Heather Curiel

Justine’s Secret House Wedding Venue Guide

admin — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 23:36:47 +0000

Justine’s Secret House Wedding: Password and Venue Guide

Justine’s Secret House is one of the most unique wedding venues in Austin. It’s also one of my favorite venues to photograph as an Austin film wedding photographer. I’ve written this post to share everything I know and love about this beautiful and unique venue in East Austin.

This wedding venue is perfect for couples seeking a unique space to host an intimate wedding. With red color drenched walls, moody lighting, and a private courtyard that makes you feel like you’re in New Orleans, it’s the ideal venue for wedding couples who want something different and interesting with incredible food!

Password

A quick note on the Justine’s Secret House website password… For the best experience you can send an email to the contact info listed on their website. However, I’ve written my own in depth guide here. Scroll below to find more info and insider information on having your wedding at Justine’s Secret House.

VIBE

An intimate wedding venue in East Austin in an opulent Victorian house with a New Orleans style courtyard. Exceptional french inspired cuisine.

LOCATION

1303 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702 www.justinessecrethouse.com

HIGHLIGHTS

Capacity of 80 guests
Downtown East Austin
Exclusively catered by Justine’s Brasserie
In house rentals available
Starting price: $4k not including food & beverage

Why couples love Justine’s Secret House

The moody vibe of this venue paired feels quite literally like a secret space hidden right in the middle of dowtown Austin. When you enter the gates you’ll feel transported into a New Orleans style courtyard filled with charm and incredible cuisine.

Venue Highlights

New Orleans charm in central Austin – Red painted walls, ornately displayed art, and the sexiest venue lighting in Austin. Justine’s Secret House is one of the most unique venues in Austin making you feel as though you’re right in the heart of New Orleans.
Exceptional food and service – Have you ever been to Justine’s restaurant? Scallops seared in butter, the best pork chop in Texas, and a perfectly topped mountain of bolognese. Imagine that on your wedding day, in you’re own private space surrounded by your loved ones.
The charm is already waiting for you – As an almost all-inclusive space, Justine’s Secret House is ready to go with little else needed for a romantic and sexy wedding aesthetic.

Justine’s Secret House Weddings

A collection of my favorite real wedding images at Justine’s Secret House

A Photographer’s Perspective

Hi, I’m Heather

I’ve been a wedding photographer in Austin over a decade and would love to talk with you more. The moody decor and interiors of Justine’s Secret House lend themselves to intimate weddings for couples who want the space to feel like an elevated backyard New Orleans dinner party. Having your favorite people together in one space to celebrate your love, makes for photos that have warmth and ease. Click here to check out my comprehensive list on the most unique and modern wedding venues in Austin.

My style blends photojournalism and editorial photography to create wedding images that are natural, candid, and beautiful. I would love to be your wedding photographer.

GET IN TOUCH

A few insider tips…

Live musicians or unique entertainment options add to a romantic feel in this space during cocktail hour and reception. Consider jazz singers, string players, and live bands.
Rental fee includes access to the courtyard, interior space, in-house furniture, and sound system.
Parking is limited. Expect for guests to use a shuttle or rideshare service.

LET’S CONNECT

Ready to save the date and capture your story forever?

SAVE OUR DATE

The post Justine’s Secret House Wedding Venue Guide appeared first on Heather Curiel.

Elope in Austin Texas – 2026 Guide

admin — Sat, 06 Dec 2025 19:48:00 +0000

Elope in Austin – Your 2026 Guide to Austin Elopements

Are you dreaming of your Austin elopement? Big skies, great food, and beautiful weather are just a few of the things that make Austin Texas a great place for an elopement or micro wedding. There is a reason that the Austin area is the wedding capitol of the world! After shooting hundreds of weddings in Austin over the last ten years I’ve come up with a roundup of information and tips for couples planning a small wedding in Austin. Below you’ll find a list of places to elope, Austin elopement venues, tips for your elopement, and info on Austin elopement photographer packages.

Places to Elope in Austin

Chapels & Wedding Venues

Even if you’re looking to elope for a non traditional wedding experience, a chapel or a traditional wedding venue might be a perfect fit. Some of my favorite Austin wedding venues that would also be great for an elopement are: Mattie’s Austin, Prospect House, Malverde, Austin Central Library, Commodore Perry Estate, and Laguna Gloria. You can view my full and comprehensive list of Austin Wedding Venues here.

