Looking for a wedding venue Central Texas has to offer that isn’t just another barn with fairy lights? Same. ✨
We’ve been in the wedding industry for years, and trust us—we’ve seen our share of “rustic-ish” spaces. This part of Texas does so much better. 😉
Between Austin’s energy, Wimberley’s calm, and Driftwood’s design scene, Central Texas is quietly redefining what Southern weddings can look like.
Choosing a Wedding Venue Central Texas Brides Are Loving in 2026
That mix of modern edge and Hill Country calm? It’s kind of our thing here.
Central Texas stretches from the buzz of downtown Austin to the wildflower trails of Wimberley and the oak-lined backroads of Driftwood—and every pocket has its own personality.
In Austin, you’ll find rooftop views, chic hotels, and endless photo ops that keep the weekend lively. Wimberley feels slower—think rivers, art markets, and sunset picnics.
Then there’s Driftwood, where design-forward venues like ours strike a balance between elegance and ease. It’s close enough to the city for convenience, yet far enough to feel like a true escape.
No matter which town pulls you in, Central Texas weddings share one thing: effortless beauty that doesn’t need filters or heavy décor to shine. ♡
Stonehouse Villa
15110 Ranch to Market Rd 150, Driftwood, TX 78619
Up to 200 Guests • Design-Forward Hill Country Estate
Just outside Dripping Springs and about 30 minutes from South Austin, Stonehouse Villa blends natural Texas Hill Country beauty with interiors that already feel styled.
Oak-shaded ceremonies, chandelier-lit receptions, and a draped cocktail pavilion make the day flow effortlessly.
With curated furniture, soft lighting, and photo-ready suites upstairs, it’s a venue that feels equal parts relaxed and refined—modern elegance without the stress. ✨
Barr Mansion, Ballroom & Farmstead
10463 Sprinkle Rd, Austin, TX 78754
Up to 350 Guests • Historic Garden Estate
A Victorian homestead turned luxury event space, Barr Mansion pairs historic architecture with lush organic gardens and farm-to-table catering.
The Arlo
10700 Signal Hill Rd, Austin, TX 78737
Up to 50-250 Guests • Modern Ballroom Venue
The Arlo is sleek, spacious, and effortlessly elevated—think towering ceilings, clean lines, and natural light that flatters every photo.
The Vineyards at Chappel Lodge
1215 Chappell Ln, Austin, TX 78748
Up to 225 Guests • Outdoor Vineyard Venue
This vineyard-style property offers wide-open landscapes, oak trees, and romantic courtyard lighting only minutes from the city.
Explore More Central Texas Wedding Venues
- Camp Lucy | 3509 Creek Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
- Mae’s Ridge | 18101 Farm to Market Rd 1826, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
- The Addison Grove | 11903 Fitzhugh Rd, Austin, TX 78736
- Ranch Austin | 10313 Circle Dr, Austin, TX 78736
- The Driskill Hotel | 604 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701
- Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa | 9800 Hyatt Resort Dr, San Antonio, TX 78251
- 4 North Event Center | 907 N. Main St, Waco, TX 76708
- Prairie Chapel Place | 2011 Prairie Chapel Rd, Crawford, TX 76638
- Gathering Oaks Retreat | 316 Canyon Oaks Rd, Crawford, TX 76638
- The Inn on the Creek | 602 Center Cir, Salado, TX 76571
Each one offers its own kind of magic—but if you’re after a space that already feels styled, with that signature Hill Country warmth and effortless flow, Stonehouse Villa is worth a tour.
Next, let’s talk about how to plan your Central Texas celebration—guest counts, seasons, and all the little details that make the day come together beautifully.
Planning Your Wedding, Central Texas Style
Everything’s bigger in the Lone Star State ☆—except your stress levels if you plan it right.
Central Texas weddings have this easy charm: a mix of wildflower fields, breezy patios, and dance floors that somehow stay packed all night.
It’s where laid-back meets luxury, and no one’s afraid to swap heels for boots by the last song.
The secret? Focus on the essentials—guest count, venue flow, and timing—and let the rest unfold naturally (preferably with a glass of Texas wine or a craft margarita in hand).
Here’s how to start planning your day, Central Texas style. 🍸♡
Where to Start: Guest Count Comes First
Before you fall down the Pinterest rabbit hole, get real about your guest list.
Texas venues range from intimate courtyards to sprawling resorts, and your headcount shapes everything—layout, catering, budget, and vibe.
At Stonehouse Villa, we’ve seen 80-guest weddings feel cozy and elegant, and 200-guest parties still flow like a dream.
Once you know your number, the rest starts to click—especially when your ceremony and reception happen all in one spot.
