Business Details
24 Years
experience
Your Historic Event Venue in Austin, TX
Starhill Ranch is a meticulously restored Texas Hill Country community representing early 1900s architecture. Founded in 2002 by Adam Woolley, our venue preserves 22 historic buildings relocated from across Texas, offering a unique blend of heritage and modern functionality. Our mission centers on providing versatile spaces for weddings, corporate events, and cultural gatherings while honoring historical integrity. Adam and Matt Woolley, fifth-generation Texans with extensive professional backgrounds, combine architectural expertise and operational excellence to create memorable experiences. We specialize in transforming historic structures into flexible event venues, including chapels, reception halls, and outdoor spaces.Our commitment to preservation extends to maintaining original features like period lighting, antique furnishings, and authentic materials. The ranch accommodates diverse events through customizable packages ranging from intimate micro-weddings to large-scale corporate functions. Our facilities include climate-controlled catering kitchens, covered verandahs, and landscaped courtyards designed to enhance guest experiences. We prioritize client collaboration, offering personalized tours and support to ensure each event aligns with our clients' visions. As stewards of Texas history, we continue expanding our collection of preserved buildings while maintaining rigorous safety standards for modern use.
Services
The Chapel
Reception Hall
Biergarten
Guest Cottage
Micro Chapel
Catering Kitchen
Main Street Plaza
Fitzhugh Building
Courtyard
Drive-Thru Chapel
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of experience preserving Texas historic architecture
- Our venue features 22 relocated and restored 1850-1935 buildings
- We provide flexible spaces for events from 2 to 300+ guests
- Family-owned operation with direct owner involvement
- We maintain original historic features while meeting modern building codes
What people say
Beautiful historic setting
Flexible event options
Professional staff
Unique photo opportunities
Well-preserved architecture
Services
The Chapel
This 1899 historic chapel features original pine floors, period lighting, and a functional bell tower. Ideal for intimate weddings and religious ceremonies, it maintains authentic architectural details while meeting modern safety standards. The space accommodates up to 100 guests with romantic ambiance.
Reception Hall
Converted from a 1920s school building, this flexible space offers 1,300 sq ft of covered verandah and lawn seating. Features include open interior layout suitable for dining, dancing, and cocktail events. Climate-controlled indoor area connects to outdoor ceremony locations.
Biergarten
Covered outdoor space between Fitzhugh Building and 1850s barn offers bar service and seating. Features historic backdrop for photography with string lighting and rustic decor. Connects to main event areas through landscaped pathways.
Guest Cottage
1930s kit home offering overnight accommodations with one bedroom, living area, and updated kitchenette. Available for wedding parties or event coordinators needing on-site lodging. Includes covered porch and modern amenities.
Micro Chapel
Compact ceremony space designed for intimate weddings and small events. Offers DIY options or inclusive packages with period-appropriate decor. Adjacent to Micro Hall for combined ceremony-reception bookings.
People
Adam Woolley
Owner/Creator
Fifth-generation Texan and architectural engineer who founded Starhill Ranch after 10 years at Exxon and Trammel-Crow. Specializes in historic preservation and adaptive reuse of early 20th-century structures.
Matt Woolley
Operations Director
Former corporate executive with 20+ years in sales and marketing. Joined Adam in 2014 to manage day-to-day operations, bringing business development expertise while maintaining family heritage values.
Questions
What types of events can Star Hill Ranch accommodate?
We host weddings, corporate events, nonprofit fundraisers, church retreats, and film productions across our 22 historic buildings and outdoor spaces.
Are overnight accommodations available?
Yes, the 1930s Guest Cottage offers overnight rental with bedroom, kitchenette, and porch space for event coordinators or wedding parties.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend contacting us 6-12 months ahead for major events, though we accommodate last-minute bookings when availability permits.
Can I bring my own vendors?
We allow outside vendors including caterers and decorators, though we maintain preferred provider lists for convenience and quality assurance.
Is the venue accessible for disabled guests?
We provide ADA-compliant pathways and accessible restrooms in main event buildings while maintaining historic integrity.
What happens if weather changes outdoor plans?
Our facilities include multiple covered and indoor spaces that can accommodate event transitions. We also permit tent installations on our lawns.