Planning a wedding can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when you’re doing it from out of state. If you’ve chosen Austin as the backdrop for your big day, you’re in for a treat. Known for its vibrant culture, delicious food, and unique charm, Austin is the perfect place to not only tie the knot but also enjoy a memorable weekend. As a photographer, my couples are always asking me for local recommendations! Whether you’re here for a whirlwind of wedding appointments or just looking to soak in the city’s atmosphere between dress fittings and catering tastings, this list will help you make the most of your time in the Live Music Capital. From stylish hotels to must-try eateries and can’t-miss activities, here’s how to spend a weekend in Austin while wedding planning.
Where to Stay
Austin has so many wonderful hotels! If you are a design lover, then do yourself a favor and enjoy time at Austin Proper Hotel, Hotel Saint Cecilia, or the Commodore Perry Estate.
If peace and quiet and a little nature is what you’re after, then I wholeheartedly recommend The Wayback or the Lake Austin Spa Resort.
If you prefer to be in the center of all the action, my top picks for downtown properties with convenient access to Ladybird Lake include The Four Seasons Austin, The LINE Hotel, and The Loren.
Where to Eat
The Austin food scene is constantly innovating and trying the new spots in town could almost be considered a hobby in and of itself. Austin recently secured a coveted spot on Food & Wine’s list of top food cities, earning the title of a “Tex Mex Paradise.” A foodie myself, I could give you recommendations in almost any category or cuisine, but here are my tried-and-true favorites.
Breakfast/Brunch:
Swedish Hill
Café No Sé
Geraldine’s
Kerbey Lane
Coffee/Smoothie:
Proud Mary’s
Codependent Coffee + Cocktails
Violet Crown Coffee & Wine
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
Juiceland
Lunch:
Nixta Taqueria
Launderette
Buenos Aires Cafe
Hank’s
Elizabeth St. Cafe
Fresa’s on South 1st
Pool Burger
Josephine House
Dinner:
Aba
Asti Trattoria
ATX Cocina
Eberly
Fonda San Miguel
Llama Kid
Loro
Tomodachi Sushi
Uchi
Uchiba
Drinks/Cocktails:
Better Half
Estelle’s
Lobby bar @ The Austin Proper
Flo’s Wine Bar
Garage Bar
Whisler’s
Equipment Room
Dessert:
Churro Co
Amy’s Ice Cream
Gordough’s Donuts
Things to Do
- Take a walk on Ladybird Lake Trail
- Go for a swim to Barton Springs (download the ATX Swim app and purchase tix in advance!)
- Blanton Museum of Art (free on Tuesdays)
- Shopping along South Congress
- The Domain (outdoor shopping mall)
- Shop for records at Waterloo
- Watch the sunset from Mount Bonnell
- Peter Pan mini golf (BYOB)
- Take a boat tour on the lake
- Get a book from Book People
- Relax at the hotel pool
- Take a yoga class at Flow Yoga
- Check out do512.com to see what events, festivals, and shows are happening in the city!
Where to Catch Live Music & Comedy
- Monk’s Jazz Club
- Elephant Room
- Stubb’s BBQ
- Comedy Mothership
- Sunset Strip
- The Hideout Theater
