So, you’ve decided to throw tradition out the window and elope! I LOVE IT! Texas wedding tradition can be overwhelming and stressful – why would you want the happiest day of your life filled with stress and anxiety? But now there’s the looming question: Where the heck do we elope in Texas?! Well, Texas has the best places to elope!
Contrary to popular belief, Texas is a BEAUTIFUL state to elope in. You don’t have to travel to Colorado, the PNW, or somewhere international for breathtaking views. Texas is unique because there is something for everyone – hiking, beaches, cityscapes, sand dunes, magical forests, and quite literally everything in between.
To help you narrow down your vast array of options, here is a list of some of my favorite elopement spots from all over Texas that fits any couples’ vibe! Here are the best places to elope in Texas —
Hiking & Adventure
Oh hey adventure bugs! Are you a “crunchy” couple looking for an adventurous elopement? This list is full of my favorite hiking, camping, glamping, and outdoors-y locations to elope!
Big Bend
This national park has some of the best hikes and views, you wouldn’t believe it’s in Texas! Plan a whole adventure hiking around the park, local towns, and camping sites (and get hitched!) In my opinion, this is the one of the best places to elope in Texas!
Palo Duro Canyon
Want a desert paradise in-state? Palo Duro is one of my FAVORITE spots! With easy trail hikes to incredible views, small venue options, and small towns to explore, your dream adventuring elopement can happen here!
Monahans Sandhills State Park
One of my favorite Texas hidden gems are these sand dunes! Camp, hike, and explore the “sandscapes” that give your elopement that WOW factor.
Garner State Park
Locals love Garner! Float on the river, go two-stepping, and get some rest under the beautiful trees of Hill Country Texas.
Enchanted Rock
Just 1.5 hours outside of Austin, Enchanted Rock is one of the best spots in Texas for that classic adventure elopement! Do a moderate hike to the top, lay out a romantic picnic, and watch the sunset glow over the Hill Country landscape.
Pedernales Falls State Park
Another park about an hour outside Austin is Pedernales Falls! This park has unique natural springs and flat rocks that make for a standout elopement experience.
McKinney Falls
Another Austin hit is McKinney Falls. Nestled in the bustling city, retreat away to the beauty of nature with trees, rock formations, waterfalls, and plenty of picnic spots. Hike at sunrise or sunset on a weekday to avoid the crowds!
Cities & Courthouses
Are you envisioning the aesthetic of the city and want to look ultra classy for your elopement? Here are some ideas for cities and courthouses to look into!
1910 Courthouse in Houston
Near the Houston area and looking for elegance? The 1910 Courthouse features a beautiful modern marble interior and classic architecture exterior. Elope inside or outside the courthouse with access to just about any space!
Travis County Courthouse in Austin
Austin peeps, you’ve got a great one. The Travis County Courthouse looks straight out of New York City, but on your budget! Get married by one of the coolest Judges around and take editorial style photos right outside!
Dallas Arboretum
Want some natural touches to a classy & elegant vibe? One of my FAVORITE spots in Dallas is the Arboretum. You do have to reserve space to hold a ceremony, but the incredible landscaping and vast choice of locations within the gardens is so worth it.
Beach & Coastal
Want the coastal vibe without traveling across states? These locations are perfect!
Rockledge Park in Dallas
When I first saw this park, I thought “That’s in Texas?!” Yup, in Dallas! If you’re feeling coastal but don’t want to travel the mileage, set up an elopement here with the same vibes as the California tides.
Rockport Beach
Galveston is another great place to elope on the beach. If you time your elopement just right, you’ll avoid the crowds!
South Padre Island
South Padre boasts the best beaches in Texas. The island is full of activities and beach houses to host a full elopement weekend, or pop over for a ceremony with your toes in the sand.
Venues
Is nothing above speaking to you? Want to feel more like you’re hosting a small party with family and friends? See my list of hotels, and venues for intimate weddings and elopements!
Sekrit Theater
One of the most unique places in Texas, Sekrit Theater is favorite for those looking for a greenhouse or garden inspired elopement. Reserve the theater for a fee and bring your guests!
The Oak Atelier
Imagine feeling a luxurious glow in the afternoon light after exchanging vows in front of your closest friends and family. At the Oak Atelier located outside of Houston elope at a gorgeous white and glass event space that holds up to 50 guests.
Astin Mansion
Located in Bryan, this estate will take your breath away. Settled in the historic Downtown Bryan, elope with an elegant backdrop of this vintage and classic mansion before spending time with your special people.
Hotel Havana in San Antonio
The River Walk in San Antonio is a classic spot for a Texas “Stay-cation”, but even more so for elopements! With a plethora of activities, like renting an all-glass boat, and THIS bold & vintage hotel, this *underrated* elopement location will feel like a unique experience just for y’all 😉
Chapel Dulceina in Austin
One of the most budget friendly options in Texas is Chapel Dulceina – a Spanish-style covered outdoor chapel with some stunning, rolling hills views! Reserve the hillside chapel during a week day for free with guests or just you two.
AirBNBs
Not into the whole “out and about” vibe? Want a secluded and romantic getaway with your elopement? Something unique to you? Check out some of the most picturesque, private properties in Texas!
The Butterfly Cottage
Pictured above, this super cool AirBNB is nestled in Bastrop in a completely secluded forrest. Spend the weekend relaxing, get married right on the grounds, and explore!
Ryders Treehouse
One of two treehouses on this list – this one is in Baird! While on the smaller side, get beautiful Texas plains views with a spiral staircase and fire pit outside (and who could pass up complimentary wine?!)
The Naturalist Boudoir
This cozy retreat is a modern wooded lodge in Lumberton with one of the coolest indoor stone baths to relax in. Even though there are many variations of the cabin to choose from, any of these lodges would be a perfect getaway and backdrop for your ceremony.
Sycamore Treehouse at HoneyTree Farm
Think modern and contemporary mixed together! This “treehome” has the beautiful scenery and modern touches to host a picture-perfect elopement and retreat weekend. Located outside Fredericksburg, you have the option to easily pop into town for a famous wine tasting tour or german cuisine!
Willow Springs Cabin
Feel the warmth of nature and relax in an outdoor tub under the stars. The Willow Springs Cabin is located outside Sam Houston National Forrest in a private cove with a pond. With plenty to do in the area (trail hikes and amazing restaurants), get an activities booklet from the hosts to plan your perfect stay! Book for the weekend or rent just for the night!
So there you have it! These are the best places to elope in Texas based on my recommendations!
Need help planning your elopement? I GOT YOU!
Hi, I’m Brooke, a Texas-native elopement photographer ready to help you ease the stress of elopement planning by being an all-inclusive planner and resource during the whole process — who also captures every moment of your day!
