About Austin
Austin, Texas is a vibrant and exciting city located in the heart of the Lone Star State. Rich in culture and diversity, Austin is known as the ‘Live Music Capital of the World’ due to its abundance of diverse music venues and acts. Home to some of the most iconic attractions such as Barton Springs Pool, The Cathedral of Junk, and the South by Southwest Festival, Austin has become a surging destination for those seeking remarkable experiences, savory cuisine options, and outdoor activities.
When it comes to organizing special occasions such as weddings in Austin, truly unique venues offer something different than what you'd find in more traditional ballrooms or churches. Barns are among the list of such venues.
These rustic spaces provide an intimate setting with a down-home charm that can be used to create a memorable experience. From traditional red barns to modernized facilities that look like something out of a fairytale, Austin has plenty of options when it comes to hosting your wedding at these timelessly beautiful structures.
Barn Wedding Options in Austin
- Photographer
Not only do you want your wedding day to be perfect, but you'll also want beautiful pictures to remember the event by. Austin is home to hosts of talented photographers who are ready to document your special occasion.
- Florist
Hiring a florist is a must for any barn wedding. Flowers can add so much to the decor and really make the space come alive. The talented florists in Austin will not only fit your style but also work with your budget.
- Catering
When planning your barn wedding, don't forget the caterer! It's essential to have good food that will match the tone of your event. Austin is full of amazing catering companies that deliver beautiful (and tasty) dishes for diverse occasions.
Music
No wedding is complete without music, and Austin has plenty of talented artists to choose from. Whether you prefer a DJ or a live band, there's a suitable entertainment option for everyone in the Live Music Capital of the World.
Barn Wedding Vendors in Austin
- Wildflower Rx
Andrea Zeddies, the founder of Wildflower Rx, is a psychologist who developed a passion for flowers. She established the company in 2019 after completing her floral education. Wildflower Rx provides custom bouquets for weddings, parties, and businesses. The company sources wildflowers from local flower farms to create natural, bohemian arrangements or more formal, elegant displays depending on the client's style.
- Day 7 Photography
Sean Hsueh established Day 7 Photography in 2010 with the intention of epitomizing natural beauty in his photographs. The company offers wedding photography services and operates under the belief that organic photos are always more beautiful than posed ones. Rather than forcing poses or artificiality, Sean lets nature take its course to photograph the newlyweds in all their love and glory. Day 7 Photography has been in the business of weddings for over a decade.
- Matchmaker Band
Austin's own Matchmaker Band is the perfect choice for your next party or event! With a 10-person lineup including four amazing vocalists, keys, guitar, bass, drums, saxophone, and trumpet players each with their own unique style this band knows how to get people moving. Matchmaker has been performing together for over 10 years and has been the first choice for weddings, private parties, and corporate events in Austin.
Pros and Cons of Barn Weddings in Austin
Organizing a barn wedding in Austin can be a great choice if couples are looking for a less traditional and more laid-back celebration. However, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of a barn wedding to make sure it is the right fit for the couple. Here are some of the main benefits and drawbacks of holding a barn wedding in Austin.
Advantages
- The rustic charm and beautiful scenery of a barn wedding set an intimate ambiance that guests will remember fondly for years to come.
- The large open spaces provided by most barns can accommodate larger-than-average guest lists or accommodate multiple activities at once (e.g., dancing, mingling, dining).
- Many barns have large outdoor areas which makes them well-suited for hosting outdoor events such as receptions or ceremonies under the stars.
Disadvantages
- Rural barn venues require guests to drive longer distances which might be inconvenient for those coming from out of town or far away locations.
- As with all outdoor venues, there is always the potential risk of unfavorable weather conditions on your special day (e.g., excessive heat or rain).
- Not all barn venues have access to electricity so you may need to bring in generators or rent lighting equipment to provide enough illumination after dark.
Tips on How to Organize Barn Weddings in Austin
Organizing a barn wedding in Austin can be an exciting and rewarding experience as you create memories that last a lifetime. Here are several tips to ensure your special day is everything you want it to be!
- Hire experienced vendors: Once you’ve found your perfect wedding venue, start hiring vendors. Research professionals with experience catering to barn locations and interview each one before making a decision; this way you can make sure they have the proper licenses and insurance. Ask for referrals from friends or family who have recently planned a similar occasion this will help narrow down your options significantly.
- Get creative with decorations: It’s important to think outside of the box when decorating for a barn wedding in Austin. Ideas like string lights, bales of hay, wooden signs, flower garlands, and chandeliers can give your rustic celebration an extra special touch that your guests won’t forget! If you plan ahead of time and keep track of where everything goes during setup, the decorating day should be stress-free!
- Plan for different weather scenarios: Since barn weddings in Austin usually take place outdoors, it is essential to plan for all types of weather possibilities. Prepare for both hot summer days and cooler evenings by having fans or portable heaters on hand if needed. Consider renting tents or other structures that can provide shelter from the rain if necessary too!
- Look into getting insurance: Although most venues require event insurance coverage regardless of weather conditions, it never hurts to look into additional policies just in case something unexpected happens on your big day like inclement weather or an accident caused by a vendor or guest. Event insurance could save you thousands of dollars so make sure this is part of your planning process before signing any contracts!
- Have backup transportation ready: The last thing anyone wants is their wedding guests left standing at the end of the night without any transportation home! Having either enough cars available or arranging taxi services ahead of time ensures everyone gets back safely after celebrating your special day together!
Famous Locations in Austin
- 'Til Death Do Us Part' Mural
If you're looking for a dose of color on your next stroll through Austin, be sure to check out the 'Til Death Do Us Part mural. Created by Federico Archuleta, also known as El Federico, this vibrant piece is a wonderful example of the artist's Mexican-inspired pop art. Using a combination of stencils and freehand spray painting, Archuleta has created a mural that is both eye-catching and full of meaning. The skulls in the piece represent two lovers who are united even in death, a meaningful message that is sure to resonate with viewers.
- Crestview
This charming community is filled with beautiful bungalows and ranch homes, while the towering trees and verdant gardens give the whole area a bucolic feel. And speaking of getting away from it all, Crestview residents love to take advantage of the neighborhood's many walking and jogging trails - not to mention the fact that it's always easy to find a friendly face here. In fact, the community is so friendly that they even have a "Wall of Welcome" mural along one of the main roads!
- Shipe Park
Shipe Park is a cherished 2-acre oasis in the heart of the Hyde Park neighborhood. It has been a favorite spot for generations of families, and it shows in the well-maintained grounds and facilities. Visitors can enjoy two tennis courts, a small swimming pool, plenty of shade trees, and a playground area with a soft surface. The park is also home to several community events throughout the year, making it a true gathering place for the neighborhood.