Wedding at the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Texas

Captured & submitted by Nikk Nguyen Photo

The idea of a wedding at the Texas State Capitol likely brings to mind visions of a small civil ceremony or elopement. But what about a wedding held in the House Chambers of the Texas State Capitol? This is where Liliana and Cesar held their gorgeous ceremony, and it was not your typical courthouse wedding! Their sophisticated wedding at the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Texas was so beautiful and romantic, and I loved getting to photograph all the special moments of the day!

Why the House Floor is the perfect venue for a wedding at the Texas State Capitol

Because many elements in the House Chambers, such as the legislators’ desks and podiums, couldn’t be moved, Liliana and Cesar had to structure their ceremony design to enhance the natural beauty of the space. Luckily, the couple didn’t mind this at all and were excited to showcase the venue’s intricate, classic design and architecture. The House Floor truly is the most elegant spot for a wedding at the Texas State Capitol!

As a wedding photographer, one of my favorite details from the ceremony was the rich-colored florals framing the space where Liliana and Cesar said, “I do.”

Majestic ceremony music and a spirited mariachi band were a big part of this couple’s wedding day

During the ceremony, the guests sat at the House Representatives’ desks. The only people in the gallery (the balcony overlooking the House Floor) were the wedding ceremony musicians, Trio Los Vigilantes. Their music echoed throughout the space, which made Liliana’s entrance into the ceremony especially dramatic and majestic.

After Liliana and Cesar’s first kiss, a talented mariachi band, Mariachi Relampago, led the couple down a grand staircase into the Capitol’s rotunda for their first dance. Hundreds of people stood on the balconies of all levels in the rotunda to watch and cheer. It was such a breathtaking moment!

Then, the mariachis then took Lili, Cesar, and all 250 guests outside to continue the performance and celebrations at Hotel Van Zandt.

Celebrating with an intimate and romantic reception at Hotel Van Zandt

The reception in the hotel’s ballroom was decorated with beautiful floral designs from Stems. I loved how the lush florals and soft lighting made the space feel romantic, cozy, and intimate despite such a large guest count.

Liliana and Cesar celebrated the night away with all their friends and family with lots of dancing and champagne toasts. They served delicious foods all night, too, including a cake that was a replica of the Capitol Building and a late-night snack of menudo.

This wedding at the Texas State Capitol was definitely one to remember, and I felt so honored that I got to capture their gorgeous day!