Let's say you're lucky enough to have a very flexible wedding budget...what are THE BEST places in Austin to have ceremony/reception? My style is elegant, romantic...but soft elegance, not opulent. We'd want something outside, or something that at least incorporates the outdoors as much as possible (big windows, verandas, etc). Guest number would be about a hundred.
I've searched online for the best venues, but I don't know if those results can be trusted; if these venues just pay to have their business featured or not.
Right now I'm looking hard at Barr Mansion and Nature's Point. But I'm wondering if there are other places I'm overlooking.
Thank you ladies!
Re: Best venues, if money really isn't that big an issue
But if it's that magical, maybe I should give it a second look...
Barr was not the best viewing experience when we took our parents during a gray dreary afternoon, but fortunately we had already seen it all lit up for an open house at night and it was very pretty then. I'm not too thrilled with the staff right now, at least the ones I've met.
It's true that the rental fee is JUST for the building (no furniture, sound system, nothnig!) but this wasn't a big deal for us since our caterer acts as our event coordintor and was the one-stop shopping in that regard.
They don't make you turn the music OFF at ten thirty, you just can't have it over so many decibles (can't remember what it is exactly). If that's a deal breaker for you there's not much you can do about that, but I felt that everything else there was so amazing that this didn't matter to me.
I also looked at Barr Mansion and really liked the grounds and the staff. However, I hated the fact that there was a busy road RIGHT next to the venue. I would be worried about being able to hear cars driving by during my cermony. I also wasn't thrilled with the food.
We also looked at One World Theatre. I would check that out if I were you. We were really close to choosing them, but something about Laguna stole my heart.
Sorry I've written a novel! Hope this helps somewhat.
If there were any venue comparable to Laguna Gloria I would have chosen it because I really wanted a turn key venue and this is the furthest thing from it, but everything else felt like I would be getting married on a farm or ranch and that's not the vibe I wanted.
I went to a wedding at One World and it was dark so I don't remember the venue very well, but I was not impressed.
Villa Antonia looks awesome but is too far from Austin.
The Driskill Hotel is also a popular, fancier wedding venue, but I don't think they have anything outside.
Halahh -- My caterer is Austin Catering. They are amazing! Their food is the best I've tasted, and they coordinate the entire reception for you. They are also setting up everything for my ceremony. They are the next best option to a turn-key facility, because they really take the stress out of having to find so many different vendors.
If you can get over the noise restriction, the Umlauf Sculture Gardens are also really pretty.
If the noise restriction is really a bother, I second the Lady Bird Wildflower center. It's a further drive, but it's lovely, and I don't think they have to abide by the City of Austin's noise restrictions.
TTC #1 since February 2011
BFP #1 1/14/12 EDD 9/24/12 m/c at 8w4d on 2/20/12
March 2012- Dx with PCOS, started metformin
July 2012- SA completely normal
The Winfield Inn is beautiful, if you don't mind being in Taylor.
We are getting married at Green Pastures in the heart of south Austin. The food is to DIE for and its beautiful grounds/old house built in the 1800's. Web site is old and dated, and does not do it justice, you must see.
I would also look into Vintage Villas. We recently were wed there last Sat and received compliments all night about how gorgeous the venue was and how magnificent the lake view was. Lisa was our coordinator and she was definitely one of my favorite vendors to work with throughout the wedding planning process. They provide catering, bar, and basic linens and tableware which is all included in their price.
Our photos: http://jakeholt.instaproofs.com/ (Lauren & Chris 10/25/09)
Planning Bio
Planning Bio
We've just booked Nature's Point and I couldn't be more thrilled. It suits us perfectly and the staff is the friendliest I've met...I really trust that they will make this a beautiful, fun, and stress-free event. Also, I've just been so inspired by the landscape and lay-out of the place that I've been coming up with so many ideas for colors and flowers, just in the past couple days. I can already tell that I'm going to have so much fun planning our wedding!
Best wishes to you all!