We chose Sanctuary Event Space for our small wedding in May 2018 because we wanted to throw a Lord of the Rings-themed ceremony/ reception. 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. No other venue stood a chance. Sanctuary is both close to downtown and the South Lamar bar/restaurant scene, and somehow completely nestled away into its own little world- the thick canopy really cuts down on a lot of the noise in the area. While parking there isn't great (mostly street parking), it's location makes easily accessible by Uber/Lyft for out-of-towners staying downtown or other hotels in the area. There was a train that went by periodically, but it didn't effect our ceremony or the reception in any way. 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), but it was more than enough space for our small group. Unfortunately Sanctuary is not wheelchair accessible, but three older family members with mobility issues didn't have any trouble getting around. Not only was Sanctuary the perfect location for us and convenient for guests, but it was super reasonably priced compared to other venues in the area! All proceeds from the venue cost go to the Amala Foundation, which hosts youth programs, volunteering projects and scholarships for disadvantaged children, and it was gratifying to know that we were putting our money towards something meaningful, as frivolous as wedding expenses can sometimes feel. 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, and coming down the stairs post-ceremony makes for a really sweet "grand entrance." 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 (not to mention Luke's Inside-Out for late-night munchies...). Special thanks to Jessica Ryan of 3 of Cups Collective, who works intimately with the Sanctuary and the Amala Foundation, was an outstanding wedding planner. The moment we told her about our theme-- worried that she might roll her eyes or put on a fake smile and say "oh, greeaat..."-- she grinned from ear to ear and said "HELL YES!" We knew right then that she was the wedding planner for us! Not only did Jessica work with us on our budget- which was stupidly low due to our total inability to visualize how expensive weddings are!- but she hooked us up with the greatest vendors ever! Sanctuary has a close relationship with a long list of incredible caterers, bartending services, etc, so interested couples have no shortage of options. She was 100% organized and on top of every possible issue, making sure the wedding ran smooth as butter, and never missed an opportunity to remind the Bride and Groom to just relax and let her handle it already! By the end, Jessica was just as much a part of the family as all our guests, with the added bonus of having kept us from going insane from stress. In short, the Sanctuary is a magical, beautiful place and it was an honor to get married there. Thanks to Jessica, Maureen and the Amala Foundation for making the most perfect wedding we could ever ask for come true. read more

The Sanctuary Event Space - Lord of the Rings Wedding at Sanctuary Event Space - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Austin, Texas

We had a beautiful wedding here! Our inspiration was backyard wedding if we had a big, beautiful, cozy back yard, and that's exactly what it felt like. The oak trees were stunning and there were so many cute little spots to take photos, and in such a great location. They were very easy to work with and flexible, and we were able to come visit and walk through any time we wanted before the wedding. 2 things to keep in mind: 1. There is no indoor space that is big enough for chairs and tables (unless you have a very small wedding - I think maybe it was under 50?) so you do have to have a rain plan. They only work with 1 tent vendor, Monarch Event Rentals, so you can't shop around on prices. We actually had rain and had a pretty good experience with Monarch, but it was an extra $3k - consider that possibility in your budgeting. 2. Our wedding was about 100 people, and that felt really like the most tables you could possibly cram in that space. They say they can hold up to 150, but to achieve that you'd probably have to put people uncomfortably close together or put tables in weird places. I know they say something like it's best suited for under 100 but can go up to 150, but I would consider your absolute max like 110 at this venue. read more

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We had our wedding here in April and it was so beautiful. Sanctuary is such a charming, special venue + they are a nonprofit which I think is so cool. It is in a great part of town and so many people commented on how much they loved the space. Gorgeous oak trees, a cool treehouse loft to get ready in, choose your own vendors, easy to work with. Sanctuary is the best read more