Keep the Flow: Ceremony + Reception in One Place
Nothing kills the mood faster than shuttling guests across town in triple-digit heat.
Choosing a venue where every part of your day connects—ceremony, cocktails, and reception—keeps things effortless (and keeps Grandma out of the parking lot). 🌸
“Having both the ceremony and reception in one place was so convenient for us and our guests, and it allowed the day to flow seamlessly.” —Jaclyn W., Stonehouse Villa Bride
Our oak-shaded lawn, draped cocktail pavilion, and chandelier-lit hall are all steps apart. It’s that seamless flow that makes Texas weddings feel relaxed but still refined.
Decor? Already Handled.
One of our favorite things about planning a wedding venue Central Texas couples adore is skipping the “how do we fix this space?” panic.
2026 Wedding Décor Trends We’re Loving:
- Chrome & Silver Accents: Sleek, reflective metals replacing gold for a cooler, modern tone
- Monochrome Florals: Think tonal bouquets and green-on-green centerpieces
- Sculptural Cakes: Art-inspired forms that double as reception décor
- Editorial Lighting: Statement chandeliers, glowing orbs, & candle clusters for a cinematic feel
- Personalized Details: Custom signage, embroidered linens, or signature scents
Stonehouse Villa is already styled with layered textures, curated furniture, and lighting that flatters every floral palette.
“One of my biggest priorities was finding a venue that was already beautiful, so I wouldn’t have to allocate a huge part of our budget to decorations. Stonehouse Villa exceeded my expectations in this regard. The indoor reception hall is equally breathtaking, with stylish and thoughtful design throughout.” —Julia E., Stonehouse Villa Bride
Think of it as your design starting line—elevated, neutral, and photo-ready from the moment you arrive.
Getting Ready in Style
Pre-ceremony chaos looks a lot better when the space feels calm.
Our two upstairs suites were built for those pre-aisle moments—soft lighting, private restrooms, full-length mirrors, and plenty of room to sip champagne with your crew. 🍾
Matching robes and playlists or quiet reflection before the first look? Your “getting ready” hours deserve just as much intentionality as the rest of the day.
Guest Accommodations Made Easy
Here’s the truth about Central Texas weddings: your guests will thank you if their hotel isn’t 45 minutes away on a winding road.
Luckily, Hill Country is full of stylish stays.
Favorites near Driftwood + Dripping Springs:
- Sage Hill Inn & Spa – Upscale resort vibes + panoramic views
- Hotel Viata – European-inspired boutique stay in West Austin
- Local Airbnbs & Vineyard Casitas – Perfect for wedding parties
Block rooms early, especially for spring and fall dates—those fill up fast. 🍂
Things to Do: Turn It Into a Wedding Weekend
Between Austin, Driftwood, and Wimberley, there’s no shortage of things to do before and after the big day.
Start with the classics—Jester King Brewery for local craft beer, Salt Lick BBQ for legendary brisket, and Duchman Family Winery for wine tastings among the vines.
In nearby Dripping Springs, you’ll find charming restaurants, cozy coffee shops, and plenty of photo-worthy corners.
Other local favorites worth adding to your itinerary:
- Hamilton Pool Preserve – a natural grotto that feels straight out of a travel magazine
- Pedernales Falls State Park – waterfall hikes and panoramic Hill Country views
- Downtown Wimberley – art galleries, local shops, and the famous Blue Hole Regional Park
- Dripping Springs Farmers Market – artisan goods, live music, and small-town charm
- Texas Hill Country Olive Co. – tastings, tours, and beautiful outdoor patios for a relaxed afternoon
- Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery – cocktails, live music, and a laid-back Hill Country vibe
- Mercer Dancehall – local country tunes, cold drinks, and a classic two-step night out
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center – a stunning stop for garden lovers & photographers alike
- Wimberley Zipline Adventures – if your guests are the thrill-seeking type
- Twisted X Brewing Co. – craft beers and food trucks just down the road in Dripping Springs
We even created a custom map of things to do near Stonehouse Villa to make planning easier—from wineries and breweries to hiking trails, coffee shops, and cozy stays.
It’s a guide your guests will love using to turn your wedding into a mini Hill Country getaway. ♡
And if you or your guests want to extend the trip, it’s an easy drive to Dallas, San Antonio, or Houston, with plenty of scenic routes and charming pit stops along the way.
You can even head toward East Texas for a completely different view of the Lone Star State—all part of the beauty of hosting your wedding right in the heart of Central Texas.
Seasons in the Hill Country
The weather here is part of the charm, but it helps to know what you’re walking into.
