By Andrea Jennings, Site Director, Camp Lucy

A wedding in Austin and the surrounding Texas Hill Country is a special thing. The area is among the most popular locations for weddings thanks to the area's inherent beauty, friendly people, and cultural lure. Many couples opt for outdoor weddings here to soak in all the awesome that is Texas. But it's also Texas, which means heat, wind, and unpredictable weather and which is why many couples opt for indoor weddings. At Camp Lucy, we have multiple options for indoor and outdoor weddings - both equally popular. So, how do you decide for your wedding? Indoor or outdoor? Here are considerations for each but, no matter which you choose, remember that your friends and loved ones are there for you - whether rain or shine, on a lawn or in a chapel.

Indoor Weddings
Indoor weddings offer a controlled environment; you can't control the weather, but you can control a thermostat. Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night will stay you from walking down the aisle. And, with even flooring and no soft, lush grass for sinking, the ladies and their best heels will stay pristine. Any pesky bugs out for a flyby? Held at bay. Indoor weddings also offer consistent lighting for your photographer and, ultimately, feel more private.

Good points, right? So why doesn't everyone have an indoor wedding? Two words: Texas sky. A few more words: There can be some restrictions on space and décor. There is also higher demand during the hottest and coldest months and indoor venues book quickly during that time.

Outdoor Weddings
Outdoor weddings are wildly popular here. Thanks to the area's natural beauty, little décor is necessary, which saves money. They can also be more "family friendly" as crying babies can be whisked away without the opening and closing or doors, and keeping kids engaged and occupied is much easier to do outside versus a restricted indoor space. Outdoor weddings offer fewer space restrictions for larger weddings and photographers can move around more freely often resulting in breathtaking wedding photos thanks to amazing natural light. Our sunsets are famous for a reason.

Good points, right? So why doesn't everyone have an outdoor wedding? Two words: Texas weather. A few more words: More Texas weather. When booking your venue, you simply can't anticipate what the weather will be a year in advance. To respect local neighbors, there can also be amplified noise restrictions for outdoor weddings.

But, as in all things, where there is a will there is a way. For those committed to making their commitment in the great outdoors, keep the season in mind. Good chance it will be hot? Make guests comfortable with handheld fans, readily available water, and face away from the sun. And whether the weather is typically hot or cold on your wedding date, keep your ceremony short, and choose your dress and your bridesmaid dresses accordingly. Rent portable cooling or heating units and, most important of all, have a clear back-up plan in case of bad weather.

About Andrea Jennings

Andrea has worked in the wedding and special events industry for more than a decade. Her experience includes floral design, event planning, and venue management. As site director for one of the Hill Country's most popular wedding and special events venue, Camp Lucy in Dripping Springs, Texas, she oversees more than one hundred weddings annually - both indoor and outdoor. For more information on Camp Lucy, visit www.camplucy.com.

Photogrphy credits: Caroline Fontenot Photography | Geoff Duncan Photography | Matthew Johnson Studios | The Mill Photography Studio | Al Gawlik Photography