When I started helping friends plan their elopements, I quickly learned that “Texas elopement package” means different things at different venues. Some places hand you a key and a congratulations card. Others give you a full wedding production for two. I’ve visited over a dozen venues across the state, talked to coordinators, and even sat in on a few ceremonies. Here’s what I actually found.
The Best Texas Elopement Packages at a Glance
If you’re just starting your search, this quick list gives you a starting point. Each package is matched to a common couple profile.
- Johnson City – King River Ranch – Best for a hill country vineyard backdrop. Packages start at $1,500 for two hours, including an officiant, bouquet, and a photographer.
- Austin – The Courthouse Wedding Package – Ideal for a $500 courthouse elopement with a professional photographer. Includes the marriage license fee and a 30-minute ceremony slot.
- Marfa – Prada Marfa Elopement Experience – Best for couples who want desert photos and a minimalist vibe. $2,800 covers permits, an officiant, a local photographer, and a picnic setup.
- Fredericksburg – Enchanted Rock Base Package – Perfect for couples who love hiking and want a sunrise ceremony. $1,200 includes a park entrance fee, officiant, and a small bouquet.
- Port Aransas – Beachfront Elopement – Great for a coastal ceremony with bare feet. $1,800 covers a beach permit, officiant, chairs for two, and a digital photo package.
What’s Typically Included in a Texas Elopement Package?
Most packages bundle the same core items. But the details vary a lot. Here’s what you can usually expect to find.
| Item | Usually included? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Officiant (minister or judge) | Yes | Often a local officiant who knows the venue. If you want your own, ask about a vendor fee. |
| Photography (digital files) | Often | Usually 30–60 minutes of coverage. Some add a second shooter for an extra fee. |
| Bouquet / boutonniere | Often | Small seasonal bouquet. Real flowers or silk, depending on the venue. |
| Location fee | Yes | Covers access to the venue for a set time block (usually 1–2 hours). |
| Marriage license fee | Rarely | Texas marriage license costs about $80–$100. You pay that separately at the county clerk’s office. |
| Cake / champagne | Sometimes | A small cake or a bottle of champagne. Some venues skip this to keep costs low. |
| Coordination / day-of help | Rarely | Most elopement packages are self-service. But some higher-end ones include a coordinator for an hour. |
One thing I’ve learned: the big difference between packages is what happens after the 60-minute window. Overtime fees can be $200–$500 per extra hour. Always ask about that before you book.
Texas Elopement Packages by Style and Region
Texas is huge, and the scenery changes completely from one region to the next. Here are the main style groups and the packages that fit each one.
Hill Country Ranch and Vineyard Packages
This is the most popular region for elopements. Rolling hills, oak trees, and wineries set the mood. Most packages here run $1,500–$4,000.
- King River Ranch (Johnson City) – Two-hour package: $1,500. Includes officiant, bouquet, 30-minute photo session, and a bottle of wine. Max 10 guests.
- The Vine (New Ulm) – $2,200 for a 90-minute ceremony in the vineyard. Includes a photographer, a small cake, and a toast. No guest limit, but they charge $25 per extra person.
- Tres Lunas Resort (Mason) – $2,800 for a sunrise ceremony with a professional photographer and a catered breakfast for two. This is a premium option with a lot of personal attention.
Urban and Courthouse Packages (Austin, Dallas, Houston)
If you want something quick and affordable, city courthouses offer the simplest elopement packages. But many couples want a bit more than a sterile room. Some venues near courthouses provide “courthouse ceremony upgrades.”
- Downtown Austin Courthouse Elopement Package – $500. Includes a 30-minute time slot, an officiant, and a digital photo session at a nearby park. Wedding license not included.
- Dallas Design District Elopement – $1,200. Use a loft space for two hours. Includes an officiant, a photographer, and a bouquet. Max 6 guests.
- Houston Heights Elopement – $1,800. A local florist and photographer team up with a small event space. Includes a 45-minute ceremony, bouquet, and a cake.
Desert and Canyon Packages (Big Bend, Marfa, West Texas)
These packages are for couples who want dramatic, wide-open landscapes. The trade-off is travel distance and limited vendor options. Most cost $2,500–$5,000.
- Big Bend National Park Elopement – $3,200. Includes a park permit, an officiant who travels from Terlingua, a photographer, and a picnic lunch. No guest limit, but the park has a 30-person cap.
- Marfa Minimalist Package – $2,800. Uses the Prada Marfa art installation as a backdrop. Includes permits, officiant, photographer, and a small bouquet.
- El Cosmico (Marfa) – $4,000. A two-night stay in a trailer, plus a ceremony in the desert with a photographer and officiant. This is more of a weekend experience.
