December 13, 2023

We are going to explore the endless opportunities for customizing your elopement and micro weddings in Austin Texas.

I’m guessing one of the main reasons that you are choosing to elope or scale down the size of your wedding is to give the day a more intimate and unique feel. Look no further than Austin, Texas—an amazing blend of diverse attractions while retaining a cozy, small-town feel. Austin stands out as a cultural hub with a strong presence in music, food, and film. The urban scene is alive and well with so many eclectic bars with private spaces, speakeasies, rooftop restaurants and beautiful hotels.
The Hill Country provides a breathtaking, natural getaway nearby if you are looking for the more “outdoor” feel.

With its undeniable coolness, eloping in Austin promises a wedding day that’s full of character! 

What is the difference between an Elopement and a Micro Wedding in Austin Texas?

Honestly, not much. Considering that these types of wedding are by design whatever you want, you can call it whatever you want!

But typically, both micro weddings and elopements offer intimate alternatives to traditional large-scale weddings, they differ in scope and intention. A micro wedding involves a small gathering of guests, typically under 50 people, and often includes elements of a traditional wedding such as a ceremony, reception, and formal attire. It’s an intentional choice for couples who want to celebrate with their closest family and friends in a more scaled-down and personalized setting. On the other hand, an elopement is a more and private affair, often involving just the couple themselves. It’s characterized by its simplicity. Elopements can take place in various locations, from a courthouse to a scenic destination, and are ideal for couples seeking privacy, adventure, or a non-traditional approach to exchanging vows. In essence, while both micro weddings and elopements in Austin Texas prioritize intimacy, the former involves a small group of loved ones in a planned celebration, whereas the latter is a more private declaration of love between the couple.

FIRST: Visualize your elopement and micro wedding in Austin Texas

This is probably the easy part. You have already decided you would like something small and intimate, so you probably have a good idea of how you want to FEEL. But let’s go further.

Do you picture a public setting or completely private?

Would you like a lot of the same traditions as a reception, but at a smaller scale?

Do you want a live DJ or musicians?

Would you like a dinner, dancing, and speeches?

This is the phase where I would really encourage you to get out a pen and paper (or google doc 😉 and write out two categories.
One will contain the things you DEFINITELY don’t want.
The other will be the things you do. Just keep brainstorming, and make those lists as long as you want.
I would also encourage you to write a paragraph of why you chose an elopement/micro-wedding, and what you hope to gain out of it. Free write for as long as you like, and after a while you will start to get a clearer picture of what that feel is that I keep talking about.

Second: 
Location, location, location

There are three big categories for an elopement in Austin Texas:

• Urban 
• Natural Settings (think parks and hill country)
• Wedding Venues

At the end of this post I will give you a list of some of my favorite venues

for your Elopement or Micro wedding in Austin Texas!

Third: Hire a local wedding planner

Your choice to elope may be to save money. Trust me, I get it, but hear me out.
There are more incentives to hiring a wedding planner in Austin than just to take the pressure off planning it yourself. They also get you discounted prices on vendors, they know what’s essential and non-essential to help you cut costs, and they have a vast knowledge of the perfect space, photographer, food, beverage, and ambiance of the location where you are looking to elope. THEY WILL SAVE YOU TIME AND MONEY for your elopement and micro weddings in Austin Texas.

The things we are all looking for more of, right?!

On top of that, as a wedding planner, any and every venue location that I recommend will be personally vetted, I have a good relationship with the establishment and I know will fit the feel and esthetic that you are looking for in your elopement or micro wedding in Austin. Taking the guess work and pressure off of you so you can fully be present IS OUR WHOLE ENTIRE JOB. If your wedding planner doesn’t emphasize this point, get yourself a new one. 

CLICK HERE to find out more about Lumina Events! We would be happy to help!

Fourth: Essential Vendors

For your Elopement or Micro wedding in Austin Texas, there are certain vendors you will want to create those lasting memories that you can look back and remember your amazing day!

• Photographer – You do not want to skimp on this one. This will be your lasting memories! You want something special, intimate, and UNIQUELY YOU, then you need the right photographer. Luckily this city is stacked with some of the most talented photographers that I have ever met. Research what style you would like, and photographers that maybe already have a lot of elopement experience. Some of them even specialize in elopements and micro-weddings in Austin Texas.
• Florist – While, you may not want an elaborate archway (or maybe you do! Hey, we are creating whatever you want right?),  you may still want a bouquet of some sort and depending on if you are doing a dinner or after party, there will probably be at least some decor involved.
• Officiant – This could be a hired officiant (we have lists of those too!), a pastor, or loved one.
• Hair and Makeup 

Not sure where to start with vendors? CLICK HERE for Austin wedding vendors!

Fifth: Get legally set for your elopement and micro wedding in Austin Texas

What are the legal requirements to elope in Texas?

• You’ll need a marriage license and an officiant.

• You can get a marriage license at any county clerk’s office. There is a 72 hour waiting period and your license is good for 90 days after its issued. You can get married in any county, but the license must be returned to the county you received it in.

• You don’t need to be a Texas resident to get a marriage license in Texas. But you will need a valid ID (drivers license, passport, birth certificate) and a social security number (but not the physical card).

• A marriage license costs $70-$85 dollars depending on the county.

• An ordained minister, even ones that got ordained online, can perform the ceremony.

       

In the end, I want you to know that you have so many options for an intimate, fun, cool wedding or ceremony for your elopement or micro weddings in Austin Texas. Whether you call it a micro wedding, elopement, ceremony, or celebration, we are here for it! Let’s make it happen!

Inquire HERE to get in touch and talk about your ideas!

BONUS!
Here are some of my recommendations for elopements in Austin, TX and micro weddings:

Inn Cahoots

The Carpenter Hotel

Lovebirds

South Congress Hotel

Limestone Rooftop

Highpoint Estate

Hotel Saint Cecilia