For Texas couples who want their engagement photography to captivate with a Spanish accent, explore the historic sites of San Antonio. Spanish for “Saint Anthony,” San Antonio has Spanish roots that lie deep in the heart of Texas. Founded as a Spanish mission and colonial outpost in 1718, the city’s signature architecture endures—quite the stunning backdrop for your engagement and wedding photography. Embrace San Antonio’s rich colonial heritage with a shoot at the Alamo. This 18th-century Spanish mission, which has been preserved as a museum, marks an infamous 1836 battle for Texan independence from Mexico. To capture a more casual vibe, stroll the miles-long River Walk that follows the San Antonio River where cafes and shops line the landmark pedestrian promenade. And don’t forget the ornate natural beauty of the Japanese Tea Gardens or the vibrant energy of Mexico at Market Square. Wherever you roam in San Antonio, some of the best engagement locations are waiting to be discovered around every corner.

 

04. MARKET SQUARE
 

Infuse your photos with the vibrant culture of old Mexico—right in downtown San Antonio. Spanning three lively blocks, the historic Market Square is the largest Mexican market in the United States, a unique destination that’s drawn admirers for generations. Bright colors and glowing bistro lights adorn the square, creating an energetic backdrop for your engagement photography and wedding photography. Immerse yourselves in the rich Mexican culture by admiring handcrafted works of art or sharing a bite of gourmet Mexican cuisine as your engagement photographer captures every spontaneous moment. The sights and flavors of Mexico make Market Square one of the best engagement locations in San Antonio.

 

 

03. JAPANESE TEA GARDEN
 

It may feel like a world away, but lucky for San Antonio couples, the Japanese Tea Gardens thrives right in the heart of San Antonio’s Brackenridge Park. Also known as the “sunken gardens,” this scenic retreat thrives with natural beauty that will bring your engagement photography and wedding photography to life. Here you’ll experience the serenity of stone bridges that overlook a gorgeous waterfall, vibrant fish swimming happily in the koi pond and the striking architecture of the pagoda. Elegant and elaborate, the formal Japanese garden is one of the most beloved parks in San Antonio. It’s hard to believe it was once a former rock quarry that’s been transformed into a zen paradise. The magnificent entrance itself provides a grand statement in weathered wood and tile. As you meander along the pathways, you’ll discover new elements around every turn, from peaceful lily ponds to carefully manicured beds that have been designed to intrigue the eye with texture and color. The Japanese Tea Gardens are undoubtedly one of the best engagement locations in San Antonio.

 

02. MCNAY ART MUSEUM
 

There are thousands of masterpieces within the walls of the McNay Art Museum. But the mansion that houses them is a work of art in itself. Founded in 1954, McNay Art Museum was the first modern art museum in the state of Texas. Elegantly poised on 23 acres, this striking work of architecture is designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style. It’s an impressive and historic backdrop for engagement photography and wedding photography that authentically San Antonio. For a touch of nature, explore the sun-dappled grounds, landscaped with fanciful fountains, rolling green lawns and a Japanese-style garden. The McNay Art Museum earns rave reviews from us as one of the city’s best engagement locations.

 

01. SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN
 

Why wait for your big day to be surrounded by a dazzling array of flowers? Beauty is always in bloom at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Spanning 38 gorgeous acres, this vibrant sanctuary is a dream for your engagement photography and wedding photography sessions. Follow the meandering walkways for a closer look at the many elaborate garden beds, interspersed with glimmering lily ponds and cultural artifacts along the way. Stop and smell the lush roses or share a reflective moment in the Japanese garden. Sway beneath the romantic wisteria arbor with its soft purple blooms or admire the revolutionary modern architecture of the Lucile Halsell Conservatory, a vision in glass. The ever-changing array of textures and colors of the formal gardens means you’re always in the honeymoon stage here. Off the beaten path, the 11-acre Texas-native trail showcases true Texas hill country with more than 250 plant species shaded by East Texas pineywoods. Naturally, this is one of the best engagement locations in San Antonio.