The Hummingbird House is a garden wedding venue, set across five and a half acres of greenery and gardens that you would never expect in Austin. The property is filled with established trees and flowering plants, with winding paths that make you want to keep exploring. You can spend your ceremony in one of the gardens, have cocktail hour on the patio, then head into the reception hall for dinner with the trees still right there beyond the windows.
Hi, I’m Colette! I’m an Austin-based wedding photographer and a preferred vendor at Hummingbird House. I’ve photographed several weddings here, and it’s become a venue I always get excited to return to. The gardens have so much character, and I love seeing how differently each couple brings their own vision to the space. Plus, with my love for film photography and playing with light, there’s always something that catches my eye when I’m here. If you want to see what I mean, you can explore more of my Austin wedding photography and film work.
If The Hummingbird House is on your list of potential wedding venues, I want to give you a closer look at what makes it special. I’m walking you through the property, what I’d consider when planning a wedding here, and what you can expect from this garden oasis outside of Austin.
What Makes The Hummingbird House the Perfect Venue for a Garden-Inspired Wedding
What I really appreciate about Hummingbird House is how the gardens are woven into the entire wedding day. They’re almost always within arm’s reach. Your guests can linger outside with a drink or find a quiet spot to catch up with someone they haven’t seen in forever. I love when a wedding feels like everyone can settle in and enjoy being together, and this property is such a lovely setting for that.
The design possibilities here are so good, too. I’m always drawn to venues that give you something interesting to work with, and the existing landscape is already doing a lot of the visual work. You can embrace bold colors and oversized florals or keep things softer and more romantic. There’s so much opportunity to bring your own personality into the gardens, especially when you have a creative vendor team you trust to run with your vision.
I think that’s what makes Hummingbird House such a great garden wedding venue. It gives you a beautiful foundation with plenty of room to make the day your own. Each space offers something a little different, which is part of what makes exploring the property so fun.
The Spaces at The Hummingbird House
Hummingbird House has several different spaces throughout the property, from the outdoor ceremony garden to the indoor reception hall. Each area has its own character, giving every part of the wedding day a different setting while keeping the gardens at the center of the celebration.
Ceremony Garden
The ceremony garden is centered around an English-style gazebo covered in heavenly-smelling jasmine vines. They’ve grown all around the structure, making it feel like it’s been there forever. I love how much character the gazebo already has before you even add any ceremony flowers. It creates a natural focal point for the ceremony, and the surrounding greenery makes the whole space feel intimate without needing much additional decor.
The Courtyard
The newly renovated courtyard has an outdoor bar and lounge areas, making it a great gathering space for the parts of your day you want to feel easy. It’s a more open area where your guests can spread out, find somewhere comfortable to sit, or wander around catching up with everyone.
I especially love this space once the party gets going. Everyone can grab another drink, settle into one of the lounge areas, or take a little break from the dance floor without feeling like they’ve left the party.
Reception Hall
The reception hall is a 3,200-square-foot, climate-controlled space with glass-paneled walls, white draping, chandeliers, and a perfectly sized dance floor. The glass windows and elegant interior details are so stunning, especially against all the greenery from the gardens outside.
During the day, natural light fills the room through the windows, making the space really bright, airy, and open. Once the sun goes down, the chandeliers give it a completely different atmosphere. Almost a little cozy! I love that the reception hall still feels connected to the gardens, but has a completely different atmosphere once the evening gets going.
The Gardens
The gardens are where Hummingbird House really gets to shine! Winding paths lead through tropical plants and established trees, with a gorgeous stone fountain adding even more character. There’s so much variety in the landscaping that every corner is different.
The greenery also looks INCREDIBLE on film, and the way the sunlight moves through the trees creates some great shadows for portraits. Even though I’ve photographed several weddings here, I find new pockets of inspiration every time I’m here.
The Cocktail Patio
The cocktail patio is a covered outdoor space with a modern tent and limestone bar, giving you a second option for hosting your cocktail party. It’s a more contained setting than the open courtyard, so it feels cozier and more intimate. I really like the limestone detail here, especially against the surrounding greenery. It’s connected to the gardens while having its own atmosphere. And the covered tent is a great option for rain.
