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Weddings

About

The Amala Sanctuary is an Urban Sanctuary, conveniently location in Downtown Austin, TX. The space is canopied by ancient live oak trees. The lush garden exterior provides a relaxing setting with an at-home backyard feel, enhanced by natural beauty. The landscaping entails inclined garden terraces separated by stone pathways, which includes a Ceremony Site for Weddings.

The Amala Sanctuary is centrally located at 1006 S 8th St., Austin, TX 78704 at South Lamar between Gibson and Treadwell streets. Capacity is 150 guests for seated dinner events and standing room for 150. The venue is ideal for Weddings, Dinners, Cocktail Parties, Baby Showers, Birthdays and special celebrations.

Three separate interior spaces. “Full Grounds” includes both the Cottage House, Studio & Tree Top Loft.

1. Cottage House with full kitchen, furnished living room, bathroom, and dining room with two 8ft tables.

2. Studio which functions as a dance floor for events and can hold 56 for a seated dinner.

3. Tree Top Loft is a perfect Bridal Suite for weddings or VIP green room.

Website: www.thesanctuaryeventspace.com

Instagram: @amalasanctuary

Chairs and day of planning are available for rent by request.

You may also inquire about Wedding & Event Coordination at Event Planning (google.com)

  • Asian-owned
  • Hispanic or Latinx-owned
  • Woman-owned
illustration popular

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?

5,000

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during off-peak season?

3,000

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?

5,000

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?

$3,000

Which of the following are included in starting site fee?

Bridal Suite
Clean Up
Parking
Tables

What is the minimum number of guests required to book your venue?

2

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

3

Describe your venue:

Garden
Historic Building
Loft
Park

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party
Elopements
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Clean Up
Event Planner
Event Rentals
Get Ready Rooms
Liability Insurance
Outside Vendors
Pet Friendly
Wifi

What event items are available?

Altar/Arch
Chairs
Lighting
Tables

What transportation and access is available?

Parking

What months are included in your peak season?

March
April
May
June
September
October
November
December

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
July
August

Reviews of Amala Sanctuary

V
Violet Sent on 12/31/2024
4.8 out of 5 rating

Centrally Located Green Oasis

Such a lovely hidden gem. Very centrally located next to downtown, though you wouldn't guess it by the photos. A little green oasis. Felt very magical and fit the fantasy vibe we were going for. Well priced for the location and the freedom it allows you to create the event you want. Talia was wonderful to work with, very responsive and helpful. We also hired a Day-of Coordinator through the venue -- Taylor was a huge help on the day of. Totally worth it. Cannot imagine having our wedding anywhere else.
S
Steve Sent on 01/09/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Hidden gem venue

The Sanctuary is such a great little venue. It's less than 5 minutes from downtown Austin, but you would never know that being there. The yard is very serene and beautiful, which makes for some great photo opportunities. The staff is professional, friendly, and a joy to work with. They went above and beyond for not just the couple but for the vendors and guests, too. Excellent venue.
M
Madi Sent on 11/02/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Ever After Party at the Sanctuary

Truly a dream! We loved working with the Sanctuary for our marriage celebration. They were professional, easy to work with, kind, and had timely communication. I would definitely recommend to anyone who wants a beautiful space, great service, and a way to give back to the community (nonprofit).
J
Jose Sent on 03/15/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Great Venue

This venue was the best option we could find in Austin. The price, location, amenities and facilities were perfect. The purpose behind the foundation is very noble and besides getting married you’re also helping others.
A
Alayna Sent on 11/30/2022
5 out of 5 rating

The most perfect and intimate venue

My wife and I got married in October 22'. As we searched for a venue we had a few "must haves" this included, trees and a lot of greenery, a "backyard" feel, and something affordable. When we found the Sanctuary, we were sold. The Sanctuary Event Space is beautiful with huge trees, lots of greenery, and the perfect "cottage home" feel. We had around 45 guests at our wedding and the one compliment we hear all night was how fun, beautiful and unique the venue was. The staff was amazing, communicative, helpful and did everything to help us get what we needed before our wedding day (measurements, vendors, suggestions on setup etc. ) FYI there are so many amenities for your big day, they have table and chairs, they have kitchen supplies and even dishware. The upstairs loft to get ready is perfect for a bridal party (or in our case two). The cottage we used for an entry table and later in the night family member got cozy and chatted inside. The studio we used for the reception as the dance floor and where we cut our cake. We could not imagine a more beautiful venue: just see for yourself! (PHOTOGRAPHY BY: Leah Muse Photography)
Mike
Mike Sent on 02/13/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Incredible staff and location!

