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BY SHANNON BARRIENTES

Austin is known for many things: live music, being weird, Longhorn college sports, epic sunsets, our massive downtown bat colony, and being one of the most romantic cities in the world.

Wait, what? It’s true! Austin is a great place for romance. Austin repeatedly ranks in lists of the most romatnic cities (DatingAdvice, 2019;  OpenTable, 2018). Some of the rankings were based on awesome restaurants with intimate dining, easy access to live music, and lots of fun bars in a pedestrian-friendly city. We’re a budget-friendly city for dating, with tons of parks, street art, festivals, hike-and-bike trails, an epic lake close to downtown, and lots of affordable attractions, such as world-class museums and dive bars. All this romance tends to lead to one thing: weddings!

Lucky for locals and visitors alike, Austin is also a fantastic city in which to plan a wedding. Whether you want a lake escape or a trendy downtown hotspot, Austin has it all. Downtown is full of gorgeous hotels.

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No cool Texas wedding would be complete without the perfect pair of boots. Visit ALLENS BOOTS on South Congress (known as SoCo to locals), home of countless retail options for the adventurous. Allens is crowned by the big red boot on their roof so you definitely won’t miss them. Inside their old walls, you’ll find the latest in chic footwear from your Luccheses to your Ariats. Every brand worth knowing can be found on their trusted shelves, and celebrities, athletes and locals alike flock to this mainstay. While there, don’t forget about bridesmaids’ gifts! Allens has jewelry, belt buckles, apparel, bags and lots of other surprises.

If the idea of a lake escape is more your thing, Austin’s stunning Lake Travis is calling your name. The breathtaking Hill Country vistas that surround the lake are spectacular eye candy, with rolling hills, limestone canyons, lush treescapes, and vivid sunsets making for the most extraordinary photo opportunities.

Romantic, relaxing VINTAGE VILLAS is located on the island-like expanse known as Hudson Bend. More than just a wedding venue, this locally owned beauty is also a stylish hotel, turning any wedding into an authentic retreat. Imagine all your friends and family together under one roof, on six acres of bluff overlooking a striking expanse of Lake Travis. Three unique villas are nestled in a gorgeous, natural setting, each with their own style reflecting the heritage of a different part of Texas.

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If bigger and bolder is your thing, popular local and tourist destination THE OASIS on Lake Travis, is just south of Hudson Bend. Known locally as the Sunset Capital of Texas, this restaurant and music-and-event venue is a majestic beauty you would have to see to believe. Rising on a cliff 400 feet over the water, it boasts seating for thousands, with seemingly endless hidden nooks of private rooms and epic decks to take in those gorgeous sunsets. Guests and lovebirds alike will ï¬nd endless fun activities over a long weekend at Lake Travis.

If you are into a really unique spot for a rehearsal dinner, try THE COUNTY LINE LEGENDARY BAR-B-Q. They’re a name so well known to locals, you won’t have to go far to hear a positive review. They’ve been serving up large family banquets for more than 40 years and it’s their reputation that keeps those beloved doors open. Not only can they host an amazing wedding rehearsal dinner worth remembering, but they can even do an intimate wedding. They have two charming Austin locations: On the Hill and the On the Lake. On the Lake sits under the limestone cliffs right on Bull Creek, home of the hungry snapping turtles. On the Hill offers breathtaking views and a fun history: they’re located in an historic old speakeasy. The County Line recently spread their delicious wings and you can ï¬nd them in San Antonio, El Paso and Albuquerque as well. If you live elsewhere and Austin is your destination wedding city, you can even sample their food in advance—just visit www.airribs.com.

Endless opportunities are available in trendsetting-Austin for wonderful weddings, whether your ideal be big and glamorous, or small and sweet. Incorporating the fun and fantastic recreation of Lake Travis and nearby, exciting Austin into your romantic event will make it truly an unforgettable experience for all involved. Discover all there is to do and see on the one-of-a-kind lake, located just outside exciting downtown Austin.