Eloping in Austin: A Guide to Courthouse Elopements
Eloping in Austin is a great option if you’re looking for something simple, intentional, and flexible. Between historic architecture, a walkable downtown, and nearby green spaces, Austin makes it possible to plan a beautiful elopement day.
This guide will walk you through what eloping in Austin actually looks like, based on our experience as Austin wedding photographers! Not just where to go, but what to expect, how to plan for the logistics of your elopement, and how to approach the day in a way that feels grounded and unrushed.
Whether you imagine your day as just the two of you eloping at the courthouse with a judge, or a simple ceremony as part of a wedding day, there are many ways to plan something that fits your story. If you’re drawn to the idea of an intimate courthouse ceremony in Austin, something meaningful, and rooted in presence, this guide is meant to help you imagine what that day could feel like and make sure you have everything you need to plan your dream elopement!
Why Austin Works Beautifully for Elopements
One of the biggest advantages of eloping in Austin is how much you can do! Something that we love about Austin elopements is having so many options, so close to each other. Why does that matter? You get so much built in flexibility to your wedding day.
The historic courthouse is right in the heart of downtown.
There’s easy movement between ceremony, portraits, and post-ceremony plans.
A mix of city architecture and outdoor spaces are within minutes of each other.
On top of that, Austin’s laid-back, creative spirit lends itself beautifully to intimate elopements and weddings.
Austin Courthouse Elopement
When people talk about courthouse elopements in Austin, it’s important to clarify that there are multiple courthouses, and they feel very different from one another.
What are the different courthouse options for eloping in Austin?
Travis County Courthouse
1000 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78701
This is the official courthouse for Travis County, and a fairly busy spot since most county court business operates here. A popular and practical spot for elopements!
The Historic Old U.S. Courthouse
200 W 8th St, Austin, TX 78701
Originally a federal courthouse built in the mid-1930s, today it stands as an Austin landmark. This is our favorite! The historic courthouse room is especially a highlight for us!
The one most of our couples are drawn to is the Historic Old U.S. Courthouse in Austin.
Why We Love the Old U.S. Courthouse
From both an experience and photography perspective, the courthouse building has a lot going for it!
Fun black-and-white tiled courtroom floors.
Wooden courtroom pews.
Large windows that bring in soft, natural light.
A grand marble staircase and classic architectural details.
It feels classic and full of character, not cold or overly modern. For couples who appreciate architecture with a sense of history, the courthouse feels quietly special.
What to Expect When Eloping at the Old U.S. Courthouse in Austin
Courthouse elopements and weddings are often described as “easy,” but there are still logistics involved that can shape how the day unfolds.
Here are a few things couples should be prepared for when planning.
Appointments and paperwork still need to be coordinated ahead of time.
Timing matters more than people expect, especially in a working courthouse.
The courthouse will be active, with other couples and visitors present.
There’s usually no built-in coordinator guiding the flow.
This is where we’re able to step in as more than just photographers! Most elopements don’t include a planner or coordinator, so we’re there to help with the planning side ahead of time. We will build you a timeline of the day, help choose locations for photos, and think through how the day can flow. We then guide things as they unfold so nothing feels rushed or overwhelming for you.
From navigating the courthouse environment to knowing when to move, pause, or adjust, our role is to help the day feel steady and supported so you can stay present and enjoy your elopement!
Feel free to reach out to us with questions about your Austin elopement!
A Sample Downtown Austin Elopement Flow
Here’s what a typical downtown Austin elopement flow might look like:
Pre-ceremony portraits at a nearby outdoor location
Courthouse ceremony at the Historic Old U.S. Courthouse in Austin
Portraits inside the courthouse (hallways, courtroom, staircase)
Family or group photos on the courthouse steps
A short walk for downtown portraits
A private lunch or dinner to close out the day (we love Jeffrey’s, Clark’s Oyster Bar and Comedor)
One spot we love for pre-ceremony portraits is Lou Neff Point. It’s close to downtown and has a beautiful skyline view without feeling busy, especially earlier in the day! Because it sits just minutes from the courthouse, it works really well as a starting point before heading into downtown.
Who Austin Courthouse Elopements Are Best For
In our experience, an Austin courthouse elopement has worked especially well for couples who:
Are navigating military service or long-distance seasons
Need to plan around life transitions or timing constraints
Want to focus on the commitment rather than the production
Value a calm and intentional wedding day just the two of them
For many couples, eloping in Austin is a way to focus on the commitment itself, creating a wedding day that feels intimate and grounded.
How to Elevate a Courthouse Elopement
While courthouse elopements can be very minimal, Austin offers plenty of ways to add layers to the experience if that feels right for you!
Here are some of our favorite ideas that we talk through with eloping couples to elevate their day.
Get ready together at a family home or downtown hotel. This slows the day down and creates space for quiet moments, anticipation, and connection before heading to the courthouse. Your elopement isn’t just the ceremony. The full story of the day deserves to be documented.
