Small Weddings

Josh and Elena’s Dreamy Texas Hill Country Wedding Weekend on Their Family Ranch

About This Wedding in Texas Hill Country
What You Need to Know Planning
Top Tips
Details We’re Loving
Memorable Moments
Final Words of Advice
Photos From This Wedding

Josh and Elena’s wedding was more than just a ceremony—it was a full weekend experience, set against the breathtaking backdrop of their family’s private ranch in Texas Hill Country. With a laid-back picnic by the river, a sunset ceremony overlooking rolling hills, and a night of dancing under the stars, every detail was designed for connection, celebration, and adventure. Get all the details below.

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About This Wedding in Texas Hill Country

Photography by Map and Compass Photography

“Who knew that in the heart of the Texas hill country, sat a family ranch along the banks of a breathtaking river where the sun painted the sky would set the stage for an event etched in memories forever? This was exactly the setting that Josh and Elena wanted for their wedding weekend of glamping and celebration. The untraditional nature of this seems to be more and more popular among adventurous couples when planning their big day.

The vision was heavily influenced by guest experience, and an overall desire to host a casual get-together where everyone felt comfortable and relaxed. The couple wanted guests to enjoy the beauty of the ranch as long as possible, so they opted for a non-traditional approach to the day’s event flow.

‘Let’s have a picnic before the wedding, get married, dance under the stars, then end around the campfire retiring to glamping tents.’ That was our mission and we set out to make it happen-a beautiful collaboration that would become their epic wedding weekend.

As the night came to an end, some guests chose to camp out under the starlit sky, sharing stories around a bonfire and indulging in s’mores. The wedding became more than just an event; it was an immersive experience, a celebration of love, family, and the natural beauty that the hill country has to offer. And so, under the vast expanse of the Texas sky, the newlyweds and their guests danced, laughed, and created cherished memories that would last a lifetime. Who wouldn’t want that to be their wedding story?” [Nicole, the photographer & Kimberley, designer and planner]

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What You Need to Know Planning a Small Wedding on Family Property

“Saying ‘I do’ on a family property is a really special opportunity for couples to unite and celebrate their love. Typically they already have a connection with the land and have shared memories there with family or even one another. The best advice would be to look at the property from a different perspective.

Many of the gatherings they might have had there were smaller and more intimate. They may be planning a larger event or even a multi-day experience. This is a whole different thing logistically. Larger groups require restrooms, added power or generators, lighting, tents, parking, etc. These are all things that are necessary for a successful event.

Also, proximity and reasonable load-in for vendors is a must-can the delivery trucks get to the spot, can they turn around, etc. It’s also good to be aware from a conservancy viewpoint. There will be wear and tear on the land, there may need to be power lines dropped in and there may be some bit of debris left behind that will need to be taken care of once the event staff is gone. Even with all of these considerations, it’s still our favorite place to plan and host wedding experiences because it is so special.” [Nicole, the photographer & Kimberley, designer and planner]

Top Tips When Adventuring in Texas During Your Wedding

“Consider the climate and where your guests are coming from. It’s best not to plan in an extreme weather month if guests are coming from a completely different part of the world.

If you’re planning activities or adventures for guests consider their level of athleticism and interest in the activity.

Offer several things that appeal to differing types of guests. Pamper them once they return from these adventures.

Photograph the entire experience, not just the wedding day. Hire a professional photographer to document from the first event to the farewell. It tells the story of the experience and provides candid photos that will be cherished.” [Nicole, the photographer & Kimberley, designer and planner]

Details We’re Loving

“The natural beauty of the site was very fitting to their personalities. I love to shoot in nature and this was a particularly beautiful spot in the Texas Hill Country. The sailcloth tent sitting remotely in the field was also a great design.

Once the sun went down all the lighting in the trees was magical and the tent glowed with the soft candlelight inside. Having outdoor lounge seating was really a nice addition since it was a beautiful night, guests were sitting under the stars everywhere.” [Nicole, the photographer & Kimberley, designer and planner]

Memorable Moments From This Wedding

From the Photographer:

“Josh and Elena will always be at the top of our client favorite list! Their personalities are easygoing, they enjoy adventure and love life! Their implicit trust in us with their wedding was so refreshing. Stand-out moments were many, but mainly their ease with one another was so great to be around. They were very gracious with their friends and family, who were all fantastic as well! Their lighthearted spirit was so fun to watch – especially Elena with her parents on the dancefloor for their special dance – the best!

The riverside picnic to kick things off was a brilliant way to spend more time with their guests, it felt relaxed and natural. I think the candid nature of their portraits was so touching. They truly immersed themselves in their wedding day and savored every moment of the weekend. I also liked that Josh took a few moments to be alone at a favorite spot on the ranch right before the ceremony.”

Final Words of Advice

“I would just urge couples to be true to themselves when planning their wedding day. Hire professionals who get you and are interested in providing you with what you want most. And above all, make the day enjoyable for yourself and your guests.

Your wedding day is supposed to be fun and memorable – in a good way! Don’t over plan or implement things that don’t resonate with who you are.” [Nicole, the photographer & Kimberley, designer and planner]