We had our wedding at The Sanctuary in November and it was the perfect place for our special day! The location is amazing, it's so close to some of the big Austin spots, while feeling so secluded and private. One caution is there is a train that passes nearby and can cause some interesting sound effects. ;) Jessica was very helpful during the planning process and provided a detailed handbook that outlined all the venue policies. We opted to reserve the bridal suite as well which provided such a unique experience for me - I could see the ceremony from there before I walked down the stairs! If you're looking for a venue that allows you to customize your event, would definitely recommend The Sanctuary. read more

The venue is an absolute dream. We gambled on an outdoor ceremony and reception for the day after Thanksgiving. I spent the last two months debating on getting a tent or changing our rental agreement to get more indoor space. Ultimately, I decided I would leave things alone. Mainly because our party was small enough and we could move the entire operation if the weather was that bad. The temperature was perfect, the lighting was amazing, and it was the best night ever! We met with Jessica, the site coordinator, once. But she answered every email and returned every call. I had a slight miscommunication issue with another vendor two days before the holiday and she still came through helpful as heck. Every review on here praising her is on point. She is the best part about booking with this venue. Some of the many reasons why I loved our venue so much: * The outdoor space was dog friendly, so our little guy got to be there for the whole day. * Close to downtown, but not impossible to find parking for. * Lots of great places for pictures onsite, and within a short walking distance from the venue. * There was an excellent list of recommended vendors, but no obligation to use them. Things to consider: * Friday events can't start before a certain hour because the venue operates as a yoga studio. * If you are looking for a loud dance party, you should definitely rent the downstairs studio so your DJ can set up in there. They are in a neighborhood and sound can be an issue. * Parking spaces close to the venue fill up fast, so keep spots open for guests that have issues walking long distances. read more

As soon as we pulled up to the driveway to tour the venue, my husband's reaction said it all. This was the first and only venue we looked at and after Jessica gave us a tour we were sold. It was charming, truly a hidden gem and had that "backyard" and "forest fairytale" combo vibe. The venue is very very affordable and we loved knowing the proceeds went towards The Amala Foundation. We had our dream wedding here on December 17, 2016 (most beautiful Austin-Winter day for a wedding). Jessica was so helpful and knew all the answers to all the questions, made the planning process easy and replied very timely (keeping in mind she manages many events). We rented the space for a full day, full grounds (Outdoor Grounds + Studio + Front House + "bridal" loft). One of the things I loved about The Sanctuary is that we weren't married to the vendors on their preferred vendors* list and we weren't penalized for it either. This was important to us because each "vendor" that we used was a friend that we wanted to give business to (bartender, photographer, DJ, plus my in-laws were going to be cooking the food and their friends would be "catering"). Jessica talked me through (via email) the process to rent tents (which we ended up not needing and cancelling, but it's good to make sure you have them as a backup if your event will be using the outdoor space). *besides Premiere for tables/etc., but they were amazing and accommodating, so no complaints there My one and only grievance is that if you are dealing with anybody but Jessica, they may not all be on the same page. There was only one instance where a miscommunication happened with someone else on the staff and from then on, I made sure it was only Jessica I got answers from. A few last things from other reviews: 1) Our wedding was 97 people. We did have to move the chairs from the ceremony to the dining section in-between the ceremony/dinner, but it was no big deal. We had our groomsmen take care of it and it was done quick. 2) Sound must be kept at 75 decibels since the venue is in city limits, but this also was a non-issue. The music was VERY loud in the "dance studio" and we did not pass the decibel limit once. 3) There is no smoking at the venue, and no high heels allowed in the studio. We thought this was going to be the biggest issue, but it ended up being a non-issue; most people wore wedges, flats, or went barefoot when on the studio floor. The venue is very strict about both things, so I made sure to include it in our invitation, on the website, etc. and that anybody asking for specific details heard this ad nauseum. 4) There are conveniently 2 lots available for parking right across the street, however make sure to get the message across to your guests early on. The lots say "towing enforced" but your guests won't realize they can park there. Basically, if The Sanctuary fits your needs (think guest count and time of year) I highly highly highly recommend it. read more

