Weddings, San Antonio Style
by Paris Permenter & John Bigley

SOMETHING OLD

In historic downtown San Antonio, a charming limestone cottage was named a Texas landmark in 1873. Today this site, The Bright Shawl (210-225-6366), is a landmark for many couples who choose the site and its adjacent banquet facility as a venue for their wedding, reception or shower.

Whether you're opting for an intimate wedding or a large extravaganza, The Bright Shawl has just the right facility to accommodate your wedding party. You can choose the Living Room for groups of 24, the Club, for parties of up to 400, or select something in between. San Antonio's excellent weather also makes outdoor wedding popular and The Bright Shawl's courtyard, with its antique brickwork, fountain, and lush landscaping, is a favorite with brides.

Historic hotels are also top options with brides. Dedicated in 1909, the Sheraton Gunter Hotel (888-999-2089) lies right in the heart of historic downtown, across from the Majestic and the Empire Theatres. Many couples have exchanged vows in the elegant Crystal Ballroom, with its majestic chandeliers and formal atmosphere. Wedding parties from 25 to 725 can be accommodated in this beautiful historic hotel.

San Antonio is also home to many historic churches which are popular wedding sites. In La Villita, Little Church (210-226-3593) was constructed in 1879 and features carved pegs carved by a Norwegian sailor. The quaint church is a favorite for small wedding ceremonies and just steps from the heart of the River Walk.

Downtown's San Fernando Cathedral (210-227-1297) was constructed in 1738 by Canary Island colonists, making this the oldest cathedral sanctuary in the nation. The cathedral performs over 100 weddings every year.

SOMETHING NEW

Other brides picture the perfect setting as something more newly constructed, perhaps incorporating the beauty of the region into their wedding. For these brides, the answer might very well be Los Encinos Texas Hill Country Estate (210-698-1654) "We're almost a one-stop so the bride only as four or five items to be responsible for," explains Los Encinos's Bertha Dominguez. "We do our own catering, photography, reception, and we have a honeymoon suite. We do all the decoration so the bride doesn't have to worry about anything." Located in the Hill Country on Boerne Stage Road, Los Encinos is surrounded by oaks and secluded, giving groups the feeling of an escape just miles from San Antonio.

The consultation that Los Encinos and several other properties provides simplifies the task of wedding planning, helping couples to coordinate the wedding of their dreams. "We customize weddings to the way the bride wants it," says the Los Encinos wedding coordinator. "We've done medieval weddings, butterfly releases, horse and carriages, doves, fireworks, whatever the couple likes."

Or how about the atmosphere of an Italian villa? Soon Los Encinos will open another wedding venue, Cielo Vista, a 10-bedroom facility designed to make you feel your wedding is set in beautiful Italy. Overlooking the city lights, Cielo Vista will accommodate wedding groups of up to 500 guests indoors.

Or perhaps you picture exchanging vows in one of San Antonio's well-known hotels. The Omni San Antonio Hotel (210-699-5831) has a wedding coordinator right on site to help with every last detail, from decisions like decorating to catering. The Omni has a spectacular rooftop ballroom with a view of the city, a setting that's sure to be memorable for your guests.

SOMETHING BORROWED

Spanish colonial architecture. Mexican tile. Tropical courtyards. This is the DoubleTree Hotel (210-321-4821), an elegant hotel that makes a beautiful setting for weddings and receptions. Arranging a wedding at the hotel, located on Loop 410, is easy; wedding packages include everything from your choice of bridal cakes to beverage station and dance floor setup. The hotel's full-time wedding coordinator helps with all the details, which also include wedding night accommodations for the bride and groom, a bottle of champagne, chocolate dipped strawberries, and breakfast for two. For wedding parties of 250 guests or more, lucky brides and grooms also receive an extended wedding package that includes spa pampering, perfect for calming last minute jitters.

A Mediterranean style sets the mood at the Bushnell (210-733-7705), located in Monte Vista. Built in 1926, the historic building serves as the setting for many weddings on its rooftop terrace, which showcases a view of the skyline. The terrace isn't all that attracts couples to this building, designed like a Spanish palace; the Bushnell is also home to a 2,000-square-foot top floor penthouse. Highlighted by black tile fireplaces and a Jacuzzi tub, the penthouse is a favorite hideaway as a honeymoon suite.

Spanish and Mexican accents transform Los Patios (210-655-6171) into a favorite location for weddings and receptions. Located on Loop 410, Los Patios is tucked deep in ancient oaks, protected from the hustle and bustle of the city by lush landscaping that provides a home to swans, peacocks, and other birds. Once a campsite on Salado Creek used by Native American tribes, in modern days Los Patios has been the site for thousands of unique weddings. Along with outdoor settings, the facility also has two buildings decorated with Mexican elegance that can host weddings and receptions of all sizes.

SOMETHING BLUE

For many couples, water makes the perfect backdrop for their vows and there's no better place in San Antonio that the world-famous River Walk. Several hotels such as the Adams Mark Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk (210-354-2800, www.adamsmark.com) offer onsite wedding specialists to help plan every last detail, from a selection of locations to a banquet menu. For the largest of weddings, the Marriott Rivercenter and Riverwalk Hotels (210-228-4325) offer everything you need and on-site assistance. Weddings ranging from intimate to gala events of up to 800 can be planned at the Westin Riverwalk (210-224-6500), complete with two ballrooms that overlook the River Walk.

Whatever you choose for your wedding--large or small, formal or casual, indoors or outside--San Antonio locations eagerly say "we will" to your "I do" requests.

For More Information:

• www.sanantoniocvb.com

Related Pages:

• More romantic getaways & weddings in Texas