Can You Get Married at Zilker Park? (Yes, and Here’s How) — 2025 Guide
Zilker Park is the heart of Austin — it’s where the city goes to relax, play, picnic, and gather. But can you actually get married there?
Short answer: yes. Longer answer: yes, but there are a few things to know. At Cakewalk, we’ve done dozens of tiny weddings and elopements in Zilker, and it’s one of our favorite places for a ceremony that feels like Austin — open sky, green grass, and skyline views.
Here’s how to make a Zilker Park wedding work in 2025.
📍 Why Zilker?
Zilker Park is 351 acres of gorgeous green space in the middle of the city. With views of downtown Austin, access to Barton Springs, and big open lawns perfect for small ceremonies, it’s a natural favorite.
Whether you’re imagining a just-us-two elopement or a small circle of friends and family, Zilker gives you a backdrop that’s beautiful and unmistakably Austin — without costing a fortune.
🌳 Best Ceremony Spots in Zilker
1. The Great Lawn
Sprawling and iconic, with postcard-worthy skyline views. Perfect for couples who want wide-open space and minimal foot traffic if timed right.
2. Rock Garden Area
A bit more secluded, with natural features and stone benches. Ideal for couples who want something quieter and tucked away.
3. Lou Neff Point (just off Zilker)
Technically part of the Butler Trail system, this spot juts into the water and gives sweeping views of downtown. Magical at sunrise.
4. Tree-lined grove near the Hillside Theater
Peaceful, shady, and perfect for a midday ceremony with 5–10 guests.
📝 Do You Need a Permit?
Sometimes, yes. But not always.
Here’s the breakdown:
No permit needed if you have fewer than 20 guests, bring no setup (chairs, arches, sound), and keep it moving.
Permit required if you want to set up chairs, reserve space, or use amplified sound.
Cakewalk will help assess your guest count, location choice, and ceremony style to determine if we need to file paperwork or go guerilla-style.
⏰ When’s the Best Time to Get Married at Zilker?
Mornings (before 10 AM): Quieter, cooler, and great light
Weekdays: Far less foot traffic than weekends
Golden hour (about 1 hour before sunset): Warm light, dreamy photos
Avoid: ACL weekends, major holidays, and peak park hours unless you like a cheering audience.
📸 Where to Take Photos Nearby
Zilker is surrounded by photogenic spots:
Barton Springs entrance (great limestone + trees)
Pedestrian bridge for skyline views
South Lamar murals and shops
Zilker Botanical Garden (permit and fee required, but worth it)
Rolling hills around the Great Lawn
Our photographers know the area well and can guide a photo walk that balances privacy, light, and variety.
🥂 After the Ceremony
If you’re looking for easy post-ceremony celebrations, Zilker makes it simple:
Picnic with tacos + Topo Chico
Brunch at nearby favorites like Snooze or Juliet
Take a dip in Barton Springs
Hop on bikes and head to a brewery on South Lamar
Your wedding day can be as chill or celebratory as you want it to be. You’re in Austin — lean into it.
Cakewalk Knows Zilker
We’ve helped couples get married under oak trees, in the middle of the lawn, with dogs, barefoot, in boots, in the heat, and in the breeze. If Zilker’s the spot that feels right to you, we’ll make it happen legally, beautifully, and simply.