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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! read more

I normally don't write reviews (created my Yelp account just so I could write this one), but I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I didn't let others know about the great people at The Amala Foundation. Background Information My sister and I had already picked out a place for our Mom's 50th birthday party. We were getting everything together when she decided she didn't want a party. So naturally, we cancelled. But on Mother's Day, unbeknownst to us, the party was still supposed to be going on! What?! With less than two weeks and a VERY tiny budget we scrambled to find a venue to host the party. We could have gone back to our original venue, but my mom decided she wanted children to be able to come.... Our original venue spot was a club so you do the math. We tried Parks & Recreation but all of there spots were booked and even if they weren't you had to give them a two week notice in order to host an event with them. We had less than two weeks. Frantically, I looked EVERYWHERE and I do mean EVERYWHERE to find a place. That's when I talked to a sweetheart named Katie who worked for Parks & Recreation and she recommended some spot called The Amala Foundation. So I did a google search and lo and behold I found a spot called The Amala Foundation. 5-star reviews??? Don't mind if I do. Review So I called and asked (begged lol) if they had any openings for NEXT SATURDAY (that's how last minute this was). The woman on the phone told me I had to speak with a guy named Jessie. When I spoke with him, he said that they did have an opening and gave me a number price. Defeated and frustrated, I told him I couldn't do it because I had catering and decoration costs to consider. Willing to work with me, Jessie told me to get back with him and give him a counteroffer after I had taken care of the other costs. When I gave him my counteroffer he agreed and when we met he was just one of the coolest people I've ever encountered. I thought he had some kind of trick up his sleeve, but he was just a genuinely nice person. He told me about the foundation (you should seriously check it out. NICE NON-PROFIT) and that the money for the party was going towards said non-profit. #Pimp. When we met at a coffee shop to do the deposit, he actually paid for my coffee. Might not seem like much to anyone, but to me it's the small things that count. Now about the space. It's great. I don't know if you've seen the pictures, but this place is beautiful. There's a front house/office area, the AMAZINGLY beautiful backyard area, with two strings of lights, a tire swing, nice greenery, and an awesome tree, and then there's the yoga/reception area, with its peaceful presence. We hosted the party in the front area, with some people hanging out in the backyard (sidenote: It rained the entire day before and the morning of our party. So when we got there I was surprised that it wasn't muddy. Jessie and company went through the trouble of laying down fresh mulch for us. Again, going that extra mile, my friends). There were hula hoops there so the children hula hooped in the yoga area (... okay, I did too). I brought a bubble machine so it looked great in the backyard with the lights. All in all, the event was a great success. The event space was phenomenal. The people who we worked with were exceptional. I would recommend this place to anyone (unless you're shady and looking to con people. If that is you, BE GONE FOUL DEMON!). Its quite the quiet gem of Austin that more people should know about. Also it's rare that you actually get to work with such nice and caring people. When I thanked them for renting this space to me Jessie told me "I think its great that you're trying to do something nice like this for your mom. I wanted to help." Great people, great space. If you're having trouble deciding where to host your party, I hope this has helped. read more

