After the “I Do”: 6 Spots For Post Courthouse Weddings Photos In Austin

You did the thing! Rings are on, papers are signed, and you officially got married in under 15 minutes at the Travis County Courthouse. Congratulations!! …now what? Where do you go to get photos to capture this special day? Well, I’ve got great news for you. The courthouse sits smack in the middle of downtown Austin, so some of the city’s best backdrops are just a five-minute walk away! I’ve compiled a list of some of my personal favorite locations for post-elopement photos in Austin, and I promise they won’t disappoint.

The Courthouse Steps Themselves (Hear Me Out)

Trust me, don’t skip this gem of a spot. The limestone steps and columns right outside the courthouse make for a surprisingly gorgeous first stop. You get the soft morning light (if you go the early bird route), that “we just said yes to forever” glow still radiating off of you both, maybe a little confetti stuck in a lapel. What better way to start the photoshoot? I always try to grab a few shots here before we venture out. That fresh-off-the-marriage-license look just can’t be replicated.

Congress Ave With a Capitol Backdrop

From the courthouse, it’s just a quick stroll over to Congress Ave where you get one of the most iconic views in Austin. The Texas Capitol is framed dead center at the top of the street. Swoon. Downtown Austin wedding portraits don’t get much more classic than this. Golden hour here is absolutely ethereal, but you really can’t go wrong with snapping photos here any time of day. Such a favorite.

Savannah & Dominic, both of apparent Latin descent, stand in the middle of a street while kissing and embracing. A colorful mural on a building side and the Austin, TX Capitol building can be seen in the background.

The Texas Capitol Grounds

Speaking of the Capitol, the grounds themselves are worth an extra 10 minutes of your time. It has these big, beautiful oak trees, manicured lawns, that pink granite dome towering over everything. heart eyes. This spot gives your elopement photos a little more grandeur that the courthouse could offer. And did I mention we can actually go inside and take photos for no additional cost?! Come on now. There’s also a lot more room to move around, so we can take our time and play with different angles instead of having to dodge foot traffic on the sidewalk.

Austin’s Downtown Mural Scene

The mural game is strong with this one. A handful of some of the best ones just happen to be one easy walk away from the courthouse. Think bold colors and playful backdrops. If your vibe leans more fun and colorful than classic and architectural, then this could be the place for you. Since Austin murals do tend to change every few months, I keep an eye out for what’s freshly painted before a session. In a way, this makes the experience extra special. You get to capture exactly what downtown Austin looks like on the day of your wedding before it’s changed forever just a few weeks later.

Brooklyn & Carson, both white, are embracing while standing in front of an Austin, TX mural. The mural is of simple red cursive text that says, "i love you so much," on a sage green wall.

Romance on Rainey Street

Just a few more minutes south and you hit Rainey Street. Where do I even begin? It’s got string lights galore, converted bungalows turned into bars, and on the government building side of town, there’s this cozy, lived-in energy that I haven’t quite found anywhere else. This is the perfect option if you want some of your photos to give “we got married and then went for a beer” vibes. And let’s be honest, that look is hard to beat.

An action shot of wedding couple Brooklyn and Carson as they walk. Carson is slightly in front and is looking back at Brooklyn, while she looks at him. They are both smiling at each other and holding hands.

An action shot of Carson and Brooklyn as they walk across the street. Carson is slightly in front and is looking down while smiling. Brooklyn is looking off to the right white smiling. A cowboy boot store sign can be seen just over their heads.

A distance shot of Brooklyn & Carson walking across an Austin, TX street. They are centered in the photo and are walking side by side as they smile at the camera. Smaller business shops can be seen on either side of the street, while the Austin

Lady Bird Lake and the Pedestrian Bridge

If you don’t mind stretching the walk just a little bit more (or for the high-heel-wearers, hopping in a car for five minutes), the hike-and-bike trail along Lady Bird Lake gives you skyline views, waterways, and lush greenery. It’s a really nice contrast if everything else on this list has felt a little too concrete…y. The pedestrian bridge in particular gets you that stunning Austin skyline backdrop, which is always a great look, especially with the water reflecting all the natural light this location offers.

Ria & Nicole stand on a beach, kissing while holding their bouquets in hand. The Lady Bird Lake as well as Austin, TX skyline can be seen in the background.

Building Your Post-Courthouse Timeline

Let me stop you here. Don’t try to hit all six of these spots in one go unless you have some solid spare time on your hands. I advise picking 2-3 that match the vibe you’re going for, and let the walk between them be part of the whole experience. After getting hitched, you’re going to prefer a leisurely stroll over a race against the clock.

Documentary style photographer, Christy Ann, sits on a floor with a dark backdrop behind her. She has curly red hair, pink cat eye glasses, large daisy earrings, and wears a bright red dress. — If you’re getting married at the Travis County Courthouse and want a photographer who knows exactly where to take you after, hiiiiiiiii!

Give me a quick shoutout, and we’ll go over the options. I just happen to have the whole walk mapped out.

Where To Take Photos After Your Austin Courthouse Elopement