Top Venues for a Fall Wedding in Central Texas

In Central Texas, autumn is a perfect time to have an outdoor wedding. The summer months are typically very hot with temperatures hovering near or above 100 degrees with fairly high humidity levels. The winter months are often too cold for an outdoor wedding. Spring is definitely a great choice for mild temperatures, however rain chances are often high during the spring in Central Texas. The fall months (September, October and November) are considered “the best” months to exchange vows at an outdoor ceremony due to the mild weather which consists of lower humidity levels, temperatures and rain chances.

Considerations when searching for an autumn wedding venue:

1. Variety of Space. The first thing that should be considered when choosing a wedding venue is the variety of the space. Many couples plan for an outdoor ceremony, but what happens if it rains? Are there other options besides an outdoor ceremony under an oak tree? Perhaps there is a covered pavilion or an enclosed indoor space? Is there air conditioning if the weather is warmer than normal? Likewise, is there heat? The more options there are, the better.

2. Size. Another aspect to consider is the size of your guest list. You definitely want a space that can accommodate the size of your guest list so everyone can be comfortable.

3. Look and Style. Rustic barn type venues are so popular right now - and have been for awhile! That look and style is all the rage at the moment, however some couples don’t envision “rustic” when they say, “I Do.” Are you able to envision your dream wedding in that space?

4. Price Tag. This piece is HUGE - especially during a pandemic! What is the rental fee? What is included in that fee? What is the refund policy? Do they offer discounts for certain days of the week or months? How much is the deposit? Is any part of the deposit refundable? Do they offer a payment plan? Get ALL of the details in writing! I have heard so many horror stories from clients that had their wedding date canceled due to COVID and received zero dollars back. Please don’t let that happen to you!

5. Location. Texas is large state with thousands of gorgeous wedding venues! Which venues are conveniently located to you and the majority of your guests? Are there nearby accommodations for those guests that will be traveling to attend your wedding?

6. Equipment. Does the venue have the lighting that you desire? What about sound? After all, this is your BIG day and I’m sure you want to look beautiful and be heard.

Some of my favorite Central Texas wedding venues for a fall wedding are:

• Springfield Hall, Groesbeck - I absolutely love this venue! Not only is it beautiful, but it has so many options to make your wedding day exactly what you have dreamt! It can be rustic, but can also be classic. There is a hall complete with a full kitchen, a covered patio and a pavilion. I have seen weddings take place on the lawn, in the hall and in the pavilion. There are definitely options for inclement weather. Another reason I love this venue is that the lighting is gorgeous! It is evident that thought was put into the layout of the building. As the sun sets it fills the hall with the perfect amount of light. It’s definitely something you need to see for yourself!

• Vintage Oaks Ranch, Axtell - A venue with many decorative items available for use to make your vision come to life! Vintage Oaks Ranch is nestled within mature oak trees which provide a canopy over the outdoor ceremony area. There is a large hall which can be utilized in case there is inclement weather. The outdoor area has vintage trucks, silos, trees, etc. to use for photo opportunities as well. Any space under a canopy of trees is perfect for a fall wedding!

• The Barn, Hewitt - A charming venue for both outdoor and indoor weddings! There is plenty of room inside for a band, dancing and plenty of seating. There is also a bar area with space for drink machines and/or kegs. The outside space is stunning as The Barn sits atop a small hill with a spectacular view of the Central Texas Sunset, complete with a rustic farm truck for unique portraits.

• Wind Dancer Retreat, Bryan - This venue is stunning! It is rustic, yet elegant and unique. The landscaping of the property is beautiful and provides a variety of options for your wedding day including an outdoor wedding pavilion surrounded by large trees and the calming sound of water. There is also a rustic wedding chapel with a cedar entrance, pine interior walls and a fireplace. The colors of fall compliment this property perfectly!

• Common Grounds Waco, Waco - Common Grounds is the perfect wedding venue for those mild autumn nights when you crave coffee and other warm drinks! They have a large backyard area complete with a stage. This popular coffee shop is located near the Baylor campus. There is a parking garage nearby to accommodate all the guests’ vehicles. This venue is typically not thought of when considering wedding venues, however a coffee shop backyard is absolutely perfect for an outdoor wedding.

Gallery of Fall Wedding Venues in Central Texas

Number One Tip for Planning Your Own Wedding

“You don’t need eyes to see, you need vision.”

— unknown

With the average cost of a wedding in Texas being $30,200 it’s no wonder why so many couples are choosing to plan their own wedding to save money - especially during a pandemic. Personally I love the small, quaint weddings that I have had the pleasure of photographing this year. Most of the couples I have photographed this year had larger, more elaborate weddings planned, but instead took a step back and kept things much smaller and simpler. It’s amazing how each couple accomplished this as they all did it differently.

