Imagine exchanging vows amidst the lush beauty of the Texas Hill Country, where cascading waterfalls meet ancient limestone cliffs. Or maybe, you’re dreaming of saying your vows amongst desert mountains. Or tying the knot at a historic beach town. No matter what you’re searching for, Texas has it. You just have to know where to look. If you could use a friend to help you plan your celebration, I would love to help you out! As an adventure elopement photographer, I adore working with couples for their perfect elopement journey. This guide will help you navigate the stunning landscapes, permits, and planning for your dream Texas elopement.
You Can Plan The Perfect Texas Elopement
When You Should Elope in Texas & How to Pick Your Date
The very first thing you need to decide when it comes to your wedding is when you want to tie the knot. When you are planning a Texas elopement, there are a few things you want to keep in mind. First off, Texas is huge and so much more diverse than many people know. Some locations are secluded and some popular destinations can be insanely busy. Another important thing to note is over 93% of Texas land is privately owned, making it a “private land state”. Which means a lot of these public locations are going to be busy, unless you know the right time to go. It is important when choosing a location for your Texas elopement, to respect private land owners and choose a public location where elopements are allowed. We’ll touch more on that later.
Find The Season In Texas For You
Now, let’s chat about the seasons. Each season is going to have its pros and cons. It’s just a matter of what works best for you!
Summer: Remember, we are in Texas, the summer is unforgiving! The summer heat starts in late May/June and last well into September. In mid summer, temperatures reach well above 90 degrees Fahrenheit by mid morning. For that reason, I don’t recommend a summer elopement. However, if summer works best for you, choose a waterfront location, hydrate well, elope at sunrise and make a day out of it by enjoying a swimming hole afterwards!
Fall: During fall, the weather starts to cool, but the days will still be warm. Late fall, the Texas Hill Country, experiences fall foliage. But it’s a little later than in other regions, with peak colors typically appearing in late October through the end of November, with mid-November being the peak. If you’re hoping for fall colors my tip is push for late fall, maybe even early December depending on the year.
Winter: Winter in Central Texas is generally mild and can make for a great time of year to elope with cooler temperatures. Since freezing weather doesn’t normally occur until January in some regions, you can enjoy cooler weather and green landscapes. North Texas and the Panhandle of Texas does see colder weather and more relentless winds than the rest of Texas. A rule of thumb is January and February are typically our coldest months.
Spring: During the spring, Texas comes to life offering a unique blend of generally mild weather, and blooming wildflowers. Spring is a beautiful time across Texas and especially in Central Texas and the Hill Country. The flowers bloom and the trees green up making it a great time for your elopement.
No matter the season, Texas has so many areas that with the right guide, you will find solitude.
Texas Elopement Locations
We’ll get deeper into the specifics of special use permits in a minute, for now lets talk about a few scenic areas of Texas. The Hill Country is a popular destination for for good reason. No matter which location in this area you visit, you can guarantee you are going to run into a lot of tourists eager to share the experience. Because many people flock to this area while the weather is nice, you’ll probably have some onlookers. Traffic tends to peak mid-day, and the weekends are the most common times to plan a visit. If you want to avoid the crowds, you will want to plan a midweek ceremony around sunrise. Yes, it’s early, but you are also going to have the most magical lighting as you trade vows.
Hill Country Locations To Consider For Your Texas Elopement:
Pedernales Falls State Park: A stunning mix of river views, limestone cliffs, and hiking trails.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area: A massive pink granite dome that offers panoramic views and a sense of ancient magic.
Hamilton Pool Preserve: A natural grotto with a stunning waterfall and emerald pool (reservations required).
Lost Maples State Natural Area: Known for its vibrant fall foliage, creating a romantic and colorful backdrop.
Garner State Park: Offers river access, scenic hiking trails, and the iconic “Old Baldy” overlook.
Guadalupe River State Park: Provides beautiful river settings, limestone bluffs, and opportunities for water activities.
Local Vineyards: Many vineyards in the Fredericksburg and Driftwood areas offer stunning backdrops and a touch of elegance.
Cave Without A Name: This venue for your elopement is truly unique. The cave offers designated areas for ceremonies, allowing for an intimate gathering of loved ones.
Colorado Bend State Park: For couples wanting absolute privacy, hiking to less traveled areas is recommended and this park has plenty of areas that offer just that.
West Texas Locations To Consider For Your Texas Elopement:
Big Bend National Park: A crown jewel of West Texas, offering diverse landscapes and unparalleled beauty.
Big Bend Ranch State Park: A vast wilderness area with canyons, mountains, and the Rio Grande.
Marfa: A quirky art town with stunning desert landscapes and unique photo opportunities.
Davis Mountains State Park: Offers scenic drives, hiking trails, and panoramic views.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park: Home to Texas’s highest peak and stunning canyons.
Monahans Sandhills State Park: A surreal landscape of towering sand dunes.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park: The second largest canyon in the U.S. This park offers stunning red rock formations and canyons for an adventurous elopement.
South Texas Locations To Consider For Your Texas Elopement:
Padre Island National Seashore: Offers pristine beaches, dunes, and stunning sunsets.
Mustang Island State Park: Provides a beautiful coastal setting with opportunities for beach ceremonies.
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge: A haven for birdwatching and wildlife enthusiasts, with scenic trails and overlooks.
Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens: Offers a variety of gardens and natural settings for intimate ceremonies.
Galveston: Eloping in Galveston, offers a unique blend of coastal charm, historic elegance, and relaxed vibes, making it an ideal destination for couples seeking an intimate and memorable ceremony.
La Sal del Rey: A stunning salt lake located in the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge, offers an unconventional and truly unique elopement destination. This otherworldly landscape, with its shimmering salt flats and stark beauty, provides a backdrop unlike any other for your intimate ceremony.