Local Parks

There are so many beautiful parks in Austin that would be fantastic for your Austin elopement. Austin parks provide beautiful landscaping and some have sweeping views of the skyline. With a few exceptions most parks wouldn’t require a reservation or fee for your elopement, but you would need to provide your own officiant. One thing to note is that parking can be limited in some of the downtown locations, so you’ll want to plan ahead for yourself or guests. Some of my favorite Austin parks for an elopement include: Laguna Gloria, Zilker Park, Little and Big Stacy Park, Pease Park, Waterloo Greenway, McKinney Falls State Park (requires entrance fee), Mayfield Park (requires reservation and fee), and Zilker Botanical Garden (requires reservation and fee).

Restaurants

If you’re looking to elope and have food and drinks in the same location, an Austin restaurant could be the perfect fit. I could see this being a great option for a foodie couple or someone wanting a fun downtown feel. My suggestion would be: La Condesa, Parkside, Micklethwait, Juliet Italian Kitchen (Barton Springs), and The Golden Rule (Georgetown). These are all restaurants that have private dining space available and can accommodate medium sized groups. There are also a few Austin wedding venues that double as restaurants, you can view my full list of favorite Austin wedding venues here.

Courthouse

The courthouse can be a sweet and classic option for couples looking to elope in Austin. There are several courthouses located in Austin with the most popular being the two downtown options: Travis County Courthouse Precinct 5 and the Travis County Civil & Family Courts Facility. These are a great option for those looking to have an officiant provided and can be a great option for those looking to celebrate with guests later in the day or have a larger celebration at a later date. There’s such a classic elopement look with the historic architecture of the Precinct 5 location while the Civil & Family Courts Facility has a more modern look. Scroll down to my Austin Elopement Venues section to read more about each courthouse location.

Looking for an Austin elopement photographer?

Get in Touch

4 Tips For Your Elopement

Austin Marriage License

You can find full and up to date info about obtaining your marriage license in Austin Texas at the Travis County Clerk office website. The info below is accurate as of 2025: To elope in Austin your marriage license can be obtained between 3-89 days before your ceremony at any Travis County Clerk’s office. After the ceremony, you’ll return the license within 30 days of your ceremony date. From there you’ll receive your license in the mail. Fee for the license is $80 or $20 with an official premarital education course (my husband and I attended the Texas Twogether Program and highly recommend).

Officiant

Two routes are available here, you could hire a professional officiant (if you’re not getting married at a courthouse) or you can have a friend/family get officially ordained to be your officiant. The Universal Life Church is a popular online choice for friends and family looking to get ordained. Something to note is that regardless of whether you’re interested in a religious or a secular ceremony, you will still need to have an officiant that carries an official license.

Best Time of Year to Elope in Austin

This depends on what sort of elopement your wanting. If you’re wanting to incorporate the outdoors to elope in Austin, March-May and October-November will typically have the best weather. That said, it’s also the most popular part of the year for all weddings. If you’re interested in keeping costs down, try exploring weekdays during the months listed above or try alternate dates in June, July, December. One thing to be aware of is that Austin regularly sees some of the hottest weather during the month of August and we’ve had some of our coldest days/winter storms during Mid to late February.

Communicate With Your Elopement Photographer

Send me an email! I would love to be your elopement photographer and I’m happy to share location and timeline tips to help you have the best Austin elopement. In the weeks leading up to your elopement in Austin, we’ll go over timeline and talk about any particular photos you’re interested in. While my style incorporates a mix of candids and editorial portraits, I find that having a good timeline in place and getting feedback from you allows you to have the most relaxed and fun wedding day.

Looking for an Austin elopement photographer?

Get in Touch

Austin Elopement Venues

Commodore Perry

We’ll start here with one of my favorite Austin wedding venues. Commodore Perry is a luxury resort property located in Central Austin. It offers lodging in addition to two incredible restaurants and beautiful gardens. While it is a traditional wedding venue, it’s great to think outside the box when you’re planning to elope in Austin. I’ve had clients have their official ceremony at the Travis County Civil & Family Courts Facility then head over to the Commodore Perry for a quick portrait session followed by an intimate dinner to celebrate with family. You can explore more of my favorite Modern and Unique Austin Wedding Venues here to jump start ideas for your elopement. Commodore Perry 4100 Red River St, Austin, TX 78751

Travis County Courthouse (Downtown)

