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The Gem of Hill Country Weddings

May 31, 2022
Words by Lauren Ertl
Photos courtesy of various

Nestled in the beautiful Texas Hill Country is a historic town established by German immigrants in the mid-1800s. Once a quaint respite best known for its juicy, delicious peaches, Fredericksburg has become a can’t-miss destination for those traversing central Texas. Additionally, couples looking to capture a small country town feel for their destination wedding will certainly want to put Fredericksburg on the list of places to scout.

Here, you’ll find a range of venues to suit every style and budget. From historic farmhouses to modern event spaces, there’s something for every couple.

A luxury Bed and Breakfast, Hoffman Haus is perfect for those wanting a place large enough to stay and wed on property. The Great Hall is a beautiful tobacco barn from the 1840s and is most commonly used for receptions, while the neighboring garden provides the ideal ceremony spot. Going for more of the country vibe?

Consider saying “I do” at one of the barn-style venues. Swallows Eve offers all-inclusive packages and boasts a 35-acre property just a short drive down the road from Main Street. Beyond the full culinary and bar services (there’s even a professional-grade bbq pit), Swallows Eve has a number of locations on property for couples to select from, including a one-of-a-kind open-air chapel.

A couple of twists and turns down the road lies Camp Hideaway, a luxury barn-style venue, that sits hilltop with impeccable views. Perhaps hinted at in the name, this property is more than just a venue, offering on-site lodging in a gorgeous ranch-style home with a pool and a putting green in the back.

Similarly, Cabins at Red Rock offers the chance for couples to spend an entire weekend with their guests but enjoying more of a quintessential Texas cabin living experience. Ideal for smaller parties, the property’s event space (Hillside at Red Rock) is a 1500-square foot Great Room with best-in-town 30-mile Hill Country views from any seat in the house.

For couples looking for a variety of excellent cuisine to enjoy from their welcome dinner to a farewell lunch, Fredericksburg’s got you covered. Casual eateries perfect for a welcome dinner or farewell party include West End Pizza Co.Eaker BBQ, and Caliche Coffee & Roastery. Fine dining ideal for rehearsal dinners are Hill & VineSage and Fischer & Wieser’s cooking school reservable for private events.

Beyond state-of-the-art culinary experiences, Fredericksburg offers visitors endless entertainment. There are many historical sites, shops and restaurants for visitors to enjoy. In addition, it is also home to several wineries. For some fun in the sun, we suggest making a stop by Wildseed Farms, the nation’s largest working wildflower farm. The best time to visit is in the spring when the farm’s adjacent field blooms with an unforgettable volume of bluebonnets. After purchasing some of your own wildflower seeds from the gift shop, take a drive down a winding country road to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.

Just like it sounds, Enchanted Rock is literally just that: a massive hunk of granite amongst the green hills. Groups can take a hike to the top (make sure to bring sensible footwear) revealing 360, breathtaking views. Couples who’d categorize themselves as history buffs may wish to hop aboard a trolley-like bus with Fredericksburg Tours. A tour of Fredericksburg reveals its rich history from the Native Americans who inhabited the land to the German settlers who established the town and everything in between. For an even deeper dive into how the settlers would have lived in the early days, groups can explore the Pioneer Museum. And a trip to the Napa Valley of Texas wouldn’t be complete without a winery tour! We suggest Pedernales Cellars and Kalasi Cellars for groups who’d like to taste the grapes of Texas at innovative, family-owned operations.

Additional lodging options abound in the German town. In fact, Fredericksburg boasts 1500 and counting short-term rental properties/Bed and Breakfasts. A boutique resort experience, Hill Country Herb Garden beckons a retreat to their uniquely decorated cottages and on-site spa. Currently, in the remodeling and rebranding phase, this resort will soon offer an on-site restaurant and luscious herb garden venue space. For couples looking for a relaxing yet adventurous escape post-wedding, Stay Onera offers unique lodging experiences from luxury treehouses and canvas safari-like structures to a geodesic dome and an upscale airstream.

As a small, historic town that retains much of its charm, Fredericksburg offers the perfect backdrop for a memorable wedding celebration in the heart of the Texas Hill Country.

Photos courtesy of (from top to bottom, left to right): Steve Rawls (1st & 3rd); Flying Cow Tallow (2nd); Hoffman Haus (4th); Lauren Ertl (5th, 6th, 10th-21st, 25th); Alicia Lucia Photography (7th); Photos by Yaz (8th); Madison Katlin Photography (9th); Chase Fountain (22nd); Hill Country Herb Garden (23rd & 24th)

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