Dripping Springs, the Wedding Capital of Texas: A Planning Guide
Dripping Springs is a small Hill Country town west of Austin, and it carries an official title. I'm a destination wedding photographer based in Austin, Texas, and couples often ask me about it, so here is what I can tell you from the record.
Where the title comes from
The Texas Legislature passed House Concurrent Resolution 70 in 2017, which designated Dripping Springs as the Wedding Capital of Texas. The designation is listed as being in effect until 2027. You can read the resolution yourself on the Texas Legislature's website: H.C.R. 70.
What that means for you
The title is honorary. It does not change any rules for your wedding. You still need a Texas marriage license, and the Travis County steps are covered in Getting Married in Travis County. Check which county your venue is in, since the license rules come from the county that issues it.
Planning tips
Because many couples choose the area, popular dates can book early, especially in spring and fall. Tour in person if you can, and bring the checklist I put together in Hill Country Wedding Venues Near Austin: What to Ask Before You Book.
Think about the drive
Plan how guests will get from Austin hotels and the airport. I wrote more about that in Planning a Wedding Weekend for Out of Town Guests.
Plan around the weather
Summer afternoons are hot. The National Weather Service Austin summary lists the average first 100 degree day around July 9. A late ceremony is a smart choice. See Planning a Wedding in the Texas Heat.
Photos in Dripping Springs
Ask each venue where the best portrait spots are and whether there is shade in the afternoon. Walk the grounds at the time of day you plan to marry, so you know where the light will fall.
To see my work and talk about your date, visit the galleries and send me a note on the contact page.
A planning timeline for a Dripping Springs wedding
Twelve months or more out: choose your date range and tour venues. Nine months out: book your venue, photographer, and caterer if the venue requires one. Six months out: plan guest travel and room blocks. Three months out: finalize your timeline, including sunset time for portraits. One month out: confirm every vendor, pick up your marriage license plan, and share the schedule with guests. Check each step against your venue's own rules, because they differ.
Questions couples ask
Is the title official? Yes, it comes from a Texas Legislature resolution, linked above. Does it cost more to marry there? Prices depend on the venue and the season, so ask each venue for a written quote. Is it hot? Summer afternoons can be, so plan shade and a late ceremony. Is it far from Austin? It is a drive west of the city, so plan the logistics for guests and for your vendors.
Photographer tip
If you can only visit a venue once, go around the time of day you plan to marry. You will see how the light falls on the ceremony space and where the shade is, and that helps you choose the right start time.
Ready to talk about your day?
Send me a message through the contact page with your date and location, and I will get back to you. If you want more Austin wedding and engagement ideas, follow me on social media. And if this guide helped, please share it with a friend who is planning a wedding.