How to Get Your Wedding Published

How Austin Couples Get Their Wedding Published in Vogue, Martha Stewart and Other Top Wedding Websites & Magazines

Every couple dreams of their wedding day being special, unique, and memorable. But imagine this—not only did you have the perfect day, but your wedding makes it into publications like Green Wedding Shoes, Style Me Pretty or Vogue Bridal or trendy wedding websites for the world to admire! Sounds like a fairytale, right? The truth is, getting your wedding published is entirely possible with the right approach and planning. The question of How to Get Your Wedding Published comes up frequently, so we’ve created a helpful guide to walk you through the process.

Whether you're an engaged couple planning a wedding in Austin or exploring wedding venues in Hill Country, this guide is here to walk you through everything you need to know about how to get your wedding published.

Before we get started, we’d love to introduce ourselves! As a small business wedding venue, we’ve had the honor of hosting hundreds of weddings and special celebrations over the years. We’re all about transparency when it comes to pricing, and we’re always happy to answer any questions you have—whether it’s before or during your venue tour.

Contact us today to check available wedding dates and schedule a tour of our space. While you’re here, don’t forget to browse our real wedding gallery for a little inspiration and a peek at some of our favorite past events!

Elyse Bonner Photography

Why Get Your Wedding Published?

Before we jump into the “how,” let's talk about the “why.” Why should you consider getting your wedding published?

• It’s a lasting legacy: A feature immortalizes your big day beyond photos and memories shared with family and friends.

• It inspires others: Your story, style, and choices could help other couples plan their dream wedding.

• Showcase your vendors: Publishing your wedding highlights the talented professionals who made your day possible, from makeup artists to the venue.

Now, let's explore the roadmap to making this dream a reality.

Elyse Bonner Photography

How to Get Your Wedding Published in Vogue and Other Prestigious Magazines

Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and if you're dreaming of seeing it immortalized in top-tier magazines like Vogue, Brides, or Martha Stewart Weddings, you’re not alone. These globally recognized publishers are the holy grail of wedding features, showcasing inspirational designs, personal stories, and stunning photography. While submitting to these outlets might feel intimidating, it’s absolutely achievable with the right planning and approach.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to make your wedding feature-worthy and get it published in your dream magazine.

Blu Tree Studio, How to Get Your Wedding Published

What Do Wedding Magazines Look For?

Before we get into the “how-to,” it’s important to understand what editors are looking for. Prestigious wedding publications are selective, so your submission needs to stand out with the following elements:

• Unique Themes or Personal Touches: Editors love weddings with creative themes or meaningful, personal elements that tell a story about the couple.

• High-Quality Photography: Professional, high-resolution images are a must! These publications prioritize visually stunning photos with plenty of detail shots.

• Aesthetic Design and Cohesiveness: They look for weddings with impeccable decor, a well-chosen color palette, and stylish details that feel cohesive and beautiful.

The secret? A wedding that feels personal but still polished enough to inspire a global audience.

Blu Tree Studio, How to Get Your Wedding Published

6 Steps to Get Your Wedding Published

1. Plan for Publication from the Beginning

If your goal is to get your wedding featured, include this in your planning process. This might mean prioritizing an editorial-style photographer who knows what magazines want or investing in details like unique decor, fashion statements, and photogenic stationery.

Pro Tip 🎉: Choose a venue and vendors with significant experience in high-end weddings. They often have insights that can make your event stand out to editors.

2. Choose a Top-Tier Photographer

Photography is everything when it comes to publishing your wedding. Editors are drawn to professional, high-resolution photos that tell a story. Work with a photographer who has experience with editorial-style weddings and understands what kinds of shots are likely to get picked up.

Ensure you capture:

• Details (florals, table settings, cakes, invitations)

• Candid moments and emotional reactions

• Wide-angle venue shots and close-ups of decor elements

3. Focus on the Details

The charm is in the little things. Publications love weddings that offer details that readers can replicate or be inspired by, like:

• A custom cocktail menu

• Hand-dyed napkins

• Thoughtful sustainability practices

Think outside the box! A wedding that feels unique but accessible is gold to editors.

