By: Kendall Pulaski

Deciding how many people to invite to your wedding can be a daunting task. Do you invite that one family member you haven’t talked to in five years because you feel obligated? Are you scared someone will be upset because they weren’t invited? While big grand weddings can be an amazing time, there are many positives to having a small wedding or an elopement as well.

Whether it be due to Covid-19, or just because you want a more personal wedding there are many small beautiful venues in the Texas Hill Country. Here are my top 5 favorite small wedding venues that’ll guarantee to make your wedding day special and intimate.

5. Sanctuary event space

This beautiful outdoor/indoor venue is located just minutes away from Downtown Austin! Surrounded by ancient live Oak Trees, it makes for beautiful picture moments while also providing shade over your ceremony. This beautiful venue can host small intimate weddings or full ceremonies and receptions for up to 150 guests for an affordable price.

4. strawberry pines

Strawberry Pines is a beautiful venue made for smaller weddings or even elopements. The venue holds a maximum of 75 guests and also contains lodging options. Elopements start at $549 and small weddings start at $699. They even have options for mini receptions or regular receptions for an affordable amount. The venue offers multiple indoor and outdoor spaces, from the rustic barn to the gazebo over the lake. This venue is located in Poteet, TX just right outside of San Antonio. My favorite part about this venue is the gorgeous pine trees surrounding the area- which makes for amazing pictures!

Photos by: Strawberrypines.com

3. Lincoln chapel

Lincoln Chapel is perfect for anyone who wants a small outdoor venue to host their special day. This venue has a super modern feel to it for the simple, yet elegant bride. This unique space is located in Georgetown just outside of Austin and makes for the perfect place for elopements or smaller weddings. The chapel holds up to 30 guests, however with the doors open more can attend in a “standing room only” area. The beauty of the Hill Country can be seen at this venue that goes for $500 an hour and can also host “mini receptions.”

2. villa at Gruene

This absolutely stunning venue was originally designed as a winery, but now hosts small weddings and events. With a guest limit of 50, this venue guarantees for the perfect intimate day. Located in the heart of New Braunfels, the Gruene Historic District is the perfect place for your big day. The venue offers multiple ceremony and reception locations, one being covered looking out into the Vineyard making it perfect for inclement weather. This small venue makes for an affordable and gorgeous option for your special day.

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Photos by: Villaatgruene.com

1. Chapel Dulcinea

This beautiful gem located in South Austin makes for the perfect wedding day. From the beautiful Hill Country views to the affordable pricing, everything about this venue will guarantee a special day. Perfect for elopements or your closest family and friends to join, this venue sits on a cliff overlooking the beautiful hills. The most special thing about this venue is that is it known as the “free wedding chapel” for it’s inexpensive pricing. Nothing can beat the views at this venue!

Photos by: Everlastingelopements.com

Weddings continue to evolve and the traditional wedding format is seen less and less. Your wedding day is yours and how you chose to personalize it is totally up to you! Whether you have always dreamed of a huge wedding or a small one with the people closest to you, it is up to you. Smaller weddings allow for much more flexibility and creativity, with fewer expectations. The Texas Hill County is the perfect place to host your small wedding and there are many gorgeous and affordable venues to see. Make your wedding day yours!

Small Wedding Venues in the Hill Country