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:

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.
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.
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?
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!
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?
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

The week leading up to the wedding of Jack and Bailey on Saturday, September 15, 2018 was filled with tons of rain. The forecast was even calling for high rain chances for that Saturday. As the week crept by, those high rain chances slowly begin to decrease. As everyone continued to cross their fingers, Saturday arrived and those rain chances were pretty much gone. The sun was shining and it was a perfectly calm day. It was a picture perfect day - literally!

That Saturday at 6:30 pm, under clear skies, Jack and Bailey would say, “I Do,” at the beautiful Wind Dancer Retreat in Bryan, Texas.

Jack and Bailey first met...

...in Corpus Christi at work. Bailey was working as an office manager and Jack was one of the vendors. He delivered goods to her workplace for a month or two and he would always ask Bailey what there was to do in Corpus. Bailey noticed that Jack was always very polite. Bailey's best friend noticed (and insisted) that Jack was interested in Bailey, however Bailey just thought that Jack was being professional by creating small talk. This continued for several weeks until one day he was in his truck and asked Bailey if he could take her to do dinner. Bailey told him that he could IF, and only if, he could remember her phone number and she shouted her number to him as he sat in his truck.

Bailey did not expect Jack to remember her phone number. He was sitting in his truck and she shouted it to him rather than writing it down for him or allowing him to write it down. But Jack did remember her number! He sent Bailey a text about an hour later which said, "You owe me dinner ma'am."

That same evening Bailey replied to Jack's message and told him that she was caught up at work and would not be able to make time for dinner with him, even though she was actually at home.

The following week Jack showed up to deliver goods at Bailey's workplace and he asked her if she would make time for dinner with him. Again, Bailey said that she would. However this time she actually did go to dinner with him. They drove to three different places before finding a restaurant with good customer service. They enjoyed dinner and laughed...a lot!

Over the next few months they continued talking casually. One weekend Bailey decided to travel with Jack for a weekend trip to visit his parents. They met his parents at Texas Roadhouse (THEIR place to eat) and then went to the family ranch, where Jack showed Bailey around. Jack had Bailey put on some torn up dirty overalls and they began working on the ranch. Bailey had a great time! It was completely different than her life in Arizona.

Eventually Jack asked Bailey to move in with him and ever since they have been inseparable.

One day Jack surprised Bailey…

with a shopping trip for a fancy dress. Jack would not tell Bailey why she needed the fancy dress. The next day Jack told Bailey that they were going to dinner that night and she had to be ready at 5:00 sharp...and she HAD to wear the new fancy dress. Bailey joked about dressing up for dinner at Texas Roadhouse! Jack laughed and told her to get ready.

At 5:00 Jack told Bailey that it was time to go and she headed to the garage as she normally did. Jack told her to just use the front door. After all, "It's easier," he said. Bailey questioned Jack about this as she walked out the front door and saw a limo waiting for them. Bailey was so excited and began to get tears in her eyes. They enjoyed the limo ride to Del Friscos Steakhouse in Houston, a beautiful restaurant with an amazing view. They enjoyed a delicious dinner, even though Bailey noticed that Jack was acting...different. Jack told her that he loved her and would continue to love her forever and he would do everything he had to in order to give their family a good life. He went on to say that it was not the right time to get married because they weren't stable enough yet, but he just wanted her to know that she was his world.

When they finished their meals, they decided to order dessert. Bailey ordered cheesecake since that is their favorite dessert. Jack left to the restroom and was gone for awhile. When he returned Bailey told him that she didn't know it took 20 minutes to bring out dessert. About this same time the dessert arrived...and it said, "Will you marry me?" Bailey began to panic because she was sure that the waiter brought them the wrong plate! She looked at Jack to tell him how embarrassing it was that they brought the wrong plate to their table and saw Jack on one knee with a ring. Bailey jumped into his arms as she cried and said, "YES!" She gave him her right hand instead of her left hand!

jack-and-bailey-engagement-session-smith-family-photography

Special Note to the Newlyweds

Jack and Bailey, I wish you both a lifetime of happiness. The amount of love and respect you both show each other throughout your words, as well as actions towards one another is so calming to all those that surround you. You both have tons of love and support from your families and that is absolutely priceless. Kaden is truly blessed to have such wonderful parents and grandparents in his life!