Small-Town and Coastal Packages (Fredericksburg, Port Aransas)
These packages offer a relaxed, intimate feel. Fredericksburg is in the hill country but has a distinct German heritage. Coastal packages are best for couples who want to walk on the beach afterward.
- Fredericksburg Wedding Chapel Elopement – $1,000. A 30-minute ceremony in a historic chapel. Includes an officiant and a bouquet. No photography included.
- Port Aransas Beach Elopement – $1,800. Includes a beach permit, officiant, two chairs, and a 30-minute photo session. The package also reserves a nearby pavilion for a small reception.
- Rockport Coastal Elopement – $2,200. A private beach ceremony with a photographer, a wooden arch, and a small cake. Max 10 guests.
How to Choose the Right Texas Elopement Package
You have a list of options now. Here’s how to narrow it down based on your priorities.
- Decide your guest count. Most packages have a max guest limit. If you’re bringing more than 10 people, some packages won’t work. Look for “micro-wedding” or “intimate elopement” tiers.
- Look at the photography. If you want beautiful photos, choose a package that includes a professional photographer. Some packages offer the option to add one for $300–$500. If you don’t care about photos, you can save money by picking a cheaper package and bringing your own camera.
- Check the weather. Texas in August is brutal. If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, pick a package that offers an indoor backup or a shaded area. Spring (March–May) and fall (October–November) are the best times.
- Ask about customization. Many venues let you swap out items. For example, you might trade the bouquet for a nicer cake or upgrade the photographer to an hour of coverage. Don’t be afraid to ask.
The Fine Print: Hidden Costs and Must-Ask Questions
This section is based on conversations with couples who found out the hard way. Here are the most common surprises.
- Travel fees for vendors. If your venue is remote, the photographer or officiant may charge a travel fee. $50–$200 is common.
- Park permits. State parks and national parks require a permit for ceremonies. Some packages include it, but others expect you to pay separately. Big Bend permit is $200.
- Overtime charges. If your ceremony runs long, you’ll pay extra. Ask about the rate per 15 minutes or per hour.
- Rain backup. Some venues have no indoor backup. If it rains, you might have to reschedule or move indoors at a different location.
- Marriage license timing. Texas has a 72-hour waiting period after you get the license. You can’t marry on the same day you apply. Plan ahead.
Six questions to ask before booking:
- What is the exact time block for the ceremony?
- Is the photographer included in the package price, or is it an add-on?
- What happens if it rains?
- Are there any extra fees for guests beyond the stated limit?
- Can we bring our own officiant or photographer?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Beyond the Basics: Upgrades and Add-Ons That Actually Matter
Once you have a base package, you might want to personalize it. Here are upgrades that couples I’ve worked with found worth the money.
- Drone aerial photos. If your venue has a beautiful landscape, a drone shot can be stunning. Usually $200–$400 extra.
- Live music. A single guitarist or a cellist for 30 minutes costs around $300–$500. It makes the ceremony feel more special.
- Horseback entrance. Some hill country ranches offer a horse-drawn carriage or a horseback ride to the ceremony. $500–$1,000.
- Private chef. Instead of a standard cake, some packages allow a private chef to cook a meal for two. $600–$1,200.
- Multi-day itinerary. A few venues offer a two-night stay, a rehearsal dinner, and a post-ceremony breakfast. These are usually priced at $5,000–$8,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we have a larger ceremony later and still call this an elopement?
Yes. Many couples do a small legal ceremony now and a larger symbolic celebration later. The legal part is the elopement. The later event can be a vow renewal or a party. Just check with your venue whether they allow that.
Do Texas elopement packages typically include the marriage license? What are the waiting periods?
No, packages rarely include the license. You need to get it from the county clerk’s office in the county where you’ll marry. Texas has a 72-hour waiting period after you apply, unless you complete a premarital education course (then the wait is waived).
Is it cheaper to elope in Texas than a traditional wedding? What’s a realistic budget range?
Yes, significantly cheaper. A traditional Texas wedding averages $25,000–$35,000. An elopement package can be as low as $500 for a courthouse ceremony or up to $5,000 for a premium ranch experience. A realistic budget for a decent elopement with photography and an officiant is $1,500–$3,000.
Can we customize a package to include our own photographer or officiant?
Most venues allow this, but they may charge a vendor fee of $100–$200. Some packages require you to use their preferred vendors. Always ask before booking. If you have a friend who is a photographer, you can save money by hiring them instead of the venue’s pro.
What’s the best time of year for an outdoor elopement in Texas?
March through May and October through November are the best months. Temperatures are mild, and wildflowers bloom in spring. Summer is extremely hot, especially in the hill country and desert. Winter can be cold and windy, but it’s also less crowded and cheaper.