If you’ve dreamed of saying “I do” surrounded by rolling hills, century-old oak trees, and a sunset that takes your breath away, you’re already picturing the Texas Hill Country. There’s just something about this part of Texas—where rustic charm meets elegant design—that captures couples from all across the state.
Whether you’re from Austin, San Antonio, Houston, or anywhere in between, the Hill Country has become the destination for Texas weddings. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to plan a beautiful, stress-free celebration here—and gives you a peek inside how we do it at Half Moon Empire in Shiner, Texas.
🌙 Step 1: Choose the Right Location
Your wedding venue sets the tone for everything—your style, your guest experience, and even your stress level.
When touring venues in the Texas Hill Country, here’s what to consider:
- Indoor + outdoor options: Texas weather can change quickly. Make sure your venue offers both.
- On-site lodging: Venues with cottages or overnight options let guests truly relax.
- Guest capacity: Ensure there’s plenty of space for your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.
- Travel accessibility: Many Hill Country venues are within a scenic drive from Austin, San Antonio, or Houston.
- Amenities included: Ask what’s provided—tables, chairs, coordination, or an in-house bar can make a big difference.
💡 Helpful read: 10 Must-Ask Questions Before Booking Your Wedding Venue
At Half Moon Empire, we designed our property with all of those in mind—indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces, a Grand Room with floor-to-ceiling windows, and weekend-long access so couples can actually enjoy their time here.
🌙 Step 2: Plan for a Wedding Weekend, Not Just a Day
Hill Country weddings are meant to be savored. Instead of rushing through a single day, imagine a full weekend surrounded by family and friends.
At Half Moon Empire, our seven cottages sleep up to 42 guests, making it easy to turn your wedding into a mini getaway. From coffee under the oak trees to cocktails by the firepit, your weekend unfolds naturally—with no shuttle schedules or late-night drives.
And when your guests aren’t celebrating, there’s plenty to explore nearby:
- The K. Spoetzl Brewery & Distillery, home of Shiner Beer—perfect for tours, tastings, and fun group photos.
- JW Day Spa—relax with a massage or facial before wedding day prep.
- Local golf courses and scenic drives—ideal for groomsmen mornings or post-wedding leisure.
- Charming downtown Shiner—shop small boutiques, grab a coffee, or visit antique stores for hidden gems.
Your wedding weekend doesn’t have to feel rushed—it can feel like a Texas getaway for everyone you love.
💡 Learn more: Why Choose a Venue with On-Site Lodging and Meet the Cottages at Half Moon Empire.
🌙 Step 3: Follow a Thoughtful Planning Timeline
When it comes to planning your Hill Country wedding, a clear timeline keeps you calm and confident.
Here’s a general guide:
- 12–18 months out: Book your venue and top vendors (photographer, coordinator, caterer).
- 9 months out: Send save-the-dates and finalize design ideas.
- 6 months out: Schedule tastings, engagement photos, and rental selections.
- 3 months out: Send invitations and confirm lodging.
- 100 days out: Coordination begins (that’s when our in-house team steps in!).
💡 Download our free 100-Day Coordination Timeline to see what happens next.
🌙 Step 4: Design with Texas Inspiration
The Hill Country is full of natural beauty, and your wedding design can reflect that. Think soft neutrals, terracotta tones, dusty blues, and rich jewel accents. Whether you’re dreaming of a rustic ranch vibe or elegant modern charm, the backdrop here makes every style shine.
At Half Moon Empire, we’re a blank canvas venue—intentionally designed so your vision takes center stage. Our Grand Room’s neutral tones, tall windows, and clean architectural lines allow any color palette or theme to come to life. From boho to black-tie, modern romantic to country chic, the space transforms beautifully to match your dream aesthetic.
Popular Hill Country styles include:
- Rustic luxury (wood + gold + greenery)
- Modern romantic (black + white + minimal)
- Boho chic (terracotta + texture + soft florals)
💡 Browse our Pinterest boards for décor inspiration and color palette ideas.
🌙 Step 5: Work with Vendors Who Know the Hill Country
The right vendors make everything flow effortlessly. Look for professionals who’ve worked in this region before—they know how to handle unpredictable weather, lighting, and travel logistics.
At Half Moon Empire, we’ve curated a Preferred Vendor List of trusted professionals—photographers, caterers, florists, DJs, and more—who know the property inside and out. They’re familiar with our timelines, setup flow, and communication style, which means less stress for you.
🌙 Step 6: Food, Drinks, and Guest Experience
One thing every Texas wedding needs? Great food and great drinks.
Our in-house bar, run by sisters Rachel and Kate, makes this part easy. From custom cocktails to fun mocktails and frozen drinks, they handle everything—no hauling, stocking, or cleanup required.
Pair that with Texas-style catering (think upscale BBQ, fajita bars, or plated dinners), and your guests will be talking about your wedding for years.
💡 Read more: Why Couples Love Our In-House Bar.
🌙 Step 7: Prepare for the Seasons
Texas weather keeps things interesting! Here’s a quick guide:
🌸 Spring (March–May)
Wildflowers everywhere, comfortable temps, and perfect outdoor ceremonies.
☀️ Summer (June–August)
Warm evenings and late sunsets—ideal for indoor receptions or twilight ceremonies.
🍂 Fall (September–November)
Golden sunsets, mild weather, and the most popular wedding season in the Hill Country.
❄️ Winter (December–February)
Cool nights, cozy indoor celebrations, and elegant décor options.
No matter the season, always have a Plan B. At HME, we make sure our indoor Grand Room is just as breathtaking as our outdoor arches.
🌙 Step 8: Treat Your Guests to the Full Experience
Hill Country weddings often bring guests from all over Texas—and beyond. Give them an experience they’ll never forget.
Ideas:
- Welcome bags with local goodies (Shiner beer, Texas honey, pecans).
- A pre-wedding cocktail night by the firepit.
- A post-wedding brunch at your cottage patio.
💡 Pro tip: The easier you make it for your guests to relax, the more they’ll remember how special your day felt.
🌙 Final Thoughts
The Texas Hill Country has a way of slowing down time—of turning a single day into a weekend full of laughter, love, and lifelong memories.
At Half Moon Empire, we’ve built our venue to capture that feeling: on-site cottages, an in-house bar, and a coordination team that handles every detail so you can simply soak it in.
🌙 Ready to plan your own Hill Country wedding weekend? Schedule a tour—we’d love to show you the magic in person.
comments +