There are a few Travis County Courthouse locations in the Austin area with the downtown location Precint 5 on Guadalupe Street being the most popular. Most appointments are available Monday-Thursday with limited weekend availability (weekend appts are performed outside only). Weekday appointments cost $200 and weekend appointments cost $400. Travis County Courthouse Precinct 5 1000 Guadalupe St. Austin, TX 78701

Travis County Civil & Family Courts Facility

This new building is sleek and modern. While also located downtown, it is not to be confused with the Travis Country Precinct 5 location. They allow portraits inside the building and the available natural light is absolutely gorgeous. Travis County Civil & Family Courts Facility 1700 Guadalupe St. Austin, Texas 78701

Zilker Botanical Garden

The Zilker Botanical Garden is one of my favorite locations for portraits and are equally gorgeous grounds for an elopement. The gardens have trails that span a large area of the fenced in grounds of the gardens. My suggested location for an elopement would be the area near the rose garden and this could additionally fit a very small group of friends and family. Ideal time of year for this location would be March-May to take advantage of the bloom season. You’ll want to contact the venue directly to determine fees as this can vary on party size. Zilker Botanical Garden 2220 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746

Laguna Gloria

The spacious grounds of Laguna Gloria are a gorgeous location for your Austin wedding elopement. The gardens are sprawling and have several hidden spaces for you to have a private ceremony and still have a beautiful backdrop for photos afterwards. This location is centrally located and would be good for a private or small guest count elopement. Laguna Gloria 3809 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703

Chapel Dulcinea

A unique outdoor chapel with gorgeous views of the hill country, and yes completely free, Chapel Dulcinea is popular with couples who want to elope in Austin with beautiful views. This elopement venue offers three elopement options. The free option is available during the daytime on weekdays, a $500 paid option is available during the evening on weekdays and the daytime on weekends, and another $1000 paid option is available on weekend evenings. They have an online reservation calendar on their site which makes is easy to quickly see which days/times are available. It is a popular Austin elopement venue, so you’ll want to make your reservation asap. Chapel Dulcinea 16221 Crystal Hills Dr, Austin, TX 78737

Texas Capitol Grounds

The Texas Capitol Grounds are a lovely location for an outdoor elopement with a classic Austin feel. You’ll bring along your own officiant and choose a space on the outdoor lawn, as this is more of a DIY approach with an official feel. The grounds are public so no fee required for an elopement with a small group. Texas Capitol Grounds 112 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78701

Austin Elopement Photography Packages

contact heather

Think I might be the right photographer for you?

I would love to get to know you and help you elope in Austin! Click the link to get in touch and find out if I’m available on your date.

The post Elope in Austin Texas – 2026 Guide appeared first on Heather Curiel.

Marfa Wedding Photographer

admin — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 22:28:19 +0000

Marfa Wedding Photographer

WHAT WE OFFER

Your Marfa wedding, it’s a vibe.

Use this paragraph to provide a summary of the services you offer and who they would be best suited for. Describe the results your services deliver.

SECLUDED DESTINATION WEDDING FEEL
DAY DRIVE TO CENTRAL TEXAS
THE MOUNTAINS, THE DESERT, THE GORGEOUS SUNSETS
UNIQUE BOHEMIAN VIBE
THE NIGHT SKY, STARS, MC DONALD OBSERVATORY

Reasons to get married in Marfa

FOR ADVENTUROUS BRANDS

Use this space to go into greater detail about your main product/service, eg. wedding photography. You could state how long you’ve been running this part of the business for, how many clients you’ve helped, why you’re the expert, your unique twist, etc.

Use the ticks below to highlight key areas you cover / unique selling points.

SEE THE MARFA LIGHTS (?)!
UNIQUE DESERT ARCHITECTURE
BALMORHEA SPRINGS
UNPLUG FROM THE EVERYDAY
BORDO MARFA, TRUST ME

A few of my favorite Marfa Wedding Venues

FOR CREATIVE BUSINESSES

SHORT FORM VIDEO
SOCIAL MEDIA TEMPLATES
PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY

Your story, my style

What makes my work different? My style is deeply rooted in photjournalism with an eye for editorial portraiture. I love telling the story of your day and capturing the essence of the *feeling* of your day. I love using a blend of digital and film wedding photography to create your images. With over a decade of being a Marfa wedding photographer, I bring experience and a love of the artistry of your wedding day. I’m also familiar with the logistics of navigating Marfa and have an extensive Marfa Wedding Guide you can view here.

