I may be biased, but I think Austin, Texas (ATX) is one of the best places to get married in the state - maybe the country! The capital city offers an eclectic atmosphere, a city-meets-country vibe, lots of interesting things to do, and a stunning selection of wedding venues and vendors. 

This essential guide will show you how to get married in Austin and covers everything you need to know, from obtaining a marriage license and the types of marriages offered to picking out the best venues, vendors, and times of year.

Requirements for Getting Married in Austin 

Requirements for getting married in Texas are pretty simple:

• Age requirement: both parties must be at least 18 years old.
• State residency: you don’t need to be a state resident.
• Identification needed: both parties must present a valid photo ID (like a driver’s license or passport).
• Waiting period: after the license is issued, there is a mandatory 72-hour waiting period before you can have the wedding ceremony (unless you are an active member of the military).
• License expiration: license is valid for 90 days.
• Witnesses required: none.

Types of Marriages in Austin 

All kinds of marriages are accepted and legal in Austin, including civil, religious, and same-sex.

Where to Get Married in Austin 

Gardens, hilltops, barns, unique buildings… Austin has it all! I’ve written about some of my favorite Austin wedding venues in a previous post, but here is a quick look to inspire you.

Justine’s Secret House

Guests say the venue is an experience in itself and doesn’t require much in the way of additional decorations or details. In the house you’ll find rich red walls, chandeliers, candelabras, an old piano, and classical paintings. It’s all very dark and romantic, but cozy with a side of seduction.   

Prospect House

Prospect House has a gallery vibe with its abundant natural light, simple material palette, and thoughtful details. The multiple outdoor sites and raw spaces allow for plenty of customization, whether that means wild creativity or pensive minimalism. The area is designed to take full advantage of the Hill Country views and provide a striking backdrop for a Texas wedding.

South Congress Hotel 

Located in Austin’s hip South Congress shopping, dining, and entertainment district is the boutique hotel aptly named the South Congress Hotel. If you dig industrial-chic minimalism (think white brick, polished cement ceilings, hardwood floors, and mid-century modern furnishings), this is the wedding venue for you. 

The LINE Hotel 

Once home to a jazz club that broadcast live on local radio in the late 1960s, the hotel is part of downtown Austin’s history book. At The LINE Hotel you’ll encounter mid-century modernism, textured canvas ceilings, original artwork (a great intro to the city’s growing visual arts scene), and a stylish outdoor vibe via hanging and potted plants, floral chairs, and a hand-carved wooden bar. 

Related: The Most Unique Wedding Rentals in Austin

Austin Weather and Seasons for Weddings 

In Austin, there isn’t much of a spring or autumn; summer seems to last forever and winter is short and cold. Some of the best months to get married in Austin are April, when daytime temps are between 70-80, and April’s “autumn” equivalent, October. 

For a month-by-month look at what Austin’s weather patterns are, check out resident Kelsey’s guide on So Much Life. 

When choosing a wedding date, it’s also important to keep in mind the many art, food, and music festivals Austin celebrates each year. During these times you can expect large crowds, limited venue/hotel availability, and higher prices. Some of the big ones to look out for:

• March: SXSW (South by Southwest) Music, Film, and Interactive Conference
• March: Rodeo Austin
• April: Austin Food + Wine Festival
• April: Austin Reggae Fest
• May: Pecan Street Spring Arts Festival
• June: ATX Television Festival
• August: Austin Pride Parade and Festival
• August: Bat Fest
• September: All Genders, Lifestyles, and Identities Film Fest
• September: Texas Craft Brewers Festival
• October: Austin City Limits Music Festival
• October: Austin Film Festival
• October: Viva La Vida Festival and Parade
• November: Celtic Festival
• December: Austin Music Video Festival
• December: Austin’s New Year

Traveling to a Wedding in Austin 

For couples getting married in ATX, the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) is the main travel hub. About 20-minutes from downtown Austin, the airport services major airlines like Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, United, and American Airlines.

For out-of-towners, Austin offers car rentals, taxis, Ubers, and Lyfts, as well as a public bus system. If you’re staying downtown, most of the top locations and attractions are within a short walking distance.

Things to do in Austin 

If you’re hosting a long wedding weekend or just want to provide your guests with a list of activities they can explore on their downtime, there are plenty of options. 

First and foremost: live music! Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World, so you and your guests must check out the thriving local music scene at one of the more than 250 music venues around the city. 

Outdoor activities like biking, hiking, nature tours, and even bat watching are all available in ATX. Watch 1.5 million bats make their nightly departure from the Congress Bridge, get a stunning view of downtown as you kayak or canoe down Lady Bird Lake, rent a boat, explore a cave, get photos in front of the iconic murals, swim at Barton Springs, or explore Austin’s food truck parks and get your fill of everything from Thai noodles to Mexican tacos. 

And last, but certainly not least, remember to “Keep Austin Weird.”

Interested in learning about what it's like to get married in Austin? Let's talk about it!