Photo: Lana Hurt & Jeremae
Often described as a big city with a small-town vibe, San Antonio is the perfect place to hold a wedding.
Not because it’s a convenient location — though it is an easy travel destination for out-of-state guests.
And, no, it’s not because it’s still relatively affordable compared to other big US cities.
While those factors definitely count for something, what really sets San Antonio apart (and gets us starry-eyed!) is its wedding venues. It boasts an impressive array of reception venues and indoor and outdoor ceremony options.
Each unique venue has its own special ambiance guaranteed to put the extra in your special day.
To give you a taste of what the home of the infamous Alamo has to offer, we’ve done the impossible. We’ve whittled it down to 9 of our favorite San Antonio wedding options. The spots we picked provide a little peek into this notable city's depth and variety.
If you’re in the throes of wedding planning — looking for the perfect place for your special event — you’re in the right place.
1. The Gruene Estate
Photo: Lana Hurt
These venues are listed in no special order, yet some may accuse us of saving the best for last.
A forty-minute drive from San Antonio takes you somewhere magical. Tucked away on 17 gorgeous acres in New Braunfels lies the historic Gruene Estate.
This venue features a one-of-a-kind open-air chapel. Think cathedral, complete with tall narrow stained glass windows, meets barn; it’s incredible.
This venue is perfect for those who want to incorporate nature's beauty seamlessly into a more traditional venue.
The venue includes:
Everyone falls in love here. With elegant chandeliers — plus a one-of-a-kind chandelier tree — rustic farm table and chairs, a vintage lounge, and a fire pit, it’s impossible not to say, “I do!”
2. The Club at Garden Ridge
Photo: The Club at Garden Ridge
Here’s where the country club meets romance. The Club at Garden Ridge blends Texas Hill Country's natural beauty with modern magnificence. This special retreat is a dream wedding site located a stone’s throw from the city.
It has everything. There’s the wraparound porch and a bridge that curves over a stream. It also brings majestic trees, sweet-scented colorful blooms, grassy knolls, and stunning views.
This event facility features immaculate grounds; those keen on an outdoor wedding venue have options. Check out the gazebo with a soft fountain cascading in the background. For the reception, head indoors to the clubhouse or the ballroom.
The space:
This event venue takes pride in its ability to customize and personalize weddings. With flexibility and skill, they bring to life whatever dreams couples have when first laying eyes on the gorgeous grounds.
3. La Cantera Resort and Spa
Photo: La Cantera Resort and Spa
From intimate affairs to huge wedding day plans, La Cantera is your own private oasis. Here, the options are endless.
Have your nuptials outdoors on the peaceful Esparza Lawn. Or, on El Fortin, a backdrop of stately limestone arches framing gorgeous views of Texas Hill Country.
There are indoor venue options to choose from as well. There are two ballrooms, each with its own distinct vibe. There’s also the Emily’s Rose Courtyard and the City View Terrace — to name just a few.
This resort can:
Planning on incorporating a theme as you tie the knot? With all this resort offers, you’ll find the perfect backdrop.
4. McNay Art Museum
Photo: McNay Art Museum
Art and architecture enthusiasts delight in the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have a wedding ceremony in the presence of Picasso and Monet.
The home itself is an exquisite demonstration of Spanish Revival architecture. It boasts expansive ceilings and subtle arch detail, set on 23 acres of meticulously landscaped gardens.
The McNay Art Museum offers:
Your guests will revel in this rare opportunity to celebrate amidst the renowned works of the artistic elite.
5. The Reserve at Dancing Elk Ranch
Photo: The Reserve at Dancing Elk Ranch
Don’t think the words “glam” and “barn” belong together in a sentence?
The Reserve at Dancing Elk Ranch brings the warmth of wood — complete with high exposed beams. It then combines it with a sprawling polished dance floor.
Sheer drapes, crisp white table settings, greenery and pops of color from floral arrangements make it romantic. Combine that with the golden light cast from chandeliers and soft bulbs string overhead… What's not to love?
Oh, and we haven’t even gotten to the best part yet. We haven’t touched on the outdoors! There’s a patio with a kitchen and fireplace, plus 1,700 acres of rolling hills studded with oak trees.
The ranch:
Choose the wedding package of your dreams, and add a little magic to your special day.
6. The Venue at Devils River Distillery
Photo: Devils River Whiskey Distillery
Do you love dimly lit speakeasy vibes, den-like tasting rooms, and a dash of glam from vintage chandeliers? If so, someone wearing red lipstick (you?) would fit in perfectly in this place.
Located in the heart of downtown San Antonio, you’ll find the Devils River Whiskey Distillery inside an immaculately restored limestone and brick building. It’s also on the National Register of Historic Places.
The venue features four distinct areas. There’s the mezzanine, main floor tasting room, basement speakeasy lounge, and outdoor covered patio.
It includes:
Altogether, this is a cool fun event space in the center of everything!
7. Jack Guenther Pavilion
Photo: Jack Guenther Pavilion
Perfect for those who want it all, this venue has a multi-functional downtown spot with an enchanting courtyard. It’s teeming with indigenous plants, greenery and color from the gardens, mature oak, and breathtaking architecture.
The Jack Guenther Pavilion delivers. It’s versatile and absolutely dreamy.
It can:
Choose to have your wedding here, and you get it all: a mix of indoor and outdoor secret garden space in the heart of the city.
This one is ideal for a destination wedding.
8. La Villita Weddings
Photo: La Villita
La Villita is one of San Antonio’s first settlements built along the river's banks on the popular San Antonio River Walk. Established in the 1700s, it showcases the best of history and old-world ambiance in a downtown setting.
It’s bursting with life, charm, and — yes — event space options!
This space:
Why celebrate in a traditional venue with a historic village at your fingertips instead?
9. Magnolia Gardens on Main
Photo: Magnolia Gardens on Main
Magnolia Gardens on Main adds a cozy, comfy dose of Southern Charm to your big day (with elegance, of course). This venue features an elegant banquet hall with large windows looking out onto the oaks and gazebo garden views.
The venue also has:
Located in the Monte Vista Historic District, the venue is easy to get to. It provides the perfect warm and inviting atmosphere people associate with a Texas wedding.
10. The St. Anthony
Photo: The St. Anthony, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Antonio
Located in the heart of downtown, The St. Anthony (a Luxury Collection Hotel) may just have it all.
Polished and elegant with high ceilings and crystal chandeliers, the hotel features 23,772 square feet of event space.
The space features:
The St. Anthony is ideal for those with a lot of out-of-state RSVPs.
It’s a central, one-stop shop for your rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and reception. When the party finally winds down, visiting guests can retreat upstairs to their rooms.
As you can see, San Antonio wedding venue rentals are abundant. The event centers here are more affordable than those in Austin, Houston, and other major cities.
It’s a convenient, often overlooked location, with both historic city and beautiful country venue options. With all it has to offer, it’s only a matter of time before everyone begins flocking to San Antonio.
Check us out on social media for even more wedding day inspo, ideas, and advice — TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.