Barton Springs Elopement: How to Make it Work
If your dream wedding involves sunshine, water, and a little Austin weirdness, Barton Springs might be exactly what you’re looking for. It's not your average ceremony spot — and that's exactly the point.
Eloping at Barton Springs means trading banquet halls for tree shade and trading place cards for the sound of water rushing out of the Edwards Aquifer. It’s natural, iconic, and best of all, it's public. Here’s how to make it work (and make it legal) for a tiny wedding or elopement.
🌊 Why Barton Springs?
Barton Springs is one of Austin’s most beloved public spaces — and it's not just for swimming. With limestone paths, massive shade trees, and grassy hills that slope down toward crystal-clear spring water, it makes for a striking and memorable backdrop for your vows. Plus, it’s distinctly Austin: outdoorsy, relaxed, and full of character.
📍 Where Exactly Do You Elope at Barton Springs?
You have a few solid options depending on the vibe you’re going for and the number of guests:
Upper Lawn Area: A grassy space just above the pool, shaded by oaks and great for a small group. No swimsuits required.
Rocky Overlooks (West Side): A more rugged, scenic spot where the water rushes over rocks. Beautiful for sunrise ceremonies.
Barton Creek Greenbelt (nearby): If you’re looking for a tucked-away nature setting, there are some wild-feeling spots a short walk from the main pool entrance.
We don’t recommend trying to get married in the pool area unless you’re prepared for public attention (and lots of Speedos in the background). But ceremonies near the water? Total magic.
📝 Permits, People, and Paperwork
Here’s what you need to know:
Do I need a permit?
For groups under 20 people and minimal setup, you can usually go without. That said, the City of Austin recommends permits for any structured gathering in a public park. Cakewalk will help assess whether your plan crosses that line.What time of day is best?
Early morning! Barton Springs gets busy, especially on weekends. Sunrise ceremonies feel private and dreamy — and the light is unbeatable.Can we bring chairs or decorations?
Keep it simple. Barton Springs is beautiful as-is. A blanket, bouquet, and maybe a chilled bottle of Topo Chico are all you need.Where do we park?
There’s a lot near the entrance, but it fills up quickly on weekends. Consider rideshare or a weekday elopement to avoid the crowd.
💍 How to Make it Official
To legally elope in Austin (or anywhere in Texas), you’ll need:
A valid Texas marriage license
An officiant (Cakewalk provides one!)
At least one witness
You can get your license from any county clerk in Texas — just make sure to apply at least 72 hours before your ceremony. It’s valid for 90 days.
After the ceremony, we’ll handle the filing and the paperwork — so you don’t have to think about anything except soaking up the day.
🧺 After the Ceremony: Celebrate Like Austinites
We love when couples keep the vibe going after the ceremony with something chill and special:
Picnic on the hill — Bring a blanket, local pastries, and coffee
Brunch at Bouldin Creek Cafe — Quirky and local, with tons of vegetarian options
Swim (why not?) — We’ve had couples take a dip post-ceremony. Bonus points for matching suits.
Photos along the Greenbelt or South Lamar murals — Gorgeous Austin scenery without the stress
If you want a lowkey wedding with personality, nature, and a little spontaneity, this is the place.
Let’s Plan Your Barton Springs Elopement
At Cakewalk, we love helping couples turn public spaces into unforgettable moments. Barton Springs is free, beautiful, and full of Austin flavor — and we’ll make sure it goes off without a hitch (except the getting hitched part).
Want help making it happen? Get in touch here.