If this speaks to you, I would love to connect. Click the button below to tell me more about your story and check availability for your Marfa wedding date.

let’s connect

Reviews

We recently were going through our wedding photos and we had the same reaction as the first time we saw them…JAWS ON THE FLOOR! You are not only incredibly skilled and talented in a technical sense but also in making us feel comfortable and helping our personalities and love radiate through the film! I remember how nervous and awkward I felt and you made me feel more comfortable by making me laugh and having Brian stand behind you to look at him to get the true emotions to come out. Even working with the tricky weather that day of whether it was going to rain or not! -Anna & Brian

I am beyond words so in love with the pics!! You are amazing! We cannot thank you enough. I am so thrilled we were able to have you capture our day in such a beautiful way. We will treasure these photos forever. You were seriously the sweetest and most talented person and we felt so happy you were with us. I am so thankful you were able to share your incredible gift with us – I just want to hug all of the pictures. -Annie & Justin

I literally can’t say enough great things about Heather Curiel. Her work is absolutely stunning…the use of color and light is like no other. I’m the owner Gypsy Floral and Events and frequently call on her to capture images of our work because I know she sees things through her lens like no one else. She recently did our headshots for our team and not only are the images incredible, the nature in which she gives direction and puts you at ease in the process is unparalleled. For the past 8 years, I’ve felt connected to her personally and professionally, and if you’re looking for someone to understand style, nuance, and art, she’s your gal! -Emily, Gypsy Floral & Events

Meet your Marfa wedding photographer

About Heather

Heather Curiel has been featured in People Magazine, Style Me Pretty, and The Knot among others. With over a decade of experience as a Marfa wedding photographer, Heather crafts luxury, editorial images throughout the day, but merges them with a sense of fun.

I know the beauty of a Marfa sunset and a beautiful love story. It would be an honor to document your wedding day. Get in touch using the link below.

Contact Heather

Get in touch

Ready to see if your date is still open for magic?

send me an email and tell me about your day

I’m Ready

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Favorites

admin — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 15:35:46 +0000

The post Favorites appeared first on Heather Curiel.

Monique and Jevon

admin — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 18:16:22 +0000

Monique & Jevon

Venue // Laguna Gloria

Planning // Bianca Nichole & Co

Floral Design // Daughter Floral

Music// Mariachi Relampago, DJ Angie Vee, Sienna String Quartet

Beauty // Luxe By Lexi

Laguna gloria wedding

Monique and Jevon celebrated their love on a summer evening with an evening spent dancing under the stars at the incredible Laguna Gloria in Austin, Texas. With gorgeous florals by Daughter Floral and a sweet butter yellow color palette, their wedding design was executed perfectly by Bianca Nichole & Co. Guests danced throughout the evening to a triple dj set making for a dance party to remember. We captured the fun dynamic of their event by incorporating holga and point and shoot film cameras. Loved being a part of their celebration.

VIEW MORE WEDDINGS GET IN TOUCH

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South Congress Hotel Wedding

admin — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 19:23:33 +0000

South Congress Hotel Wedding

Venue // South Congress Hotel

Planning // 36th St Events

Floral Design // Pollen Floral Art

Band // Drywater Band

Kristin & Stephen’s South Congress Hotel Wedding

A chic and modern dance the night away love fest party for Kristin and Stephen with planning and design by 36th Street Events. These two fell in love in NYC and decided on a South Congress Hotel wedding to celebrate their love. The groom is from Texas and friends and family flew in from all over. Kristin had a strong artistic vision of keeping the design modern and influenced by fresh botanicals. Pollen Floral Art delivered with bright tropical pops of green throughout South Congress Hotel. Family and friends were treated to an epic dance party from Drywater Band where they danced the night away. Can you tell this wedding was fun?! I loved how 36th Street Events used the natural minimalism of the hotel and brought it to life with fresh greenery and still kept the Austin charm. We started the day in the suite of the hotel and then moved to the lobby for the couple’s first look and family portraits. I absolutely love incorporating the minimalism of the Austin wedding venue into wedding portraits to give and unique and modern look to the images. After a quick outfit change the bride and groom kept up the dancing and ended the night with a sweet sendoff surrounded by loved ones.

SEND ME AN EMAIL

I look forward to hearing from you!

GET IN TOUCH

The post South Congress Hotel Wedding appeared first on Heather Curiel.