This place is just a hidden gem in Austin and we were extremely blessed to host our 70-person wedding there. Fantastic location, beautifully built, and with an incredible event team. Jessica and Lee were amazing to work with. From our first phone call, through the planning process, and the actual wedding, they were extremely courteous and professional. We had the most frigid and wet weather over the weekend, but Jessica was able to assist us with tent measurements and ensured that our event would be a success (Don't let the weather stop you from booking this amazing venue; our clear tents with string lights looked amazing!). Jessica's attention to detail set her apart from any other venue manager I have worked with. I can't thank her enough for being an integral part of our wedding's success and I highly recommend Sanctuary for your next upcoming event.
A
Adriana Sent on 11/29/2018
5 out of 5 rating

Stunning location!

Stunning space! The Sanctuary is a serene and beautiful setting for your special day. The outside area where ceremony and dinner typically take place is surrounded by greenery and a beautiful Oak tree. The dance floor is a perfect size for a 60-100 person wedding. The Sanctuary is a great location for out-of-town guests to get to from hotels in Austin. Jessica was great to work with throughout the entire process.

One consideration - The venue cost is appealing. And Sunday weddings there are even less expensive. But keep in mind you have to bring in all the vendors, including linens, tables, chairs, and tent if needed. Rentals like chairs and tables often have a higher delivery fee for Sunday deliveries/setups. In our case we paid $800 for the delivery fees alone on a Sunday! Please note that the Sanctuary does have an option to leave rental items on site overnight if they are neatly stacked at the ceremony site. This Monday pick-up option could reduce the fees for Sunday wedding.

L
Lauren Sent on 05/25/2018
5 out of 5 rating
We chose Sanctuary Event Space for our small Lord of the Rings-themed ceremony/reception in May 2018 The moment we stepped over the threshold and saw the massive old oak, the treehouse loft, the intimate and well-maintained grounds, we fell in love.
Sanctuary is close to downtown Austin and South Lamar bars/restaurants, but also completely nestled away into its own little world- the thick canopy cuts down on noise. While parking there isn't great (mostly street parking), it's easily accessible by Uber/Lyft from downtown and nearby hotels. Our wedding was only 45 people, and honestly I wouldn't try to squeeze 150-200 folks in there (as the website suggests this is the max occupancy). Unfortunately Sanctuary is not wheelchair accessible, but older family members with mobility issues didn't have any trouble getting around.
Not only was Sanctuary conveniently located, but it was super reasonably priced compared to other venues in the area! All proceeds from the venue cost go to the Amala Foundation, and it was gratifying to know that we were putting our money towards something meaningful. I definitely recommend shelling out the extra cash to rent the upstairs loft for the bridal suite- it was the perfect place to relax and get away from the insanity of everything on the wedding day. Although we didn't end up going there for our after-party, the Gibson Street Pub and the Highball cocktail bar are both within 1-2 minutes walking distance.
Special thanks to Jessica Ryan of 3 of Cups, who was an outstanding wedding planner. Not only did Jessica work with us on our budget- which was very low- but she hooked us up with the amazing vendors! Sanctuary has a close relationship with a long list of incredible caterers, bartending services, etc. Jessica was 100% organized and on top of every possible issue, and so kind and sincere.
Sanctuary is a magical place and it was an honor to be married there. Thanks Jessica & Amala Foundation, we love you!
T
Tony Sent on 12/27/2017
5 out of 5 rating
I've been a regular member at Sanctuary Yoga for years, and my fiancé (now wife), and I were so excited to have our wedding in the space. It is an incredibly special, beautiful place and means the world to me and my wife - before our wedding and after.

Jessica and all the staff were terrific. Thank you Sanctuary Event Space for an absolutely perfect day!!! We love you!
M
Megan Sent on 11/30/2017
5 out of 5 rating
The Sanctuary Event Space was everything we wanted and more! Jessica Ryan from 3 of Cups helped answer all our questions and ensured we had a best day! The venue is absolutely breathtaking. The giant oak trees and whimsical grounds make you feel like you stepped into a fairy tale. The venue is conveniently located in the heart of South Austin. Many of our guests came from out of town so we loved that the venue would not require an expensive cab to or from our wedding. All of our guests were simply blown away that such a beautiful space exists right in the center of such a busy area.

We had a smaller wedding and had a difficult time finding a venue that wouldn’t feel ridiculous with a small number of people. I would recommend renting the upstairs loft. It was a wonderful space to get ready as well as have some alone time after the ceremony. If you’re looking for a beautiful and unique space for your wedding I would definitely recommend checking out The Sanctuary. It will take your breath away!
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Awards

17
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2018 Winner

Professional Network & Endorsements

2 Endorsements
Drink Slingers Drink Slingers Wedding Caterers

The Sanctuary is exactly that - a gorgeous retreat of serenity and every event we serve at the Sanctuary is a sheer pleasure.

DJ Nixx Entertainment DJ Nixx Entertainment Wedding DJs

One of the most unique, beautifully intimate venues in Austin!

Preferred Vendors
Drink Slingers
5.0 out of 5 rating , 30 reviews
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