The Arlo Wedding Guide
Everything You Need to Know Before Getting Married at One of Austin's Most Elegant Wedding Venues
TL;DR
The Arlo is one of the premier luxury wedding venues serving Austin and the Texas Hill Country.
The venue includes multiple indoor and outdoor ceremony options, spacious getting-ready suites, and seating for up to 300 guests.
Its elegant architecture, expansive grounds, and refined interiors create timeless wedding photography in every season.
With up to 12 hours of event time included, couples can enjoy a relaxed wedding day without feeling rushed.
If you're planning an Austin wedding with a modern luxury aesthetic, The Arlo is an exceptional choice.
Luxury doesn't have to mean downtown.
Located just outside Austin, The Arlo combines elegant architecture, expansive event spaces, and thoughtful amenities into one stunning estate designed specifically for weddings.
From grand indoor celebrations to beautiful outdoor ceremonies, The Arlo offers couples a venue that feels refined, modern, and welcoming all at once.
As an Austin wedding photographer, I appreciate venues that not only look beautiful but also make the wedding day flow effortlessly. The Arlo does exactly that.
Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a celebration with 300 guests, this venue offers flexibility without sacrificing style.
Why Couples Love The Arlo
The Arlo was designed with weddings in mind.
Every part of the property feels intentional—from the luxurious getting-ready suites to the spacious ballroom and beautifully landscaped outdoor ceremony areas.
Some of the biggest reasons couples choose The Arlo include:
Up to 12 hours of event time
One-hour rehearsal (based on availability)
Seating for up to 300 guests
Spacious indoor and outdoor ceremony options
Beautiful luxury estate setting
Ample paved parking for up to 120 vehicles
On-site prep kitchen with dedicated vendor lounge
The venue offers the convenience of an all-in-one location while maintaining the elevated feel of a private estate.
Why I Love Photographing Weddings at The Arlo
As a photographer, The Arlo offers something that every wedding benefits from:
Variety.
Within just a few minutes, we can capture elegant indoor portraits, romantic outdoor images, architectural details, and beautiful sunset photos—all without leaving the property.
The clean architecture, neutral color palette, oversized windows, and manicured landscaping allow every wedding style to shine, whether your décor is classic black tie, romantic garden, or modern minimalism.
Indoor Spaces
One of The Arlo's greatest strengths is the amount of beautiful indoor space available.
The Ballroom
The impressive 4,600-square-foot Ballroom serves as the centerpiece of the venue.
High ceilings, elegant finishes, and an open layout make it ideal for large receptions while still feeling warm and inviting.
It photographs beautifully from every angle and offers plenty of room for dancing, entertainment, and guest seating.
Storie Hall
For couples wanting an indoor ceremony option, Storie Hall provides an elegant 1,800-square-foot ceremony space.
Its timeless design makes it a wonderful backup for unpredictable Texas weather while still feeling intentional rather than a last-minute rain plan.
Luxury Getting Ready Suites
The Arlo features two exceptional preparation spaces that make the beginning of the wedding day feel just as luxurious as the ceremony itself.
The Lounge
The Lounge includes:
Beauty bar
Private dressing room
En suite bathroom
Feature fireplace
Comfortable seating
Plenty of natural light
It's an ideal space for bridal details, getting-ready portraits, and candid moments with your wedding party.
The Cottage
The Cottage feels more like a private home than a prep space.
Features include:
Two full bathrooms
Full kitchen
Dressing room
Comfortable gathering areas
Having separate luxury suites allows both wedding parties to relax while staying close to the ceremony.
Outdoor Ceremony Spaces
The Arlo offers several unique outdoor locations depending on your vision.
The Lawn
The expansive 2,400-square-foot Lawn provides plenty of room for outdoor ceremonies beneath the Texas sky.
Its signature fireplace creates a beautiful focal point while the open surroundings make sunset portraits especially stunning.
The Courtyard
The 850-square-foot Courtyard offers a more intimate setting for ceremonies, cocktail hours, or private moments throughout the day.