Austin Central Library Wedding

admin — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 19:47:50 +0000

Austin Central Library Wedding

Venue // Austin Central Library

Hair & Makeup // Vali & Co. Bridal

Music // Dart Collective

Matt & Jac’s Austin Central Library Wedding

The Austin central library was the perfect modern Austin wedding venue for Jac and Matt’s spring wedding. We started the day by joining her and her stunning bridesmaids for sweet moments while getting ready in a lovely suite at the Austin Proper Hotel. Then Jac and Matt had the sweetest first look on the bridge overlooking the library. How stunning does Jac look in her open back silk Adwen wedding dress by Reformation?! Carolyn Kennedy’s wedding look inspired her and I love her modern interpretation. Also check out presidential emblem cuff links, a gift from his mom who worked at the White House. Chic, classic, and timeless, so gorgeous! We carried this inspiration into the wedding photography and really focused on candid moments using film for her wedding photographs throughout the day. They held a sunset ceremony on the rooftop overlooking auditorium shores and Dart Collective spun music (and a surprise saxophone!) for their friends and family all evening. She shared a special sing along to Abba with her mom, I absolutely love sweet moments like this. And I love how stylish her bridesmaids look in their coordinating “something blue”. Jac loves the candid nature to my Austin film wedding photographer work, so we really kept things fun and candid…. easy to do with this group! I loved shooting the holga for a few rolls on the dancefloor. If you’re looking for a wedding photographer for your Austin Central Library wedding, I would love to talk with you more!

SEND ME AN EMAIL

I look forward to hearing from you!

GET IN TOUCH

The post Austin Central Library Wedding appeared first on Heather Curiel.

Mas Torroella Wedding Costa Brava Spain

admin — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 16:49:29 +0000

Mas Torroella Wedding Costa Brava Spain

Venue // Mas Torroella Costa Brava

Planning // Crystal Events Barcelona

Mas Torroella Wedding in Costa Brava Spain

These two had the most epic Mas Torroella wedding just outside of Barcelona in Costa Brava, planned by Jennifer of Crystal Events Barcelona.The bride’s family flew in from Texas while the groom’s family is local to Barcelona. Their love story started in Spain so they felt it appropriate to bring all their guests in to celebrate their love. Festivities for these two started with a coastal rehearsal dinner with heartfelt speeches throughout the evening. They spent their wedding day celebrating in the stunning wedding venue of Mas Torroella, this style of venue is called a macia and similar to a hacienda or villa but with Spanish flair. This location made for gorgeous photos with a garden ceremony, poolside cocktail hour, and twinkle light dinner. All their ceremony and speeches were given in both English and Spanish, translated by friends and family which made the day even more special. Their wedding day style was classic, romantic, and natural. How stunning is this location?! We went into the wooded area for some ceremony portraits right at sunset while guests enjoyed cocktails by the pool. For dinner their friends and family had an incredible four course meal under the moonlight and romantic twinkle lighting in the garden. While a typical wedding in the US might have an hour or two of dancing after dinner Spanish weddings are just built different… these two held a reception that went til 2am with a Spanish guitar trio followed by a DJ that mixed music the entire night… I’ve never seen a groom more into the music than I did this day. Much love to you, Veronica and David. Looking for a photographer for your Mas Torroella wedding? I would love to chat with you!

SEND ME AN EMAIL

I look forward to hearing from you!

GET IN TOUCH

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Villa Antonia Wedding

admin — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 17:30:21 +0000

Villa Antonia Wedding

Venue // Villa Antonia

Planner // Kristin Catter Events

Hair & Makeup // LUX Beauty & Bridal

Floral // Poppy Flower

Music // Hype Rhythm DJ and Terra Vista Strings

Angela & Marcus’ Villa Antonia Wedding

A Villa Antonia wedding filled with a Tuscan influence. Angela and Marcus share a love for Tuscany and chose their Austin wedding venue as a nod to the groom’s heritage. You could feel the love beaming from their wedding party and family throughout the day. The best man started and ended the day serenading the couple by accordion… a total first for me! What a sweet touch. Check out the style of the groom’s party, all white tuxedos. I love how this kept in line with the Tuscan theme. Angela’s fashion did not miss either. She wore turquoise boots and changed into a sparkly two piece for the dance floor. Hype Rhythm DJ kept the dance party going with live drumming. The entire family was on the dance floor all night, even their sweet parents. Did you catch the bride and groom up in the air? Their big cuddly pup with the bride getting ready? A sweet mother son moment during first dances? These are moments you’ll want to have when you look back on your wedding photos in twenty years. Get in touch if you’re looking for an Austin film wedding photographer.

SEND ME AN EMAIL

I look forward to hearing from you!

GET IN TOUCH

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