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This space is absolutely a hidden gem. It's nestled in the heart of Austin and is surrounded by restaurants, hotels, and attractions for your guests. Most of the folks in our wedding were located less than a mile away. The price was great, there are chair rentals on-site, and the staff was super-helpful in brainstorming with us on solving difficult problems. We also resonated with the space because both my husband and I felt moved to give to a charity (The Amala Foundation, which owns the space) rather than a for-profit organization. Their mission is wonderful. Also, the venue is absolutely STUNNING in the evening time. They already have string lights set up for you, so you just flip them on and have gorgeous lighting the entire time. Wow. There are three things to watch out for should you choose this as your venue, from experience: 1) If you're doing the ceremony at the Sanctuary, you will not be able to fit 150-200 people. We had a wedding of 91 people, and even then, we had to "flip" the venue, meaning that we asked folks to move chairs from the lower terrace where the ceremony and set up tables/decorations during the reception. It went just fine, but it was an extra stressor on us for a while. 2) Because the venue is within the city limits and also next to a residential location, sound must be kept at 75 decibels. This wasn't a huge issue for us, but it did require the DJ to do some extra finagling of the speakers to make sure everything pointed away from the residential area and into the studio, and that the studio doors had to be kept shut at all times when music was playing (which can get you and your guests mighty steamy). 3) There is no smoking at the venue proper, and no high heels allowed in the studio. We thought this was going to be the biggest issue, but it ended up being a non-issue; most people wore wedges, flats, or went barefoot when on the studio floor. If you or your family tend towards smoking or high heels, just an FYI that with the uneven ground and no-smoking policy, it may not be for you. We also, when mentioning the uneven ground, got a fair amount of cancellations from our older guests due to the fact that we couldn't guarantee their safety on the stairs and that there is no ramp/wheelchair accessibility at the venue. Just a heads up. Other than those three things, working with the venue was fantastic. We were able to flip the venue during the ceremony, turned the speaker inwards and kept it quiet and had lots of happy guests. Bringing the chairs back to the Sanctuary was so easy, and the wedding party tore everything down quickly. All in all, it was a fantastic wedding brought to you by fantastic people. Thank you so much! read more

I first contacted Amala because I was looking for a large, available space to teach some early morning yoga classes. Kerry was quick to get back to me, and always courteous, kind and professional. I was blown away when I saw the space. It's simply gorgeous. One wall of the room is entirely windows, looking out on a beautiful back-yard setting with massive oak trees and the most hypnotic windchimes I've ever heard. The room itself has sprung hardwood floors, perfect for any type of movement, and plenty of facilitation amenities, including candles, an ipod dock, yoga mats, sitting cushions and an earthen jar water cooler. I love teaching at Amala, and I look forward to continuing to do so. read more

Wow, just wow! We were trying to locate a venue for our wedding, and upon first stepping into this space, the energy was instantly captivating. In the heart of South Austin, you could not ask for a better location. Jessica, Jonathan, and Willow were just AMAZING! They all had such care-free vibes, all the wedding stress just melts away. I rented the entire space, including the tree house. We were there all day getting ready for the wedding. Our guests were comparing it to a fairy tale. The string lights at night, coupled with the grandfather trees that grow and crawl throughout the space just made for such an unforgettable evening. I honestly don't think there will be a day I don't promote the Sanctuary. It breathes perfection. read more

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This space is magical and has a life of it's own. We were lucky to have our wedding at the Sanctuary this past weekend and even in the midst of a wedding...I felt so smitten by the beauty of the grounds- with it's huge oak trees, climbing vines, string lit canopies, and the overall glow of the space. I am so grateful to have had such a beautiful and majestic venue as the setting for all of our wedding memories. What an amazing night that we will never forget. Jessica and Willow were awesome...they so calmly navigated us through the uncertainty of the day and worked hourly in a paced and mindful way to create a seamless and effortless feel to our wedding- which allowed us all to relax on what could have been a chaotic day! I will recommend this space to anyone looking for an affordable, beautiful, and local venue. read more

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! read more

This space is beautiful and affordable. It was the first venue we considered when planning our wedding and we never bothered to visit any others. It's perfect for an outdoor wedding or event. There's a lot of shade, so even summer events are comfortable. read more

Tucked away like a precious jewel, the Sanctuary at Amala Foundation is a space that lives and breathes with positive. loving energy. You will feel it yourself when you enter the courtyard and feel your body relax. As a Teacher of conscious movement, I feel 100% alignment with my values and the venue that supports what I have to bring. For me this is rare. The space is welcoming, clean and beautiful. Provided by the space are, cushions for sitting, large carpet to be used or rolled up, Yoga mats (about 10) and the outside area has a variety of places to sit, write, play and visit. Two magnificent live oak trees inhabit the outdoor space, and one is so generous and easy for kids of all ages to climb and enjoy. I am happy to recommend this space and let others know that it exists - you will be delighted and surprised. read more

