A Chic Marfa, Texas Elopement// Your Full GuidE
Kayla + Conor were new friends of mine at the beginning of 2024. Kayla and I met at a wedding at Fisher Hall in the hill country of Texas and then at a women’s group at Ottine Mineral Springs. When she told me she met Conor, I knew I had to ask them to be models for my next styled shoot. They were so cute and so in love, I knew they would be the perfect couple for my Marfa Elopement Styled Shoot. To my surprise, Conor proposed to Kayla a few weeks before we were set to meet up at El Cosmico, my favorite glamping spot in Marfa, so this styled engagement + elopement turned into a real celebration!
We started their shoot as a celebratory engagement session at Conor’s family home in the hills of Alpine. It was gorgeous and rugged. We took their side by side up the hill and back before Kayla + Conor changed into their wedding clothes. Getting ready in front of the tiny home they were renovating, we captured their portraits and couples photos around the property before heading to Marfa for their elopement experience. I shot their details at El Cosmico, the perfect place to stay if you want a glamping experience. We walked around town, had wine at Marfa Wine Co. and ended the day at Para Llevar with pizza & beer.
The town has so many beautiful art exhibits and colorful backdrops, you won’t have a hard time having a good time! The whole day was full of adventure, exploration, delicious food and a whole lotta love.
Marfa has always been a creative retreat for me. It’s so cool and chic in an effortless way. Being in the desert with that dry air and sand storms, the most gorgeous sunsets you have ever witnessed, and the town filled with people from all walks of life, it’s incredible. He city is full of expats from LA, artists on retreat, locals who make a living bartending at the local sotol distillery or guiding adventures around Big Bend. My friend calls Marfa “New York City in the Desert”. Every single time I venture to the high deserts of the Trans-pecos in far west Texas, I feel refreshed by the community, the artistry and the relaxation that is waking up in a Safari Tent at El cosmico for free coffee before you head to the local breakfast spots. My favorite seasons are the ones with the crisp temps. There is nothing like sitting around the fire or soaking in a hot tub heated by a wood burning stove.
Every building you walk into has flair and originality. It’s minimalistic, creamy whites paired with deep desert oranges. The streets are lined with vintage stores, apothecaries, unique bookshops and your local far west texas wear. You will walk into open ceiling music venues and distilleries in old industrial buildings. It’s literally an oasis surrounded by nothing but rolling plains + mountains peaking in the distance. I wanted to play with all of these feelings and aspects to showcase this incredible place.
ELOPEMENT INSPIRATION
Photographer Tips for the location
Shooting around Marfa
Most places allow photography. It’s a small town, so be polite and ask ahead! And buy something if you end up going into a store or restaurant. You won’t be disappointed!
Time of year that is best for Marfa
The best time to go to Marfa is from fall to spring. The high desert gets cold at night even in the summer months, but the sun is very hot in the middle of the summer. My husband and I love going around thanksgiving. It’s cold but warm during the day and the sun is still shining.
In my opinion, there is no bad time to visit Marfa. Just be aware of some factors that would make it a little busier or hotter. The summer months are hot and there is no water in the area. Marfa is also a big artist town known for Donald Judd, among others. Judd Foundation maintains and preserves Donald Judd's permanently installed living and working spaces, libraries, and archives in New York and Marfa, Texas. At the center of the Chinati Foundation's permanent collection are 100 untitled works in mill aluminum by Donald Judd installed in two former artillery sheds. The Chinati Artist Weekend is in October every year. This event draws a lot of people. Most of the hotels and Airbnb’s will be booked in advance. Find more info here!
The Trans Pecos Music Festival is also held every year in Marfa, Texas at El Cosmico. It usually takes place in September every year, but was on hiatus in 2024. Hopefully it comes back to Marfa in 2025!
Also, be aware that it’s a small town with weird hours. Check that business’ are open before going and expect some to not be open! Small town vibes.
The Sunsets are unreal
You can drive through some of the neighborhoods and find these really gorgeous vistas. Don’t be afraid to travel outside of the city center, but just know, all of the outskirts of Marfa are private land. You will have barbed wire fences lining the road everywhere you go.
Locations Around Marfa
Where to shoot:
I am a huge advocate of finding your own magic. There are plenty of spaces in Marfa to make your elopement your own unique flavor. Explore, have fun, and trust your instincts of where to go!
Where to eat:
Para Llevar has some of the best pizza in town. It’s a little shop with wine + food and has a lovely outdoor garden area to eat in.
Margaret’s in Marfa is the cutest little bistro right outside of the square. They have hand tie dyed napkins by a local artist, an oval bar in the center, cute booths in the front windows and the restaurant is always full of stylish people. This would be a perfect place for a rehearsal dinner.
Aster’s Cafe & Bakery is literally the #1 breakfast spot. Their breakfast sandwiches are so incredible and huge! Their pies are delicious. You can’t go wrong. There is always a bit of a line but it’s worth the wait!
The Sentinel Marfa is such a good coffee shop. The vibes are immaculate and the food is delicious. It’s also a great spot for a wedding party. Tall ceilings, lots of seating indoor and out, and it’s in a great location for photos.
Marfa Spirit Co. is the best place for late night drinks. They also have tasty grilled cheese sandwiches or random other bar foods from time to time. I have never had a bad time here. Epic sound system and the friendliest bartenders.
Where to stay
My Favorite Options
El Cosmico. I’ve talked about it enough in this article. It’s one of my favorite places to stay because I love the community feel of the glamping situation. They have safari tents, teepee’s, airstreams and a place for you to pitch a tent if you want to! The reception area has a little shop with some of the coolest brands represented. There is always a fire going in the front room and free coffee available from 7-11am everyday.
Bohemio Marfa is a chic little spot. There are two separate bespoke lodges located next door to each other in central Marfa. This is also a great location for an intimate wedding. They even added a pickle ball court this year.
Motel Marfa is another great location with that Marfa feel we all search for everywhere else. It’s central, it’s chic, it’s quiet. It;s the perfect location for your whole wedding party.
A Little Further Out
The Gage Hotel in Marathon, Texas is an incredible place to stay and to get married. The suites are gorgeous, the pool is beautiful and the attached bar and restaurant make it easier to soak in your desert retreat. This location often has weddings!
Willow House is an artists retreat located in Terlingua, Texas. It’s beautifully placed in the desert, just 6 miles outside of Big Bend. The perfect place to stay for a Big Bend Elopement in the Chisos or at Santa Elena Canyon.
Venues for Weddings
Marfa Spirit Co. for the rockstars, the partiers, and the intimate weddings.
El Cosmico for the outdoorsy festival lovers.
The Gage Hotel for the classy couples looking for a full retreat.
Hotel Saint George for the chic, contemporary couples who want to plan a full wedding with lots of decor. There are many opportunities from the pool to the warehouse. This is also centrally located in Marfa. A great spot for your whole party to stay.
The Hotel Paisano for the classic, vintage lovers. The courtyard is beautiful and the perfect place for a garden party under the open sky. It’s so romantic! Also located in central Marfa.
Bohemio Marfa for the intimate weddings. Pickle ball, campfires and central Marfa vibes.
