Your elopement or wedding doesn’t have to be in a huge venue surrounded by people you barely know. Get away and tie the knot in seclusion. Make the day about you and your lover (and those closest to if you’d like) and spend the time growing closer to the one that you’ll share the rest of your life with. As an Texas elopement photographer based in Austin, I’m here to join your adventure, follow you into beautiful isolation and document the beginning of your journey. These 5 places are some of the most gorgeous places to see, all without leaving Texas, or come down and visit to see what the Lone Star State has to offer.

1) Palo Duro Canyon

The second largest canyon in the US is also one of the most scenic. With a base of red rock and bands of yellow, orange, maroon, and white representing more than 240 million years of history, nothing says “adventure!” like a trek down this amazing place. Starting your journey through life with a trip to one of nature’s fantastic monuments will cement your love as strong as the surrounding sediment. Whether you want to stop by for a day of looks, camp out for the week, travel by horseback with a guide or even go the max with the new luxury camps, Palo Duro has just the amount of daring you can take…and maybe a little more.

2) Texas Hill Country

A massive region of Texas with a just as much history, Texas Hill Country is well known for the widespread blooming of the Bluebonnet in the spring. However, the state flower isn’t the only attraction here. There are a number of wineries and historical attractions stemming from the mix of German and Spanish cultures in the area. Along with the rich history are the myriad of caverns to explore, the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area with miles of scenic view from the peak and numerous rivers and lakes for swimming and hiking along. If you want an undisturbed getaway, surrounded by nature, under the stars, Texas Hill Country provides a quiet backdrop for your elopement photography and getaway.

3) Cattail Falls

An amazing place to visit with a beautiful backdrop, Cattail Falls is an 80-foot waterfall with an trail leading to and from this natural monument. Surrounding the falls is a wave of color from the yellow long spur columbine, green stream orchid and red cedar sage flowers. There is also a variety of trail environment whether it be stony slopes, scenic woodland and flatland spotted with unique vegetation. Another adventurous area, Cattail Falls is a reasonable hike making for a wonderful day with a great drive outdoors on the edge of the Big Bend National Park. Located as close to the middle of nowhere as you can get, just on the border of Mexico, Cattail Falls is a nice spot for a day of isolation with your lover, and maybe your closest friends, to get away from it all and spend some time in an area mostly untouched by humans.

4) McGee Beach

In the coastal city of Corpus Christi, there is plenty of shoreline to tie the knot. On a clear day, the bright waters of McGee Beach overlooking the gulf can’t be beat. After the ceremony, you could easily wade back into town for some celebratory drinks and food right after. Thanks to a very lax parks and recreation supervisor, if McGee Beach doesn’t suit you, any park in Corpus Christi is open to wedding and elopement ceremonies with no special permits required. This means that miles of beach on Padre Island (as well both Corpus Christi and Oso Bay) are open for you and your significant other to do your thing and go for a dip. Think of it as an island getaway, all without leaving the wonderful state of Texas!

5) Fort Worth Botanical Gardens

Looking for a quiet place that’s outdoors but also houses some amazing flowers? The FW Botanical Garden could be the place for you. This is a small venue with some amazing flowers that are rare and stunning alike, along with some huge collections of some popular plants like roses, sunflowers and mint. There are over 10 unique styles of garden including the popular Rose and Japanese gardens and 14 venues specifically for elopements weddings spread out across the entire 117 acre property. On top of the gardens, there are rock springs, a boardwalk and many scenic bridges that could be the perfect backdrop to your ceremony. There aren’t many better places to elope in Texas with a photographer than a walk through flowers that are as beautiful as your love for one another!

This isn’t a be all end all list. Contact me, a professional Texas Elopement Photographer, and we can brainstorm ideas for your escape, no matter how wild or mild it might be.