Jacob and Hannah

April 10, 2020 was a day that many were anxiously awaiting. This was the day that Jacob and Hannah would exchange vows in front of their family and friends. The anticipated wedding was originally going to take place at a stunning venue in Axtell, Texas, however something completely unexpected happened - COVID-19. Everyone hoped for the pandemic to be over by this date. But that did not happen. The venue cancelled, along with many of the vendors. This wedding was definitely going to happen on April 10th - no matter what!

There was a change in plans.

Jacob and Hannah had a small ceremony outdoors with their family and closest friends in attendance.

Mike and Mysti

Mysti contacted me asking if I would photograph their wedding. Of course I said I would love to! During 2019 the plan took off in many directions as they explored all the awesome venues - one was even an old caboose! At one point they decided on an elopement on a cruise trip, but Mike’s family would not be thrilled about missing their big day. As their plans changed so did their family’s plans. One of the daughter’s was going to join the navy after graduation and they definitely wanted her to be in the bridal party so they made plans for a backyard wedding in Mexia, Texas before she left for the military. But then the completely unexpected happen…COVID - 19!

Texas was suddenly under a shelter in place order and no one knew how long that would last. The days turned into weeks. The weeks turned into months. How much longer could this possibly go on?? Slowly the state began to reopen, but there were still restrictions in place. One such restriction was the amount of people in one gathering. That definitely put a damper on wedding plans!

One day Mysti messaged me and said she was so over all the planning and waiting on restrictions to lift that her and Mike decided to have a simple family wedding before her daughter left to the navy so instead of the typical wedding photograph she wanted to trash her dress. And that is exactly what we planned - complete with a cake fight (after sanitizing hands) and lots of toilet paper!

Mike and Mysti’s wedding day was definitely not what they originally planned, but they definitely created crazy memories to cherish forever!

Michael and Dana

The Fourth of July was a very hot day in Satin, Texas where Dana and Michael would exchange vows in front of their family and a few close friends at Moon River Ranch. The venue was absolutely picture perfect! The wedding was so special with all their thoughtful touches to make the entire evening about their strong relationship surrounded by the love of God and the love of their family. Many happy tears were shed, as well as lots of shared laughter.

Their pastor officiated the ceremony. Their counselor led them through braiding the three stands. Their parents sat in the front row fully supporting the union. Their children surrounded them as they were the bridal party. The ring pillow was made by Michael’s mother. Michael wore his grandfather’s bolo tie. Dana had her grandmother’s broach fastened to her bouquet. Sparklers sent the newlyweds off. Flags were waved for their love of America. But perhaps the most moving part of the entire ceremony was when the DJ played a song Michael’s daughter sang, the cover to Ocean Eyes. She could not be in attendance due to COVID travel restrictions. For that entire song, everyone just listened.

Their wedding is truly one to be remembered.

Michael and Dana had a small, intimate ceremony surrounded by family and friends. Since it was a smaller ceremony they were able to spend so much time dancing and enjoying their special day.

John and Lori

Lori and John met casually as she knew of his family and she was a Facebook suggestion of his. Due to COVID-19, their first date was at John’s father’s house. They grilled steaks and watched a movie while they started to learn more about each other. This first date, although casual, was the start of something beautiful. Eventually John proposed to Lori on a rainy day in the post office parking lost in Mexia, Texas.

The shelter in place order provided both of them with lots of time together. They were able to drive around and check cattle during the day and in the evening cuddle up on the couch to watch some television together. The soon discovered that they are each other’s Twin Flame!

John and Lori exchanged vows at Springfield Hall in Groesbeck. Their small wedding was full of classy details that were evident throughout the venue.

Antone and Sarah

I loved every bit of their wedding day, but my favorite part was the first look. Sarah really wanted to have a first look portion of the day and felt strongly that it was going to be just the two of them enjoying each other for a brief moment during their busy day. We decided that Sarah would be in the barn and Antone would be on the front step just outside the front door. Sarah would slowly push the doors open and walk up to Antone, cover his eyes and slowly turn him around so he could see her in the dress as his gorgeous bride. As she slowly spun him around and he looked at her, his eyes began to swell with tears. It was truly an emotional moment shared between the two of them.

Afterwards they moved onto family and bridal party portraits before the ceremony. This would allow them to be a part of their reception from the very beginning. These two put so much thought into the flow of the day. Everything was planned with intention.

Antone and Sarah had the largest wedding of the year at Leatherberry Oaks in Aquilla. These two focused on their guests and making sure the day flowed well to maximize the time they could spend with them.

Luis and Alena

On October 10, 2020 Alena and Luis would tie the knot and officially become Mr. and Mrs. Guzman at Springfield Hall in Groesbeck, Texas on a very warm, sunny day. The wedding was decorated in purple, lavender and white with many small touches to make the event very classy.