The Suites
Hummingbird House has two getting-ready suites on the property. The larger VIP Party Suite has dedicated salon and dressing areas, along with a covered patio. There’s plenty of space for everyone to get ready together and enjoy the morning before the ceremony.
The groom’s suite recently got a much-needed makeover, and I’m SO happy about it! It used to be pretty small, which is unfortunately the case with a lot of grooms’ suites. Now it’s so much brighter and more spacious, with plenty of room for the guys to hang out while they’re getting ready. It’s also tucked away from the bridal suite, so everyone has their own space to enjoy the morning.
Sierra + Gary’s Garden Wedding at The Hummingbird House
Sierra and Gary’s wedding at The Hummingbird House is such a special one to me. We’d already spent time together during their downtown Austin engagement session and Sierra’s bridal portraits at the venue. I’d also photographed a close friend’s wedding the year before, so by their wedding day, it really felt like I was photographing friends.
Their garden wedding was filled with the BEST details. Sierra wore a secondhand wedding gown, and Gary had a custom bolo tie made. They gave their florist, Yarrow and James, creative freedom, and oh my goodness, they killed it. Their ceremony installation was unlike anything I’d seen before, and they even incorporated fruit into the fountain. I was obsessed with how they worked with the existing gardens and made the setting feel so personal to them.
Before their garden ceremony, Sierra and Gary shared a first look and private vows. They played rock-paper-scissors to decide who would read theirs first, which was so fun and sweet. They also incorporated their shared love of cooking into their vows, something that’s a huge part of their relationship. These two even have a cooking blog together!
Beforehand, we planned their photography timeline so they were able to enjoy cocktail hour with their guests and still sneak away for portraits around the property later. Sierra especially loved my film photography, and she trusted me to get creative with the gardens and the light we had that evening. Some of my favorite photographs I’ve ever taken came from this wedding.
At the end of the night, Sierra even gave me a custom ring dish, the same gift she’d given her bridesmaids. I’ll always have such a soft spot for these two, and I really do feel like I walked away from their Hummingbird House wedding with two more friends.
Why I Love Photographing at The Hummingbird House
Okay, so I’ve already gushed a little bit about why The Hummingbird House is a dream to shoot at, but I have to do it a tiny bit more!
I love having the freedom to follow a creative idea when something catches my eye, especially when the light is doing something amazing. The Hummingbird House gives me so many opportunities to do this, and Sierra and Gary’s day was the perfect example.
We were in the courtyard during their reception when I noticed the sun starting to set behind the trees. I knew I wanted to sneak them away for a few golden-hour portraits, so we headed toward the front of the venue. On our way there, we kept getting distracted by dramatic shadows. We were literally running from spot to spot, playing with the light before it disappeared.
Having everything so close together at Hummingbird House made this SO easy. We could follow the light wherever it looked good without spending half the reception walking around the property. I got to have my fun with the camera, and they got to spend the evening with their favorite people. That’s pretty much my ideal scenario!
Who Is The Hummingbird House Best For?
I’d put Hummingbird House high on your list if you want a wedding where everyone can settle in and enjoy themselves without constantly moving from place to place. The ceremony garden, cocktail spaces, and reception hall are all right there on the property, so you can have each part of the day feel a little different without making your timeline more complicated than it needs to be. Your guests can wander through the gardens, grab another drink, or find somewhere to sit and catch up with family they haven’t seen in forever.
It’s also such a good fit for couples who have a creative vision for their wedding and want a venue with plenty of personality already built in. The gardens give you so much color and texture to work with, which means your florals and decor can complement what’s already there. If your inspiration is full of romantic arrangements, unexpected color combinations, and garden-party details, I think you’d have SO much fun bringing everything together here.
And if you want to actually enjoy cocktail hour with your guests but still sneak away for a few portraits when the light gets really good? Even better! Having everything nearby gives us the freedom to get creative with your photographs without taking you away from the party for half the evening.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Hummingbird House
Where is The Hummingbird House located?
Hummingbird House is located at 12805 Arroyo Doble Drive, Manchaca, TX 78652, just south of Austin. If you have guests coming from out of town, there are hotels in nearby Buda and Kyle, so they can stay close to the venue without needing to drive back into Austin after the reception.