Elyse Bonner Photography, How to Get Your Wedding Published

4. Research Publication Guidelines

Every publication has submission guidelines, which you can typically find on their website. For example:

Brides:

• Brides favors real-life weddings with a balance of inspirational visuals and a compelling love story. Include the couple's backstory, any unique cultural traditions, and vivid images of decor.

Martha Stewart Weddings:

• Prioritize timeless elegance, unique themes, and stunning photography featuring recognizable design brands or venues.

Vogue:

• Vogue looks for state-of-the-art fashion and boundary-pushing style. To catch their eye, emphasize distinctive and luxurious elements, like couture gowns or private picturesque locations.

Elyse Bonner Photography

5. Tell Your Love Story

Publications want more than just pretty pictures; they want personality and a genuine narrative. When writing your submission:

• Share how you met and fell in love.

• Describe the inspiration behind your wedding theme and details.

• Highlight anything especially meaningful (e.g., wearing a family heirloom or honoring a loved one).

Keep it concise, polished, and filled with heart.

6. Submit Strategically

When it’s time to submit, be thorough and professional:

• Curate a photo gallery of 50-150 images that showcase the day’s highlights.

• Write a short but compelling intro about your story and wedding.

• Ensure your photographer is credited and that you’ve cleared usage rights for all images.

Use each magazine’s unique portal or email submission system as directed in their guidelines.

Blu Tree Photography

Insider Tips for Standing Out

• Time Your Submission Well: Most wedding publications work well in advance, so submit your wedding within a few weeks to a couple of months after your big day.

• Don’t Overlap Submissions: Many platforms require exclusivity, meaning you can’t submit your wedding to multiple outlets simultaneously. Prioritize your dream publication first.

• Professional Styling: Collaborate with a stylist, planner, or designer to elevate the visual and design elements of your wedding.

• Highlight Local Charm (if relevant): If you're based in Austin, emphasize regional touches that show off Hill Country's beauty and culture for additional local appeal.

Elyse Bonner Photography, How to Get Your Wedding Published

Dreaming of Vogue? Here's What They’re Looking For

For Vogue, your wedding needs to be an editorial dream come true. Think of it like this:

• A custom bridal gown by a designer (or a unique, couture-inspired piece)

• A striking location (private estates, destination weddings, or iconic venues)

• Unexpected fashion moments (bold jewelry, statement shoes, chic bridesmaid attire)

• A focus on sustainability or inclusivity (a growing priority in modern wedding stories)

Vogue loves elevated, stylish, boundary-pushing concepts that blend romance with luxury.

Elyse Bonner Photography

How to Get Your Wedding Published in a Magazine or Website

1. Know What Publications Look For

Magazines and websites are looking for weddings that are creatively styled, emotional, and uniquely personal. Things that stand out include distinctive themes, incredible photography, and thoughtful details like custom signage or creative food displays.

Look through the publication's recent features to see what they love. If you’re targeting Vogue, for example, they tend to focus on iconic aesthetics, timeless decor, and breathtaking wedding venues. Digital platforms like Style Me Pretty, on the other hand, lean toward romantic and Pinterest-worthy stylings.

2. Hire Seasoned Wedding Vendors

Working with experienced vendors who understand how to craft a published-worthy event is key. When choosing your photographer, for example, look for someone with experience submitting to top publications. Their polished images are often the hook that gets editors interested.

Venues also play a significant role. Iconic spaces like Lone Star Oaks Wedding Venue in Austin stand out because of their rustic charm, natural elegance, and magical Hill Country ambiance (we’ll explore this more in a moment!).

3. Add Unique Details to Your Wedding

Make your big day truly remarkable by adding unique touches that no one has seen before. This could include custom cocktails named after your pets, sustainable wedding decor, unexpected entertainment like live illustrators, or unusual floral design. These details are exactly what wedding editors want to tell their readers about.