They had a backdrop set up for a photo booth, complete with props. They had several yard games for guests to enjoy - corn hole and connect four to name a few. Their guest book was a “Jenga Guestbook.,” in which painted blocks were written on for stacking. These two thought of so many details to make their big day truly enjoyable for all in attendance!

Luis and Alena had a small wedding at Springfield Hall in Groesbeck. They personalized so much for their big day and showed their guests just how much they appreciated them.

Number ONE Tip

As you can see, each and every one of these weddings kept things simple, yet classy and unique. No two weddings were the same, yet they were alike in one way.

Each of these couples took the time to create a vision. They had an idea of what their wedding should look like and how the day should flow. They took it a step further. They put things out and moved them around to make sure everything was perfect. They stood back and took a second look. A third look. Many more looks! Each time looking for anything that was a distraction,. They made sure that everything was in a place that made sense, flowed well and would look beautiful in the photographs.

When planning your own wedding, draw a simple map taking into account how you want the day to flow. It’s up to you to direct your guests where to go. At each area (guest book, cake, alter, etc.), step back and make a square with your fingers, imagining that you are taking a photograph. What do you see? Is it as beautiful as you envisioned? Or is there something distracting the viewer?

When in doubt, ask the professionals that you have hired…like Smith Family Photography :)

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Just the Two of Us

Sarah and Antone became Mr. and Mrs. Portillo on Saturday, September 12, 2020 at Leatherberry Oaks Weddings on a sunny day in Aquilla, Texas. The weather was so amazing - especially since Central Texas has recently had record breaking high temperatures and inches upon inches of rain!

These two are always fun to be around as they have so much love to give each other and genuinely enjoy each other’s company. During their engagement session, the love these two have for one another was contagious. They both have gorgeous smiles that can light up a room and bring a smile to all those around them. Their wedding day was full of love and support from their family and friends. Everyone enjoyed the wedding festivities!

I loved every bit of their wedding day, but my favorite part was the first look. Sarah really wanted to have a first look portion of the day and felt strongly that it was going to be just the two of them enjoying each other for a brief moment during their busy day. We decided that Sarah would be in the barn and Antone would be on the front step just outside the front door. Sarah would slowly push the doors open and walk up to Antone, cover his eyes and slowly turn him around so he could see her in the dress as his gorgeous bride. As she slowly spun him around and he looked at her, his eyes began to swell with tears. It was truly an emotional moment shared between the two of them.

Afterwards they moved onto family and bridal party portraits before the ceremony. This would allow them to be a part of their reception from the very beginning. These two put so much thought into the flow of the day. Everything was planned with intention.

I have no doubt that these two will live a life of happiness with one another. They truly put each other’s needs before their own and understand the importance of taking time for just the two of them - especially when things get busy.

Vendor Credits

Venue: Leatherberry Oaks Weddings

Florist: Texas Sun Weddings

Cake Artist: Antonieta Gonzalez

Catering: Eddie Ray’s Smokehouse

Band/DJ: Wall of Sound Productions

Make-Up Artist: La Bella Salon

Hair Artist: La Bella Salon

Bridesmaids Dresses: Kennedy Blue

Bridal Gown: Terry Costa

Groomsmen and Groom Attire: National Tuxedo Rental

Officiant: Ray Jones

Stationary/Invitations: Vista Print

Photobooth: Priceless Events

Special thanks to Kaitlyn Pagel with Kaitlyn Pagel Photography for assisting me in capturing the memories for Sarah and Antone!

True Love Story

On September 12, 2020 a fun, flirty couple will exchange vows at the beautiful Leatherberry Oaks Weddings in Aquilla, Texas. This venue prides itself on being laid back and making sure you enjoy every moment of your time. Sarah and Antone are very excited for their upcoming wedding!

Sarah and Antone met in high school and actually went to the movies for their first date. They watched Creed 2 and during the entire movie, Sarah kept messing with Antone’s electric chair as she kept finding ways to flirt with him throughout the date. Afterwards they went to Whataburger where they continued talking and getting to know each other.

Their courtship continued as they explored new places together and just enjoyed being with each other. Their relationship can be summed up in five words - fun, flirty, exciting, trustworthy and romantic.

During one such trip to Cozumel when they were in the middle of the ocean on a cruise ship, the two were enjoying a romantic dinner at sea. Antone privately asked Sarah to marry him. She was so excited and replied, “Really??” followed by, “YES!!”

Throughout their engagement they continue to grow as a couple. Their favorite date nights include Texas Roadhouse, ice cream, beer and star gazing. Sarah loves the way Antone loves her and Antone loves Sarah’s personality.

During their engagement session, the love these two have for one another was contagious. They both have gorgeous smiles that can light up a room and bring a smile to all those around them.

“When you smile the whole world stops and stares for awhile.”

— unknown