We had our wedding here in October, and it was perfect and beautiful. At first I had my heart set on getting married in a brewery with a lawn to play lawn games, but alas, due to ACL that weekend there were none that wouldn't add a 2 hour drive between the ceremony and reception space. I wasn't sure of Sanctuary looking at the online pictures, but once I went there and met Jess, I was sure that it was the perfect place. Rental fee is reasonable, and I liked that the money also helped support the Amala Foundation. The inside of the yoga studio was great to set up cake and music, and upstairs worked great for getting ready. The lights are beautiful, and we got some paper lanterns to hang over them which lit up really well during sunset. Everyone at the reception commented on how cool the space was, how smoothly everything went, and how unique our reception was. I highly recommend this space and the staff here! read more

The SANCTUARY at Amala Foundation is truly a sanctuary in every sense of the word. It is home for many deep practices and enriching programs - sittings, meditations, yoga classes, kirtans, devotional music, bodywork & healing workshops, afterschool programs, house concerts, community gatherings, wellness seminars, Community Healing Projects and more. We are rooted in Truth and Remembrance, just like the grandfather oak tree who quietly and steadily provides sanctuary to all who come. read more

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We just had our dream wedding ceremony at The Amala Sanctuary, and everything was so beautiful and just what we had envisioned! We worked with several different folks through the foundation to plan the big day, and everyone we communicated with was so kind and helpful. We really couldn't be more pleased with how it all turned out, and our out of town guests were wowed by the beauty and uniqueness of the space. If you are looking for truly magical oasis in Austin that benefits a great cause, the Sanctuary is perfect! read more

The Amala Sanctuary is an Oasis. The entire property has a welcoming sense of home. The beautiful gardens and magnificent Oak trees (visible from inside the studio space) are pulsing with life force and truly inspire awe. The moment one steps into the Sanctuary there is a palpable sense of peace and sacred space. I love how spartan and Zen it is...clear of clutter and yet versatile and purposefully equipped with what one might need to host a workshop, event or class. I recommend this magical spot to anyone who is interested in a unique, beautiful, functional space. read more

I didn't end up going with the Sanctuary, because my event may have over 150 guests. I loved the Sanctuary, though. It's a beautiful space, and Jessica is a pleasure to work with. If you're thinking about this space, it's worth looking into. read more

The Sanctuary is exactly that, a SANCTUARY; truly a precious, cozy, healing, beautiful and safe space. Because the activities within the space happen from a place of elevated consciousness, there is a continued increase of sacred vibration that is palpable. I always feel renewed and refreshed after each visit! read more

We were looking for a place to celebrate my boyfriend's daughter "Quiceañera" and when we found Amala we knew it was perfect for us. The people working there are so nice and courteous and they will always respond to all our questions. Everyone in our party compliment of the beautiful place Amala is. We were so happy and we had an awesome time. The money is also for a great cause! We will definitely go back to Amala in the near future. :) read more

The Sanctuary at the Amala Foundation is an excellent place to teach and practice yoga, kirtan and reflection. The space is clear and welcoming. It clearly invites your practice and investigation into the many facets of your Self. The sanctuary is tucked into a haven of majestic oak trees, flora and beautiful sounds resonating from nature, a substantial wind chime and the occasional greeting from the Missouri Pacific railroad. I sit in this space and feel the momentum of the devotion and collective energy of sacred sessions past and know that all who come and commune here expand a lovingly devoted expression of Who we are to the beautiful city in which we chose to live. I hope you feel encouraged to experience this for yourself. read more

I recently rented the Sanctuary for a memorial service and it was perfect. Good location, contemplative atmosphere, beautiful setting, and very helpful staff. read more