with antiques, vintage wares, and quaint country charm, tiny Round Top provides a laidback elopement destination. Most famous for its massive semi-annual antiques fair that draws dealers and design lovers from around the world, this rural town maintains its old-fashioned appeal.
Throughout the year, couples can book a cozy room or suite at a bed and breakfast before strolling through intriguing antique stores and art galleries housed in historic buildings in Round Top’s minuscule downtown. Nearby sleepy towns and other rural communities in the area offer even more rustic-chic lodging, event venues and photo-ops for couples’ elopements.
Round Top epitomizes small-town charm with its southern hospitality, front porch-sitting, and downhome cooking. The lush surrounding countryside presents opportunities for romantic first photos as newlyweds among the wildflowers or beneath sprawling oak trees. For a humble but heartwarming elopement experience, Round Top hits all the right notes.
Austin
Music lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will adore eloping in Austin. Known globally as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin provides a vibrant, eclectic backdrop for elopements with its endless concerts and shows. Home to the University of Texas, Austin exudes youthful energy with its colorful murals, food trucks, and an array of nightlife.
Outdoorsy couples can exchange vows on the shores of Lady Bird Lake before embarking on a stand-up paddleboard adventure. A cliffside elopement at Lake Travis also promises breathtaking backdrops. For more lavish lodging, Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa provides a secluded escape within the city limits complete with scenic views and top-notch service.
Beyond scenic vistas, trendy bars and eateries allow newlyweds to celebrate in style. From whisky and barbecue to vegan fare and Texas wine, Austin caters to varying palates and preferences for rehearsal dinners and post-ceremony toasting. With so much diversity packed within the vibrant college town, couples can tailor an Austin elopement to match their unique relationship.
Galveston
For couples seeking an island escape, the beaches, history, and coastal charms of Galveston provide a quintessential Texas seaside elopement locale just 50 miles from Houston. Beyond 32 miles of beaches, Galveston offers ornate Victorian architecture in its bustling historic downtown dotted with boutiques and wining and dining spots ideal for wedding celebrations.
For lodging, the opulent Grand Galvez has provided a seaside retreat since 1911, complete with a head-turning lobby, swanky on-site bar, spooky ghost stories and a luxurious spa. The Tremont House in Galveston’s Strand Historic District brings guests a unique experience with its ornate 19th-century architecture and modern decor. Not to mention, The Tremont House boasts the only rooftop bar on the island.
Couples seeking a grand resort can head to The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center situated oceanfront on Galveston’s Seawall Boulevard.
Wimberley
An easy drive from Austin or San Antonio, Wimberley offers a peaceful respite along the Blanco River in the Texas Hill Country. Surrounded by lush nature, rolling hills dotted with vineyards, and lavender fields, Wimberley provides an idyllic pastoral setting for eloping couples.
Outdoor lovers can exchange vows along the Blanco River before embarking on a kayak ride as newlyweds. Couples seeking indoor rustic elegance can tie the knot at one of many quaint bed and breakfasts.
Beyond lodging, Wimberley offers locally-owned restaurants, art galleries, and shops in its historic downtown lined with flowers. From wine tasting to swimming holes, Wimberley encapsulates the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country.
Marble Falls
Tucked away in the heart of the Texas Hill Country on the Colorado River, Marble Falls makes a pristine setting for an intimate elopement. The surrounding lakeside views, rolling hills, and pastoral countryside create a serene backdrop for couples to exchange vows away from it all.
Downtown Marble Falls offers historic buildings for unique wedding photo backdrops, along with casual eateries and tasting rooms to continue the celebrations. Nearby Inks Lake State Park provides opportunities for newlyweds to stroll along the shores and take in the tranquil nature before or after their ceremony.
For an easy escape from city bustle, Marble Falls lets couples focus on each other and immerse themselves in nature, from lush vineyards to the flowing Colorado River.
Saying “I do” in an intimate setting in the Lone Star State makes for a quintessential Texas elopement. From the eclectic energy of Austin to the coastal allure of Galveston, charming towns like Brenham and Marble Falls and scenic landscapes in locales like Lost Pines and Wimberley, Texas, offer a diverse array of stunning backdrops to exchange vows in style.
Now that you’ve explored the best places to elope in Texas, check out our spotlight WiH photographers to capture the sweet moments.
“Top 10 Places to Elope in Texas” Spotlight WiH Partners- CVB: Visit Brenham | Visit Fredericksburg | Venues: Hummingbird Hill Weddings & Events | Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa | The Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection | Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa | The Mansion at ColoVista | Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa | Grand Galvez | The Tremont House | The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center
Contributing Vendors- Photo: Lizzie Allen Photography / Cecilly Elaine Photography / April Mae Creative / Kacie Q Photography / Christina Carroll Photography / Stephania Campos / Prada Group / Henkel Square Market / Totally Texas Travel / Hill Country Portal