4. Invest in Stunning Photography and Videography

Publications rely on visuals to tell your story, so high-quality photos are a must. Be sure to create a shot list with your photographer ahead of time, focusing on details that make your wedding unique. Think flat lays of your invitations, close-ups of your cake, and wide shots of your venue.

5. Write Down Your Story

Publications often include the couple’s story alongside the photos. Be ready to share how you met, your engagement story, and the thought process behind your wedding style. Transparency, romance, and a sprinkle of humor make your story even more fun to read.

6. Collaborate With Your Vendors to Submit

Vendors often submit weddings on your behalf to showcase their portfolio. Discuss submission plans with them in advance; they can guide you through the process and maximize your chances of getting published.

Elyse Bonner Photography

Top 25 Wedding Websites and Magazines for Submissions

Want to begin your submission process? Here are the top wedding websites and magazines you can submit your wedding to, beyond just Vogue:

1. Style Me Pretty

2. Green Wedding Shoes

3. Brides

4. Rock My Wedding

5. Junebug Weddings

6. Brides of North Texas - local to Texas

7. Ruffled Blog

8. 100 Layer Cake

9. Love My Dress

10. Bridal Musings

11. Every Last Detail

12. Tidewater and Tulle

13. Texas Weddings - local to Texas

14. Magpie Wedding

15. Southern Weddings

16. Destination Wedding Details

17. Equally Wed

18. Wedding Chicks

19. Wedding Sparrow

20. Martha Stewart Weddings

21. Offbeat Bride

22. PopSugar Weddings

23. Vogue Weddings

24. Bliss Bridal Magazine is local to Texas

25. Pretty Pear Bride is local to Texas

Elyse Bonner Photography

10 Reasons Lone Star Oaks Wedding Venue is Perfect for a Published Wedding

If you're planning a wedding in Austin, Lone Star Oaks Wedding Venue should be at the top of your list for a picture-perfect day that’s sure to dazzle publications. It’s no wonder so many couples pick this spot for their dream weddings!

1. Scenic Hill Country Ambiance: Breathtaking views of rolling landscapes create stunning backdrops.

2. Rustic Elegance: The venue combines a modern yet rustic aesthetic that’s perfect for contemporary couples.

3. Versatile Spaces: With indoor and outdoor event spaces, your photography options are endless.

4. Golden Hour Opportunities: Capturing sunset portraits is a dream here, thanks to the picturesque landscape.

5. Thoughtful Decor Details: From vintage seating areas to statement lighting, the venue sets a stylish tone.

6. Ample Natural Light: Large windows and open spaces that create airy and bright settings photographers love.

7. Austin Charm: It’s quintessentially Texan for those seeking a down-to-earth yet chic vibe.

8. Professional Staff: Reliable, experienced teams to support your big day with finesse.

9. Flexible Packages: Options for intimate elopements or grand celebrations ensure every couple can bring their vision to life.

10. Close to Downtown Austin: Your guests will love the unbeatable convenience of location.

Elyse Bonner Photography

Final Tips for Planning a Publication-Worthy Wedding

• Be consistent with your theme and blend it into every aspect of your wedding, from decor to invitations.

• Plan ahead for publication submissions, as many websites have specific timelines.

• Highlight sustainability, as eco-friendly events are a growing trend editors love to feature.

Submitting your wedding to a prestigious publication might feel like an ambitious goal, but with meticulous planning, smart choices, and stunning photography, it’s entirely possible. Remember to focus on your story, create magical details, and follow submission guidelines to increase your chances of being accepted.

If you're an Austin couple or planning a Hill Country wedding, you already have access to some of the most photogenic backdrops in the country. Use that natural beauty to your advantage!

Are you ready to turn your wedding into an unforgettable inspiration? Start by researching publication guidelines or consult with a wedding planner who can help guide you through the process.

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry—we've got your back. Reach out to us for tailored advice, and we'll help you every step of the way!

If you're ready to start turning this dream into reality, contact Lone Star Oaks for a tour today. This venue might just be the first step to planning the magazine-worthy wedding you've always wanted!

Elyse Bonner Photography