If you’ve been searching for a wedding venue in Austin that’s both magical and budget-friendly, let me introduce you to one of my favorites: Chapel Dulcinea. This dreamy open-air chapel sits on a bluff overlooking the Texas Hill Country, and here’s the best part: it’s completely free to reserve during the week! Yep, you read that right! Chapel Dulcinea has become one of the most iconic Austin wedding spots for couples who want something intimate, romantic, and unforgettable without spending a fortune.

Whether you’re planning a cozy elopement or a small ceremony before celebrating with loved ones downtown, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting married at Chapel Dulcinea.

What is Chapel Dulcinea?

Chapel Dulcinea is a non-denominational, donation-based chapel just outside of Austin. It’s perched on the edge of a hill with sweeping Hill Country views — the perfect blend of rustic charm and romantic vibes. Couples from all over Texas (and beyond!) come here because it’s simple, beautiful, and stress-free.

Three Kinds of Weddings at Chapel Dulcinea

Booking your spot at Chapel Dulcinea is easy, but you’ll want to move fast because popular dates go quickly. The chapel offers 90-minute time slots throughout the day. To reserve, all you need to do is head to their website, select your date and time, and place a refundable deposit (they suggest a donation to help maintain the chapel — trust me, it’s worth it).

Pro tip: weekends and golden hour time slots fill up months in advance, so lock it in as soon as you know your date.

Free Weddings

Free Weddings are available for the following reservation times

Monday through Thursday
 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
10:30 AM – 12 Noon
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

We don’t ask you to pay to use the free reservations at Chapel Dulcinea, but a refundable $200 “No-show” fee is collected at the time of booking.

Your refund will be mailed within 2 to 4 weeks after you arrive at the scheduled time on your wedding day.

SCHEDULE YOUR FREE WEDDING

Paid Weddings

Paid Weddings are available for the following reservation times:

Monday through Thursday
7:00 PM – 8:30PM  

Friday through Sunday
8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
10:30 AM – 12 Noon
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
7:00 PM – 8:30PM

Your wedding deposit fee of $500 is non-refundable.

SCHEDULE YOUR PAID WEDDING

Night Flame Weddings

Night Flame Weddings are available for the following reservation times:

Monday through Sunday
8:30 PM – 10:00PM

Your wedding deposit fee of $1000 is non-refundable.

SCHEDULE YOUR NIGHT FLAME WEDDING

A Legacy Brick and Gas Lamp Sponsorship is INCLUDED in the  price of the Flame Weddings.

What’s Included (and What’s Not)

When you book Chapel Dulcinea, you’re reserving the chapel itself and access to the surrounding grounds. That’s it — which is both freeing and flexible! Here’s what you’ll need to plan for:

• Included: the chapel, 90-minute access, incredible views.
• Not included: chairs, décor, florals, officiant, or vendors.

The upside? You get to customize your ceremony exactly how you want it.

Guest Experience & Logistics

Your guests will love the short drive — Chapel Dulcinea is about 20 minutes from downtown Austin. Because the chapel is open-air, keep the weather in mind. Texas summers can be hot, and spring showers pop up quickly. It’s always smart to have a backup plan for rain, whether that’s clear umbrellas for guests or a dinner venue nearby that can pivot into a ceremony space if needed.

Best Times of Year to Get Married at Chapel Dulcinea

Each season at Chapel Dulcinea has its own kind of magic:

• Spring brings wildflowers and bluebonnets.
• Fall has golden light and cooler evenings.
• Winter is mild and often overlooked — perfect for couples who want fewer crowds.

If you can, aim for an early morning or sunset ceremony. The soft, golden light at those times makes your photos absolutely glow.

Photography & Content Tips

Because the chapel sits on a bluff, the light and views are truly spectacular. The best photos often happen right after the ceremony: walking the winding stone paths, kissing under the archway, and soaking in those Hill Country views.

And while professional photography is a must, this is also where an Austin wedding content creator can completely elevate your experience. Unlike photographers (who focus on timeless images you’ll cherish forever), a content creator captures the candid, behind-the-scenes snippets and delivers them the next day.

Extra Costs to Consider

While Chapel Dulcinea itself is free, here are a few extra costs to keep in mind:

• Vendor travel fees (since some may be coming from Austin or further).
• Rentals if you want chairs or additional décor.
• An optional donation to support the chapel (highly recommended).

Even with these extras, most couples find this to be one of the most affordable — yet beautiful — places to say “I do” in Austin.

Where to Host Your Reception After Chapel Dulcinea

Since Chapel Dulcinea is ceremony-only, most couples head straight into a reception or dinner afterward. Luckily, Austin and the surrounding Hill Country have so many amazing restaurants that can double as reception spaces. Here are some favorites couples love:

• Trattoria Lisina – Located just minutes from the chapel, this Italian restaurant feels like a Tuscan escape. Think twinkle lights, vineyard views, and incredible pasta — perfect for a romantic dinner or small reception.
• Tillie’s at Camp Lucy – Elegant but cozy, Tillie’s offers a unique dining experience with architecture inspired by a Vietnamese palace. It’s an elevated yet warm option for couples who want something stylish and memorable.
• Uchiko – For foodie couples, these award-winning Austin restaurant is perfect for intimate, modern receptions with some of the city’s best sushi and Japanese-inspired dishes.
• The Peacock at the Proper Hotel – A Mediterranean-inspired restaurant with vibrant colors, chic décor, and incredible share-style dishes. Hosting your reception here means you’ll have a stylish space with the bonus of guests being able to stay at the Proper Hotel making the night feel seamless and luxurious.

Each of these restaurants (and hotel!) offers a different vibe, from cozy Hill Country charm to upscale city dining. The best part? You get to keep the intimacy of your Chapel Dulcinea ceremony while treating your guests to an unforgettable meal.

Why You Need a Wedding Content Creator at Chapel Dulcinea

A Chapel Dulcinea wedding is short, sweet, and intimate which means every second matters. Having a wedding content creator ensures that all the little moments get remembered:

• The way your partner looks at you walking down the aisle.
• The behind-the-scenes laughter as you fix your veil or adjust your tie.
• Your family’s reactions, hugs, and happy tears.

At Dove & Grace, we specialize in capturing the candid, real, and heartfelt moments that don’t always make it into your professional gallery. And the best part? You’ll receive your content the next day! Ready to share on TikTok, Instagram, or just to replay on repeat with your new spouse.

Why Chapel Dulcinea is So Special to Me

I may be a little biased when I say this, but Chapel Dulcinea holds such a special place in my heart because it’s where I got married! What I remember most wasn’t just the chapel itself, but the way it created space for us to be fully present — no distractions, no over-the-top planning stress, just us and the people we love most. That’s why I get so excited every time I work with couples here. I know firsthand how magical it feels to say “I do” at Chapel Dulcinea, and I’m always honored to help couples relive that magic through storytelling content.

Planning a Wedding at Chapel Dulcinea? Book us as Your Austin Wedding Content Creator

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s intimate, affordable, and unforgettable, Chapel Dulcinea might just be your perfect venue. From the Hill Country views to the romantic open-air design, it’s a spot that feels both magical and approachable.

And when you’re ready to book, don’t forget to bring on an Austin wedding content creator (hi, that’s us at Dove & Grace!). Contact us here!

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Photographer: Bruna Kitchen Photography