Austin Country Club Weddings

Austin Country Club has a way of making everything feel important, but not overstated. The views are quiet, the rooms are calm, and for the couples who choose to get married here, there’s a strong sense of purpose behind that choice. I’ve worked here many times, and it never feels routine. There’s always something that catches me, even if it’s just how still the water looks at the end of the night. That’s when you know a place is doing its job well. I’ve photographed more than 20 weddings here, and I keep coming back for a reason. It’s private, scenic, and feels like a part of Austin’s history. If you’re a couple who values family, tradition, and great food, this place might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Why Couples Choose Austin Country Club

Austin Country Club was founded in 1899, making it one of the oldest country clubs in Texas. It’s rooted in tradition, but not in a way that feels stiff. The club’s long history includes a deep connection to Harvey Penick, one of the most respected teachers in golf, whose legacy still shapes the experience here. The club sits on over 180 acres in Davenport Ranch, about ten miles west of downtown Austin, with views of the Colorado River and the Pennybacker Bridge. While the golf course often takes center stage, the service and care offered here are what stand out most on a wedding day. It’s a private, family-focused club where things run smoothly and guests are treated well. That tone carries through every part of the event.

Austin Country Club sits along Lake Austin with one of the best views in the city. The ceremony lawn faces the golf course and is framed by tall, mature trees, which gives a quiet, open feeling that makes it easy to focus on the moment. Inside, the reception space is classic and polished. It’s a venue that feels grounded. It’s known. And for a lot of my couples, that’s part of what makes it special.

Ceremony and Reception Spaces

Ceremonies usually happen on the back lawn. The view is great, but the timing matters. If it’s scheduled too early in the day, the sun can be intense. It’s important to time it with the sunset so the light is soft and flattering, especially under the open sky.

Receptions are held in the main ballroom. It’s a traditional space with a clean layout and large windows. Chef Bob Burns leads the kitchen, and the food is always thoughtful and well done. Your guests will be taken care of.

Photography Highlights

After photographing here for years, I know what works. Here are a few favorite spots:

• View of Pennyback Bridge: Out on the golf course green near the 360 Bridge, the view is wide and peaceful. It’s a great place for portraits with just the two of you. I often use my drone here to capture the scene from above. It’s ideal for portraits with just the two of you. I like to use the drone here too.
• Up on the hill by the cart path: There’s a spot with long grass and lake views that feels far away, almost like Italy.
• The Riverside Room: Often used as the getting-ready space, has charcoal walls and a large window that fills the space with soft, clean light. It’s a quiet setting, and I often photograph the bride getting into her gown here. These moments are usually meaningful, especially for a mother or a sister. The space allows for classic, editorial-style portraits that feel natural and composed.

One thing to know: group photos are limited to the event spaces. The staircase at the Events Porte Cochere if great for large wedding parties and extended families. The golf course is reserved exclusively for the bride and groom and requires an escort from one of the event staff. But it’s often a fun little adventure with everyone hopping in the golf cart together.

What to Keep in Mind

• The ceremony lawn gets bright, so plan your timeline with light in mind
• Spring availability has improved since the PGA tournament moved to Omni Barton Creek
• You don’t have to be a member, but a sponsor is needed. The events team can help with that
• Most of the city’s legacy vendors work here often, and the coordination is smooth

Frequently Asked Questions (Interview with the Events Staff)

1. What is the guest capacity for indoor vs. outdoor events?

We can host wedding ceremonies on our Terrace Lawn overlooking the golf course for up to 250 seated guests. Our ballroom comfortably can hold up to 300 guests for a seated dinner with a stage and a dance floor, with cocktail hour space both indoors and outdoors. If hosting a reception-style social event, our space can hold around 500 guests comfortably.

2. What time can vendors and photographers access the venue on the wedding day?

Anytime! We do not have weddings or events during the day that limits vendor load in time. We offer flexibility for setup!

3. Is there a noise ordinance or required end time for receptions?

If the reception is on the Terrace Lawn, the music outside must end at 10:00pm due to the noise ordinance. With a reception in our Events Space, there is not a noise ordinance. We recommend weddings ending around midnight, but can extend.

4. Are there any restrictions on vendor selection?

We do have an ACC approved wedding planner list, but other planners can also be requested and approved pending your events manager.  Besides that, we want to be your concierge alongside your planner so that we can recommend vendors that will be the right fit for your style and budget.

5. What are the rain plan options for outdoor ceremonies?

ACC have covered outdoor ceremony locations and indoor rain plans. The first one is the Sotuh Patio, which is a completely covered outdoor space, shielding guests from the rain and outlooks the golf course. The indoor rain plan option is Foyer 1 and 2, where guests can get married facing the gorgeous view of the Pennybacker Bridge.  The ceremony can also be held in the ballroom with guests at their dining tables or an ability to flip the room pending the rentals and setup needs.

6. Is valet service required or included?

Valet service is required for events with 100+ guest count. Your events manager can provide you a valet estimate based on your estimated guest count. 

7. Can couples host a rehearsal dinner or welcome party on site? If yes, what spaces are available, and what is the guest capacity?

Absolutely, couples are welcome to host a rehearsal dinner or welcome party on site in any of our event spaces!

Couples can host the rehearsal dinner / welcome party in the Boardroom / South Patio, Hancock Room / Pavers Patio / Riverside Room, the Ballroom, or our Events All space.  If hosting an intimate dinner for 50 or less, we would typically recommend the Hancock Room with access to the Pavers Patio.

8. What’s included in the venue rental fee?

Chairs, tables, floor length linens, setup and breakdown, votive candles, staffing, stage, dance floor. We provide all food and beverages except for the wedding cake.

9. Can the couple or their planner schedule a venue walkthrough or portrait session before the wedding day?

Absolutely! You can reach out to your events manager to coordinate this. 

10. What restrictions exist for décor or florals?

Candles can be used. Florals can be installed anywhere the client would like in the Events Space. If they choose to do florals on the Ballroom chandelier, an additional cost comes with this as an engineer will need to be present.

11. Do they offer in-house coordination or a day-of coordinator?

Reach out to your events manager to hear more information about our approved planner list! Our onsite wedding manager is here to partner with your wedding planner and guide you through the planning experience at ACC.

12. Are pets allowed on site for the ceremony?

Absolutely! Pets are allowed as long as a person is with them for the ceremony only.  No free roaming pets during the reception.

13. Can alcohol be brought in, or must it be provided through the club?

Alcohol must be provided through the club. ACC will work with you to create custom bar packages and make sure that all guests have what they desire at the bars.

14. Are there any unique photo restrictions photographers need to know?

ACC restricts where group portraits can be taken. While couple portraits can happen on the course near the lake, bridal party and family photos are usually limited to the designated events lawn or staircase leading up to the reception space.

15. Do they allow send-offs with sparklers, petals, or bubbles?

All of it is allowed. We do ask that petals are fresh to not create litter.

16. How do you get in touch with the events team?

events@austincountryclub.com or 512-233-1541

Other Venues to Explore

If you’re still looking, here are a few venues that offer a similar level of service and setting:

• Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa, Austin
• Horseshoe Bay Resort, Texas Hill Country
• Commodore Perry Estate, Austin
• Lakeside Country Club, Houston
• River Oaks Country Club, Houston
• Dallas Country Club, Dallas
• Kiawah Island Golf Resort, South Carolina
• The Breakers, Palm Beach
• Sea Island Resort, Georgia

Next Steps

If you’d like to see more weddings from Austin Country Club, see below.

If you’re planning your wedding and thinking about photography, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me here.