About San Antonio
The crown jewel of south-central Texas, San Antonio sits squarely at the crossroads of a diverse, modern city and the rich history of its colonial past. Here, the romance and rowdiness of the American West meets the vibrant, spicy influences of Mexican and Tejano culture, to create a traditional yet-trendy destination. San Antonio is home to the world-famous Alamo, colonial-era Spanish missions, many first-rate theme parks, and a championship basketball team, to name a few. With a young, hip population, visitors can expect to find an active nightlife scene, edgy eateries, relaxing spas, and a growing arts community.
Wedding receptions in San Antonio can be fancy, five-star restaurant affairs, or a laid-back outdoor party with craft brews and taco trucks. Colonial-style mansions offer an elegant retreat, or you can celebrate at one of the city’s many parks alongside the Medina River. Guests can join in San Antonio’s many citywide celebrations, as well, from Oktoberfest to Dia de los Muertos, or spend the day exploring the cafes, galleries, shops and curiosities along the city’s unique 15-mile riverwalk.
All things considered, it’s a fantastic spot to host a wedding reception (and a wedding), with more than plenty to see and do.
- Interesting Fact
Foodies rejoice! San Antonio is home to its very own Culinary Institute of America campus, which churns out hundreds of professional chefs each year, making the city a go-to place for great food year-round.
Wedding Reception Options in San Antonio, TX
From the historic to the adventurous to the modern, San Antonio has service providers for every budget and every need. Consider working with a few of these vendors to bring your vision for the perfect wedding reception to life!
- Caterers
Whether you’re serving up a four-course meal, light hors’d’oeuvres, or a dessert-lover’s dream buffet, San Antonio has a variety of catering companies and restaurants - including a few owned by celebrity chefs - ready to serve your guests. Taco trucks, signature Texas-style barbecue, and inventive American cuisine are all available, along with many other tasty treats.
- Bakeries
Trusting the centerpiece of your wedding reception – the cake – to one of San Antonio’s award-winning bakeries is easy, with many options from budget to affordable to top-of-the-line. From traditional to exotic, there are a number of vendors to accommodate every theme, style and dietary need, including gluten- and allergen-free options.
- Beverage Services
After a long day and a formal ceremony, both guests and the wedding party are likely looking forward to dining, dancing and kicking back with a few drinks. San Antonio has a variety of vendors who specialize in setting up mobile bars, complete with talented bartenders, at any type of venue. If you’re looking for something less conventional or want to provide more non-alcoholic options, you can even hire a coffee or smoothie bar service, as well.
- Wedding Entertainment
Want entertainment for your San Antonio reception? San Antonio is home to many entertainment vendors who can perform light emcee duties, as well as those who can provide entertainers, dance floors and even laser light shows.
Wedding Reception Planning Companies in San Antonio, Texas
- Wedding and Event Designs by Pamela
With more than a decade of wedding, reception and event planning experience, this woman-owned, full-service planning company can provide you with start-to-finish event management, day-of coordination or a consultation to point you in the right direction. The business has been named a bride favorite by WeddingWire numerous times, and has been a local favorite since their inception.
- All in the Details Events
With a dedicated team of experienced event planners and an extensive vendor network across San Antonio and beyond, All in the Details excels at providing clients the wedding reception they always envisioned. Team members can provide coordination and planning services up to a year in advance, or they can curate a design experience tailored specifically to you.
- Graceful Moments Weddings + Events
Specializing in romantic, elegant and classic weddings and receptions, the planning team at Graceful Moments Weddings + Events has been coordinating and designing wedding and reception experiences for more than a decade. The family-owned business has been featured in WeddingWire, Aisle Society, and Amor Latino, among others, and has all the skills to help you bring your unique event vision to life.
Pros and Cons of Hosting a Wedding Reception in San Antonio
Pros:
- Incredible food
“Travel + Leisure” lists San Antonio as a top U.S. food destination and the city has also been named a Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO.
- Wine country
Whether your wedding reception is a laid-back or black-tie-only affair, a number of nearby wineries can treat your guests to the best flavors Texas Hill Country has to offer.
- Culturally diverse
If you enjoy culture-themed weddings and receptions, you’ll find many in San Antonio. The city is a friendly mash-up of Mexican, Southwest, Tejano, German, and Czech, just to name a few.
Cons:
- Brutal summers
Although San Antonio has a mild climate for three seasons per year, summers are long, hot and humid. Outdoor affairs could be uncomfortable.
- Allergies
Cedar and juniper trees are plentiful in and around San Antonio, and so is their pollen. Those suffering from pollen allergies could be uncomfortable during the Spring months.
- Traffic
At just over 500 square miles, San Antonio is a sprawling city with many attractions located near the outskirts. Traffic is often congested and both private and public transportation can be slow going.
Famous Wedding Reception Locations in San Antonio
Check out these famous San Antonio destinations before or after your wedding reception!
- The River Walk (Paseo del Rio)
At the heart of San Antonio is the city’s famous “Paseo del Rio” riverwalk, a 15-mile stretch of urban waterway flanked by hotels, restaurants, shops and many attractions. Its laid-back atmosphere and easy accessibility make it a perfect place for your guests to visit, eat, shop or even take a cruise along the San Antonio River.
- The AT&T Center
Whether you’re a fan of the champion San Antonio Spurs basketball team, or would rather see a concert or experience some WWE excitement, the AT&T Center has a star-studded line-up of events all year long. It’s a great spot to celebrate a wedding with all your friends and family!
- SeaWorld San Antonio
If you and your wedding reception guests are looking for a day of fun in the sun, especially during the summer, look no further. Not only does SeaWorld offer up-close viewing of beautiful sea creatures, but you can also ride the waves at the Aquatica water park, or get some thrills on one of the attraction’s many giant roller coasters.
