Deep in the Heart of Downtown Austin
Allison & Mason celebrated their dating anniversary at the historic Driskill Hotel which made a stunning backdrop for their photos. Their Driskill Hotel engagement session was the perfect pairing of glam timelessness and Texas charm – and fit Allison & Mason to a T.
Their session is definitely one of my favorite Austin engagement shoots to date. I brought along my film cameras for their session, and they turned out so good. The color film photos I took on my Canon AE-1 Program, while I took the black and white film photos with my Canon 35AF point and shoot. (You can learn more about my 35mm film photography in this post).
Allison even chose one of the film photos over the digitals to use on her save the dates. It makes me ridiculously happy that both the film and digital photos captured the timeless, elevated Austin vibe they were going for.
The Driskill Hotel | An Iconic Austin Engagement Session
Romantic & Elegant Vibes with a Nod to Their Western Roots
Deep in the heart of downtown Austin, The Driskill Hotel is a one-of-a-kind landmark rooted in Texas history and culture. The Driskill is a truly timeless backdrop for any Texas love story – and their Grill is even where President Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson met for their very first date. Between its legendary Texas status and stunning architecture, it’s a romantic Austin engagement session location that does not disappoint.
Tips & Things of Note When Planning Engagement Photos at The Driskill:
1. There is a photography fee and contract.
The Driskill Hotel is a popular event venue downtown so they do have some photoshoot requirements. You must book your engagement session date, pay a photo fee and sign a photography contract. The photo session bookings are for 2 hours. But this gave us plenty of time to explore and capture some stunning photos.
2. There are SO many great photo spots.
From the sweeping staircases and the Great-Gatsby-esque elevator to their iconic suites, café and nationally-acclaimed bar – there’s no shortage of elegant photoshoot locations to cozy up with your favorite person.
The locations in the hotel we shot at were in the glamorous hotel lobby, along the grand staircases, wandering the hallways, and in the vintage elevator. We also took advantage of the great natural light outside on one of the balconies and in front of the hotel.
3. Book your engagement session before 2pm for photos at the bar.
The Driskill Bar doesn’t allow photos when the bar opens at 2pm. So if you’re really wanting some glam bar engagement photos, you’ll want to make sure you book your shoot before 2pm.
4. The hotel’s legacy on 6th Street
The Driskill opened in 1886 with Colonel Driskill aiming to build a luxurious grand hotel that would rival the palaces of NYC, Chicago and San Francisco. The hotel was an icon long before 6th Street in downtown Austin became the entertainment hub that it is today – which means you really can’t beat its location in the heart of downtown.
5. Make it an experience and book a stay.
I love that Allison & Mason decided to do a little weekend celebration at the hotel. It really makes the photos feel so much more meaningful and personal. Plus staying at The Driskill is a great way to experience all Austin has to offer.
Great Gatsby Meets Old Hollywood Western
Engagement photos inside the Driskill Hotel
Between Allison’s stunning little white dress, Mason’s refined cowboy vibe and all the historic glamor of the hotel, I truly can’t think of a better way to define their engagement shoot other than elevated Austin vibes or the Great Gatsby meets a glam Western. Either way, their engagement session inside the hotel was simply iconic and honestly cinema worthy.
Downtown 6th Street at the Driskill
Engagement photos outside the hotel
After taking photos inside, we headed outside to capture Allison & Mason with the hotel’s stunning architecture in the background. The arches, stunning entryways and the classic car parked out front on 6th Street wrapped up their timeless engagement photos perfectly.
From Allison
“I LOVE! I’m so glad we did film!”
Their Driskill Engagement on Film
As an Austin engagement photographer it was an absolute honor getting to capture Allison & Mason’s engagement session at The Driskill Hotel.
I always pinch myself that I get to work with some of the kindest couples who trust me to capture the soul and spirit of their love story.
The hotel is definitely being added to my list of Top Austin Engagement Session Locations for all its classy, old world Texas charm. And if you’re interested in seeing the rest of Allison & Mason’s Austin engagement session, they finished the session with another one of my favorite downtown Austin photoshoot ideas – Retro Boat Rentals Austin on Lady Bird Lake.
Looking for an Austin wedding photographer?
As a photographer based in the Texas Hill Country, I’m dedicated to making your love feel seen and celebrated with timeless and modern photography. I’d love to grab coffee and learn more about your big day! Get in touch here.