How many guests can The Hummingbird House accommodate?
Hummingbird House can accommodate up to 175 guests, making it a great option for couples who want a full wedding celebration with a larger group of family and friends. The venue also provides ceremony and reception chairs for up to 175 people. Something to know if you’re planning a bigger wedding is that the venue requires security for guest counts of 150 or more.
What airport is closest to The Hummingbird House
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is the closest major airport to Hummingbird House. For guests flying in, I’d recommend arranging transportation ahead of time, especially if they’re staying in downtown Austin. You can also coordinate a shuttle through your planner if you have a group of guests staying at the same hotel.
What is the best time of year for a wedding at The Hummingbird House?
Personally, I’d lean toward spring or fall for a wedding at The Hummingbird House, especially if you’re hoping to spend a good portion of your day outside. Spring brings amazing weather, although Texas does love to surprise us with a random rainstorm. Fall also offers a relief from the summer heat.
Summer weddings are absolutely possible, but I’d plan around the hotter temperatures and try to spend most of your time in the shade or indoors. Winter can be great too, although the shorter days mean we’ll need to be a little more intentional with your photography timeline. The venue recommends holding your ceremony around 90 minutes before sunset, which I’d adjust based on your date and whether you’re planning a first look.
How much does The Hummingbird House cost for a wedding?
Hummingbird House doesn’t currently publish its venue rental rates on its website, so I’d recommend reaching out to their team for the most up-to-date pricing. You can request a quote based on your wedding date and find out what deposit is required to officially reserve the venue.
Keep in mind that you’ll still need to budget for your other wedding vendors. Linens aren’t included in the venue rental, and catering and DJs must be selected from Hummingbird House’s approved vendor list. I’d request a detailed quote for your date so you know exactly what’s included before booking.
Does The Hummingbird House have options for if it rains?
Yes! Hummingbird House can set up its covered reception pavilion for your ceremony if the weather doesn’t cooperate. The venue also monitors the forecast on wedding days and may delay an outdoor ceremony briefly if a passing shower looks like it’ll clear.
I’d go over the indoor ceremony setup with your planner and the venue ahead of time so everyone knows what the backup plan looks like. Texas weather can be unpredictable, and having those decisions made before the wedding means there’s one less thing for you to worry about.
Planning Your Own Garden Wedding at The Hummingbird House with an Austin Wedding Photographer
If you’ve fallen in love with The Hummingbird House after reading this, DITTO! I hope this guide has helped you picture what your own wedding here could look like and has given you some inspiration for making the space your own.
As an Austin wedding photographer and preferred vendor at Hummingbird House, I’d be so excited to photograph your day here. Getting to know my couples is a huge part of why I love this job. I want to hear about the ideas you’ve been dreaming up, which details you’re most excited about, and what you’re looking forward to most about getting married. By the time your wedding comes around, I want to know what makes you laugh and have a pretty good idea of how we can get creative with your photos. The more I get to know you, the more fun we can have making photographs that feel like you.
If you’re planning a wedding at The Hummingbird House and love my approach to photography, reach out and tell me all about your plans! I’d love to photograph your day!
Hi! I’m Colette, an Austin wedding photographer with a love for film, live music, vintage things, and weddings that feel completely like you. More than anything, I want you to have the space to be fully present with your people while I preserve it, so years from now, your photos can take you right to the feeling of your day, not just how it looked.
If you’re planning a wedding, couples session, engagement or anything else, I’d love to hear what you’re dreaming up. Take a look through my site to learn a little more about how I photograph weddings, and reach out when you’re ready to have me there for yours.
Need a bit more venue inspiration? Check out my other Austin venue guides!
Vendors
Venue: The Hummingbird House
Planner: Danny, Owner of The Hummingbird House
Florals: Yarrow and James
Hair: Gathered Beauty by Gabrielle
Makeup: Destiny Beauty ATX
Dress: Second Summer Bride
Shoes: Loeffler Randall
Suit: Indochino
Bolo Tie: Silver Lining Studios
Rings: Calvin’s Jewelry & Majuri
Stationer: Marci Studio
DJ: Made from Skratch
