Planning a Wedding in the Texas Heat: A Photographer's Timeline Tips
Plenty of couples love the idea of a summer wedding in Central Texas. I'm a destination wedding photographer based in Austin, Texas, and the single most useful thing I can tell you is this: build the timeline around the temperature, not the other way around.
What the numbers say
According to the National Weather Service, the normal June high in Austin is 93 degrees with a low of 71.5. By August, normal highs are in the upper 90s and lows are in the mid 70s. The Austin climate summary lists the average first 100 degree day around July 9 and the average last one around August 21 (August 30 when you look at the last 30 years). If your date falls in that window, plan for it.
Start the ceremony late
The easiest fix is a later ceremony. A start time close to sunset keeps guests out of the hottest part of the afternoon, and it gives you the softest light for portraits. If you want more detail on how the seasons compare, I laid it out in The Best Time of Year to Get Married in Austin.
Move the portraits
Couple portraits and family formals do not have to happen at the same time as the ceremony. Consider a first look in the morning, when it is cooler, then portraits again right before sunset. Keep the middle of the day for shade, air conditioning, and a rest.
Plan shade and water
Look for venues with trees, covered patios, or an indoor option. Provide water and cold drinks at the ceremony site, and give guests fans or programs they can use. These are small things that people remember.
Know the signs of heat illness
The National Weather Service posts heat safety guidance at weather.gov. It is worth a read before an outdoor summer event. Tell your planner or a trusted friend to keep an eye on older guests, children, and anyone in the wedding party who is wearing heavy layers.
Dress for it
Light fabrics, breathable layers, and a plan for touch ups will help. Ask your hair and makeup artist what holds up in humidity. Give yourself a place to cool off between portrait locations.
Have a backup
Summer in Texas also means pop up storms. Know where your indoor option is and who decides when to move.
A sample summer timeline
Morning: getting ready and a first look in air conditioning if possible. Midday: rest, lunch, and shade. Late afternoon: guests arrive. Ceremony close to sunset. Portraits during the golden hour. Reception once the temperature has dropped.
If you are choosing a date, the cooler months give you more flexibility. I put together a look at wildflower season in Bluebonnet Engagement Photos Near Austin and fall color in Fall Color at Lost Maples.
Where I got the numbers: the National Weather Service Austin climate summary and the June climate page.
If you are planning a summer date and want to talk through the light, send me a note on the contact page.
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.