Dress intentionally and romanticize the day. Putting on something special and carrying a bouquet can make the day feel more intentional and complete. You don’t need a formal florist for this. Making your own bouquet from Trader Joe’s (this one is just 5 minutes from the courthouse!) is quick and genuinely beautiful.
Portraits on a rooftop or balcony (our personal favorite is The Otis Hotel, they have a cozy rooftop fireplace + bar and beautiful sunset views! We also love P6 at the LINE and Austin Proper Hotel.)
Portraits at the Texas State Capitol building for variety, or a weather backup (see Tommy + Sophie’s photoshoot here!).
Portraits in South Congress for an iconic Austin city vibe.
Planning a private dinner at a downtown restaurant.
Ending the evening with drinks at a local bar (check out The Roosevelt Room and Powder Room) or portraits back at your hotel.
One thing to keep in mind is the need to check for any permits, fees or requirements you need to fulfill before shooting at a restaurant, bar or business! It's absolutely vital to reach out beforehand and coordinate with them to make sure everything goes smoothly when you arrive for your session. When you book your elopement with us, we are happy to coordinate these logistics for you.
None of this is required, but it’s helpful to know what’s possible so you can decide what matters most to you on your Austin elopement day!
What Couples Say About the Experience
“It was meant to be, working with Adam and Courtney, as they share the same name as myself and my now husband! Truly could not have asked for any one better to work with than these two. Due to my husband having to leave for the Army we had to expedite our wedding plans. Courtney and Adam were so amazing helping us through all of it with such short notice (literally like a week's notice!). They caught every moment of that day so perfectly and in ways I never could have imagined. I can’t stop looking through our album! I highly recommend the Shens!”
-Courtney & Adam
See more of our wedding work, like this Lake Travis wedding, where Sam + Dom had a beautiful ceremony at Saint Mary Cathedral, followed by a lakeside Airbnb reception.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eloping in Austin
What paperwork do we need to elope in Austin?
To elope in Austin, you’ll need to meet the requirements for a Texas marriage license as listed here on the Travis County Clerk’s site. You’ll have to complete a marriage license and pay the $80 license fee. Both partners apply together with valid photo ID. The license is valid for 90 days, giving you flexibility in scheduling your ceremony.
How do we schedule a ceremony at the Old U.S. Courthouse?
Ceremonies at the Historic Old U.S. Courthouse are usually done by appointment. They can, at times, offer walk-in appointments if time is available that day, but it’s best not to rely on that! Couples can schedule by contacting the courthouse directly by phone at (512) 854-9049 or email at JP5Weddings@traviscountytx.gov. Availability can vary by day and judge, so it’s best to reach out early and confirm details. If you plan to bring guests, make sure to let the courthouse know that detail as well.
When it comes to choosing a judge for your ceremony, we love to recommend Judge Nicholas Chu (nicholas.chu@traviscountytx.gov), who is so lovely to work with! Rather than it feeling purely transactional, he brings warmth to the ceremony and makes couples feel comfortable.
Can we take photos inside the courthouse?
Yes, photography is allowed inside the courthouse, including in courtrooms, hallways, and on the grand staircase. Because the building is an active courthouse, timing and awareness of the space matter. Knowing when and where to photograph and how to move respectfully through the building makes a big difference in how relaxed the experience feels, which is why we’re happy to help you plan a timeline and guide you through your elopement day!
Is there a waiting period to elope in Austin?
In most cases, Texas requires a 72-hour waiting period between receiving your marriage license and your ceremony. Some couples qualify for exemptions, including active military members or those who complete an approved premarital education course. It’s always best to confirm your specific situation when applying for your license.
Do we need a planner to elope at the Old U.S. Courthouse?
Most courthouse elopements don’t include a planner, but that doesn’t mean the day doesn’t need guidance. There are still timelines to consider, appointments to coordinate, and transitions to navigate. This is often where experienced courthouse elopement photographers step in to help couples plan, anticipate logistics, and guide the day so it feels calm and unrushed.
How early should we arrive on the day of our elopement?
We recommend arriving early to allow time for security screening, check-in, and any pre-ceremony portraits you’d like to take inside or around the courthouse. Giving yourself a little extra buffer helps the day start on a relaxed note rather than feeling hurried!
Have a question you didn’t see answered?
Visit the link to the Travis County Clerk’s site for more information on marriage licenses
and application details, or reach out to us for more info!
Planning a Courthouse Wedding in Austin?
If you’re considering eloping in Austin and want support navigating timelines, locations, and logistics (as well as beautiful photos!) we’d love to connect.
We approach elopements with a mix of documentary storytelling and thoughtful direction, letting the day unfold naturally while offering guidance when it’s needed. More than anything, we want your day to feel calm and grounded, and we’re here to support you through the planning and the day itself. We’d love to talk more about what your Austin elopement could look like!