The West Terrace
The covered West Terrace provides flexibility while still allowing couples to enjoy the outdoors.
It's especially valuable during warmer Texas months or when a little shade is appreciated.
The Veranda
The covered Veranda adds another elegant outdoor option for ceremonies, cocktail hour, or guest mingling.
Having multiple covered spaces is one of the venue's biggest advantages during Texas weather.
What Makes The Arlo Perfect for Austin Weddings?
One of the reasons The Arlo has become a favorite among Austin weddings, Texas Hill Country weddings, and other Central Texas venues is its versatility.
The venue works beautifully for:
Black tie weddings
Luxury estate celebrations
Modern weddings
Garden-inspired weddings
Elegant receptions
Large guest counts
Indoor and outdoor celebrations
Few venues offer this much flexibility while maintaining such a cohesive luxury aesthetic.
Favorite Photo Locations
Some of my favorite portrait locations throughout the property include:
The grand estate entrance
The Ballroom before guests arrive
The Lounge fireplace
The Lawn during golden hour
The outdoor fireplaces
Covered terraces
Architectural walkways
Elegant staircases
Sunset portraits across the estate
Evening reception lighting
The property photographs beautifully from beginning to end, making it easy to create a gallery with incredible variety.
How Should You Plan Your Wedding Timeline at The Arlo?
One of the biggest advantages of The Arlo is the generous amount of event time included.
With up to 12 hours, couples don't have to rush through the most meaningful parts of the day.
I recommend using that extra time for:
Relaxed getting-ready photos
A first look (if desired)
Wedding party portraits before the ceremony
Sunset portraits during cocktail hour
Private last dance photos before the evening concludes
A comfortable timeline almost always leads to a more enjoyable wedding day—and better photographs.
Photography Tips
Schedule Sunset Portraits
The open lawn and estate grounds create beautiful golden light in the evening.
Even 15–20 minutes can produce some of the most memorable portraits of the day.
Take Advantage of the Indoor Spaces
Even if it's hot outside, The Lounge, Ballroom, and Storie Hall offer beautiful locations for elegant portraits.
Capture the Venue Before Guests Arrive
The Arlo is stunning when untouched.
I always recommend setting aside time to photograph the ceremony and reception spaces before guests enter.
Plan for Night Portraits
The architectural lighting, fireplaces, and elegant exterior create an incredible atmosphere once the sun goes down.
Night portraits here are absolutely worth adding to your timeline.
View Real Weddings
Want to see wedding galleries at the Arlo?
Browse real weddings photographed by Photos by Mkay:
FAQ
Where is The Arlo located?
The Arlo is located just outside Austin, Texas, offering the perfect blend of peaceful Hill Country surroundings with convenient access for guests traveling from Austin and across Central Texas.
How many guests can The Arlo accommodate?
The Arlo can host weddings with up to 300 guests, making it an excellent choice for everything from intimate celebrations to large wedding receptions.
Does The Arlo have indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces?
Yes. Couples can choose between multiple beautiful outdoor ceremony locations—including The Lawn, Courtyard, West Terrace, and Veranda—or Storie Hall, an elegant indoor ceremony space that's perfect year-round.
Is everything onsite?
Absolutely. The Arlo includes spacious getting-ready suites, ceremony spaces, cocktail hour locations, reception areas, and beautiful portrait locations all on one property, allowing for a seamless wedding day.
Is The Arlo a good venue for wedding photography?
Without question. Between the elegant estate architecture, luxury interiors, expansive lawns, covered terraces, fireplaces, and beautiful golden-hour light, The Arlo is one of my favorite venues for timeless wedding photography near Austin.
Related Pages
Ready to Plan Your Wedding at The Arlo?
If you're searching for an Austin wedding photographer who knows how to make the most of The Arlo's stunning grounds and elegant architecture, I'd love to help.
From crafting a relaxed wedding timeline to finding the best portrait locations and capturing every meaningful moment, I'll help create a gallery that feels timeless, authentic, and uniquely yours.
Contact Photos by Mkay to check availability and start planning your wedding at The Arlo.
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