Sunny Skies, Poolside Ties at Cactus Lodge: A Dreamy Texas Hill Country Wedding Venue
Just outside Austin, Cactus Moon Lodge sits atop rolling hills with tree-covered vistas. This Texas Hill Country wedding venue is an amazing compound of multiple abodes, complete with an infinity edge pool, firepit, and views for days.
Cactus Moon Lodge was the ideal Texas Hill Country wedding venue for Ellen and Danny’s multi-day wedding, and it was an epic celebration no one will ever forget.
If that is just what you and your partner are looking for, you’ve come to the right place. Check out more about the venue itself and how Ellen and Danny brought the venue to life for their dream wedding.
Cactus Moon Lodge: A Texas Hill Country Wedding Venue
The minute you step onto the grounds at the Cactus Moon Lodge, you’ll instantly feel at peace. Surrounded by 20+ acres of Texas Hill Country, you’ll have everything you need for the dream wedding with your closest friends and family.
You have the perfect combination of privacy and connection here. Walkways and porches connect everything to the main lodge, but there are still separate areas for everyone to escape to throughout the weekend.
This venue is perfect for you if you want a desert oasis with an elevated southwestern wedding vibe and an intimate and magical atmosphere for your wedding weekend. Think Marfa in Austin!
Cactus Moon Lodge only books a limited number of events each year, so every event is very intentionally planned, and no detail is missed.
If you plan a weekend wedding here, you and your guests can enjoy cocktails by the pool, cooking together in a large gourmet kitchen, stargazing, or even participating in a unique local day trip—just to give you an idea of what’s waiting for you!
This venue is also perfect for a more intimate wedding. The max number of guests allowed at the wedding is 100, so you can keep the guest list small to really enjoy the time you spend with everyone.
Ellen and Danny opted to keep their guest list more intimate, which made their whole wedding weekend feel more intentional and special to both them and their guests.
I love when couples choose to have smaller weddings and they truly turn out to be such special events for everyone there. With a smaller wedding, not only are you not worried about running around trying to say a quick hi to everyone so they don’t feel left out, but you’re also able to plan more meaningful events throughout the night or weekend.
Ellen and Danny’s Multi-Day Wedding
Cactus Moon Lodge was just the spot that Ellen and Danny had envisioned for a weekend filled with laughter, love, and celebration.
Upon arrival, friends and family gathered at Desert Door, a local favorite watering hole with a West Texas vibe serving up Sotol libations. Once the welcome party ended, everyone headed back to the venue for an evening around the fire, sharing stories about the couple and how they had all come together.
The bride, a talented violinist with experience in the wedding industry, stated early on that she’d seen so many weddings, and she wanted hers to be unique.
She stressed that guest experience and comfort were paramount. Guests' comfort and experience were the most important to her! With this in mind, Silver Thistle went to work, weaving the personalities of both bride and groom throughout the flow of the event with thoughtful details.
Wedding Day Festivities
The wedding day festivities began with a party on the morning of the wedding. Friends gathered poolside, enjoying each other's company in the warm Texas sun. The atmosphere was casual and relaxed, setting the tone for the entire weekend.
Even small things like this pool party are why more intimate weddings are incredible. Something like this wouldn’t have been possible with a 200-person guest list. But, by keeping the wedding smaller, they were able to have this unique experience with their guests that everyone will remember!
Ellen exuded timeless style and chose to wear a simple, strapless silk dress that fit her perfectly. Danny opted for a classic suit in evergreen with a crisp white shirt and bolo tie. Together, they complimented the vibe of the day.
Temporary tattoos of the couple's beloved cat, Clementine, added a playful touch, while autumnal tones and bright pops of color in the floral arrangements brought warmth and vibrancy to the setting.
The Ceremony
The ceremony itself was a beautiful and intimate affair, held in the round with a sienna-checkered rug grounding the space. Surrounded by loved ones, the couple exchanged vows with the beautiful hill country as their backdrop.
After the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktails on the sun-drenched deck poolside before gathering for a dinner al fresco under soft bistro lighting. Multiple cakes awaited the finish of dinner, inviting guests to indulge.
The Reception
Perhaps the most memorable moments of the evening came during the heartfelt toasts when laughter and tears flowed freely. When the groom's father became too emotional to finish his speech, the groom's mother stepped in, stealing the show with her touching words and unwavering love.
As the night wore on, guests danced under the stars in the courtyard, their spirits lifted by the music and the joy of the occasion.
Afterparty
While most weddings will end with the reception, Ellen and Danny wanted to keep the party going. The newlyweds and their guests ended the day right where everything began back at the pool. It really was the perfect way to end such an incredible and intimate wedding.
In the end, it was a wedding weekend filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. From the serene beauty of the hill country to the heartfelt connections between friends and family, it was a celebration that will be cherished for years to come—a true testament to the power of love and the beauty of shared moments.
Talented Vendor Team:
Venue: Cactus Moon Lodge
Hair & Makeup: Erica Gray
Photography: Map + Compass Photography
Design & Planning: Silver Thistle Events
Tabletop Rentals: Table Manners
Event Rentals: Bee Lavish Event Rentals
Florals: Kismet Flowers
DJ: Dart Collective
Catering: Peached Tortilla
Bartending: Peak Beverage
Shuttles: AroundAustin
Ready to Plan a Texas Hill Country Wedding at Cactus Lodge?
There are many different, unique Texas Hill Country wedding venues you could choose from for your celebration, but some of them definitely stand out when it comes to creating unforgettable, weddings.
If you want to plan a wedding that whisks you away to your own oasis, has individual casitas for you and your guests to enjoy time together while still having privacy, and includes views of stunning Texas Hill Country, then Cactus Lodge could be the venue you’ve been searching for.
If you want to learn more about planning a multi-day wedding, check out the blog I wrote for you here.
Ready to have a wedding experience where you embrace the unexpected and where genuine, true moments are captured between you and your partner? Then let’s get started dreaming and planning your true elopement or wedding day in Texas or beyond! You can get in touch with me here or learn more about my services here.