Season | Temp (°F) | Vibe |
Spring (Mar–May) | 70–85 | Wildflowers, breezy days, pastel palettes |
Summer (Jun–Aug) | 90–100 | Long sunsets, golden light, starry nights |
Fall (Sep–Nov) | 70–85 | Crisp air, warm tones, peak Hill Country color |
Winter (Dec–Feb) | 50–65 | Cozy indoor vibes, candlelight dinners |
No matter the season, venues like Stonehouse Villa make it easy with indoor lounges, shaded decks, and A/C that keeps everyone cool when Texas decides to show off.
Timeline: When to Plan + Book
Central Texas venues book fast—especially Driftwood and Dripping Springs. 🌷
Here’s a simple guide:
- 12–18 months out: Tour venues, book your date, lock in your planner.
- 9–12 months out: Secure key vendors (photographer, florist, caterer).
- 6 months out: Send save-the-dates and book guest lodging.
- 3 months out: Finalize menu, rentals, and floor plan.
- 1 month out: Confirm timeline, vendor arrivals, and song lists.
Booking early gives you your pick of prime weather weekends and vendor availability, and our in-house coordination options make planning feel effortless from start to finish.
FAQs People Also Ask
What is the average cost of a wedding venue in Texas?
Nationwide, the average venue costs about $12,200, according to The Knot’s 2025 Real Weddings Study on theknot.com.
In Central Texas, prices typically range between $6,000 and $12,000, depending on location and amenities.
Design-forward properties like Stonehouse Villa in Driftwood fall within that mid-to-premium range because the interiors and flow are already styled—no rental scramble needed.
Is $5,000 a good budget for a wedding venue?
It can be, especially for weekday or off-season weddings.
Zola’s 2025 Wedding Trends Report on zola.com found that couples hosting smaller gatherings or Friday events often spend around $4,000–$6,000 on their venue, while Saturday celebrations in Central Texas average closer to $8,000–$10,000.
What is the cheapest month to get married in Texas?
The Knot’s 2025 Seasonal Study on theknot.com reports that January, February, November, and December are the most budget-friendly wedding months.
Spring and fall remain peak season across Central Texas, meaning venues book up faster and prices trend higher during March–May and September–November. 🍁
What is a realistic budget for a 100-person wedding?
According to Zola’s 2025 Wedding Cost Forecast on zola.com, a realistic range for a 100-guest wedding in Texas is $25,000–$35,000.
This includes your venue, catering, décor, and photography. Many couples lower costs by choosing BYO-alcohol venues that allow certified bartenders, like Stonehouse Villa.
What is the 30–5 minute rule for weddings?
The 30–5 rule means your ceremony should start roughly 30 minutes after the time listed on your invitation, and you should arrive 5 minutes before to reset and breathe.
It’s a planner-approved trick that keeps timelines running smoothly (and keeps stress at bay).
Can we use the venue for engagement photos?
Absolutely! Once you’ve booked your date, the property is yours to enjoy for portraits, too.
Couples love using the oak lawn and stone staircase for engagement or bridal sessions—it’s the perfect preview of your wedding day vibe.
Just coordinate a time with our team, and we’ll make sure everything’s photo-ready.
What’s included in the venue rental fee?
Pretty much everything you need for a stress-free wedding day.
You’ll get exclusive 12-hour access to the entire property—ceremony site, cocktail deck, reception hall, and our upstairs suites for getting ready.
We also handle your setup, breakdown, floor plan, tables, chairs, private parking, and cleaning, so all you have to do is show up and celebrate.
Is there parking on-site?
Yes, and plenty of it. Our private parking area keeps guest arrival simple and smooth—no shuttle chaos, no long walks in heels.
Vendors appreciate it, too (especially your floral and catering teams). 🌿
How do I book Stonehouse Villa for my wedding?
Start by downloading our guide and reaching out through our contact page to check available dates.
From there, we’ll help you schedule a private tour—because once you see the oak grove, chandelier-lit hall, and styled interiors in person, you’ll understand why so many couples say “this is the one.”
Your 2026 Texas Wedding Starts Here (in Driftwood!) ♡
When you picture your 2026 wedding, you’re probably dreaming of something that feels personal, intentional, and just a little bit magical.
That’s exactly what the best wedding venues in Texas do—and what Stonehouse Villa was built for. ☁️
Tucked in the heart of Driftwood, just outside Dripping Springs, our venue blends Hill Country charm with modern design—oak-shaded ceremonies, chandelier-lit receptions, and interiors that look effortlessly styled the moment you walk in.
No décor panic. No cookie-cutter vibes. Just a space that feels as good as it looks.
We host up to 200 guests, including 12 hours of private access, and offer flexible coordination options to make planning seamless from first look to last dance.
Book your 2026 date at Stonehouse Villa and let’s make it unforgettable. ✨
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