Permits and Licenses
For your Texas elopement, you will need two things: a Texas wedding license and a Special use permit. To get a marriage license in Texas, you must apply in person at a county clerk’s office. You must meet certain age requirements, provide valid identification, and pay a fee. There is a 72-hour waiting period after receiving the license before the marriage ceremony can take place. The waiting period can be waived for members of the armed forces or if the couple has completed a premarital education course. You can purchase a marriage license in any county in Texas and get married in any other county in Texas. You must get married within 90 days of the date the license was issued
State Park-Specific Regulations:
- Each park, even within the same system, may have its own specific rules and regulations regarding special use permits.
- It’s essential to contact the specific park you’re interested in directly.
State Parks require a Special Use Permit for elopements. It’s crucial to apply well in advance through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Be sure to apply sooner rather than later to reserve your spot! Remember, reserving a special use permit does not mean you will have the park to yourself.
National Park-Specific Regulations:
For the NPS, you must complete a Special Use Permit application specifying the date, time, location, and guests. You will also need to specify two backup locations. Be sure to apply sooner rather than later to reserve your spot! Once you send it in, follow up with a phone call so they can have the application in hand while giving you your permit.
All weddings, elopements, and vow renewals, regardless of the size of the group, require a Special Use Permit issued by the NPS. Couples must first submit a complete application that includes all pertinent details of the proposed ceremony. Upon review, the NPS then determines whether the proposed activity will not cause derogation of the park’s resources or values, unduly impact other park visitors, and aligns with the purposes for which the park was established.
Private Property:
Always obtain written land owner consent if you have found a private destination to elope and please do not trespass.
No matter where you choose to elope, remember to leave no trace, and pack out anything you pack in.
What to Wear
Now comes the fun part: what to wear! While elopements give you tons of options for your outfit, it never hurts to prioritize comfort and function. Long, flowy dresses are ideal for brides, while casual suits work well for grooms. I would opt for breathable fabrics since you’ll be moving around a ton. Oh, and don’t forget the footwear! If you are hiking to your destination, wear practical shoes. Remember, you can always change your footwear once you arrive at your location.
Enjoy The Surrounding Hill Country Cities
Texas is full of hidden gems and popular cities. When planning your elopement, I recommend you look into enjoying the full experience and staying in a small local town. The Texas Hill Country is dotted with charming small towns, each offering its own unique flavor and attractions. If you’re looking to explore beyond the well-known destinations, here are a few unique small towns that deserve a visit:
Gruene: Gruene is like stepping back in time. This tiny historic district is known for Gruene Hall, Texas’s oldest continually operating dance hall. The atmosphere is laid-back and authentic, with antique shops and the Gristmill Restaurant offering riverside dining. It’s a great place for live music, river activities, and a glimpse into Texas history.
Llano: Llano is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The Llano River offers opportunities for fishing and kayaking, and the surrounding landscape is perfect for hiking. In springtime, the bluebonnet fields near Llano are a sight to behold. Llano maintains a genuine small-town atmosphere, with local shops and restaurants offering a taste of Texas hospitality.
Blanco: Blanco is known as the “Lavender Capital of Texas,” and during the lavender blooming season, the fields are a fragrant and colorful spectacle. The town square has a classic Texas feel, with a historic courthouse and local shops.
Boerne: Nearby attractions include the Cave Without a Name, a stunning underground cave system to explore or elope in! Boerne’s “Hill Country Mile” is a charming stretch of Main Street filled with boutiques, antique shops, and restaurants. The town has a distinct German heritage, reflected in its architecture and cuisine.
Enjoy The Unique and Quirky West Texas Cities
Marfa: Known for its minimalist art scene, thanks to Donald Judd’s Chinati Foundation. Marfa is a hub for artists and creatives, with numerous galleries and installations. Famous for the mysterious “Marfa Lights”, I saw them while in the area for an elopement, ask me all about it while we plan your west Texas elopement!
Terlingua: My personal favorite when we’re in the area! A former mercury mining town, now a “ghost town” with a bohemian vibe, located near Big Bend National Park. This eclectic town offers a rugged, off-the-grid experience.
Fort Davis: Surrounded by the Davis Mountains, providing scenic hiking and outdoor activities. Home to the well-preserved Fort Davis National Historic Site, offering a blend of history and natural beauty.
Marathon: Home to the historic Gage Hotel, a landmark of the region. This Big Bend gateway town offers a quiet, relaxed atmosphere with a touch of Old West charm.
Balmorhea: Home to Balmorhea State Park, the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool. This state park is a desert oasis offering a refreshing escape from the West Texas heat.
How Much Does Eloping In Texas Cost?
With elopements, you can get a lot of freedom when it comes to costs. Here’s what you will need to pay:
- Special Use Permit (Varys depending on location)
- Texas Wedding License: $60
- Entrance Fee (Varys depending on location)
From there, you will need to factor in lodging, food, transportation, florals, outfits, and an officiant.
Hiring a Texas Elopement Photographer
One of the first things you will need to decide for your wedding is your photographer. Not only do you want to reserve your space with them, but you also need to tell the park while you fill out your application. My advice? Be sure to budget for a photographer who knows how to capture the splendor of the park while letting you remain the star of the show. Remember, this is a moment you’ll want to carry with you for the rest of your life. Think of a photographer as an investment! As an adventure wedding photographer, I adore partnering with couples to give them gorgeous pictures that will help them treasure this moment forever. I would love to sit down and tell you about my elopement options so you can decide if I’m the one.
I Hope You Found All You Need To Know For Your Dream Texas Elopement
Hopefully, this guide helps as you plan your Texas elopement. If you would like to learn more about my adventure elopements, send me a message! Let’s chat so you can decide if I’m lucky enough to help you celebrate!
