San Antonio is another world. Unlike any other city in Texas, this place is teeming with different cultures, environments, and venues. You'll find more than you expected here, from ranches and ballrooms to renovated breweries and castles. When planning your wedding, it’s the kind of place that will inspire you to completely change direction once you see how much it has to offer. Since your venue is the first vendor to book, take some time to look through these top 5 San Antonio wedding venues before you make any final decisions.

Keep reading for my take on the top San Antonio wedding venues that we find the most unique, eclectic, and enchanting.

Hotel Emma, San Antonio, TX

Style: Industrial Chic

Our first San Antonio wedding venue is this luxurious hotel, just five minutes from The DoSeum, previously known for being a prominent brewhouse. Luckily, the owners kept the industrial touches when it transitioned to the picturesque venue it is today. This gorgeous place is truly your wedding one-stop shop. They’re super accommodating and can host a ceremony and reception or different wedding events, such as bridal showers, engagement parties, and rehearsal dinners.

As you can see from the photos above, this place has views and options! Their courtyard is primarily used for wedding ceremonies, sought out for the open roof that allows natural light to flood the room, the exposed brick walls, and the garden vibes that include climbing vines, flower beds, and fountains. It’s also right next to the San Antonio River - need I say more?

Up on the third floor, they have a more intimate area known as the Goldroom. This space is perfect for a cocktail hour or smaller reception, as it seats 60 guests. Back on the main level, you’ll find Cellar J and Cellar K, which can function beautifully as a space for a cocktail reception that flows naturally into dinner. This area can be entered from the courtyard, which provides gorgeous views of the outside gardens seen through the huge windows, providing more warmth and natural light.

Lastly, we have The Elephant Cellar which is their main dining room and the most popular choice for receptions. It’s still reminiscent of the former brewery but has functional updates such as carpeting and decorative lighting, as shown above. We can’t get over the lighting in this venue! Whether natural or from extravagant fixtures, it perfectly ties together each space throughout the Hotel Emma.

If you like having options, amenities, and easily transformable spaces, this is the venue for you.

Check them out here.

San Antonio Botanical Garden, San Antonio, TX

Style: Serene Romantic

Let me help you pick your jaw up from the floor.

What’s to love about botanical gardens? They’re already full of natural beauty and feel like an escape from whatever city you may be in. The San Antonio Botanical Garden is no different, in fact, it’s better than most. Conveniently located minutes from downtown San Antonio, this is our very own peaceful world of beauty and wonder, toting 38 acres of urban oasis for you and your guests to enjoy.

This place alone is miraculous but what’s better is the six different venue spaces you have to choose from. No matter the size of your wedding, they have something for you and I guarantee it’ll be stunning. The hard part is deciding which one fits your style, size, and budget the best. You have the Greehey Lawn, Lucile Halsell Conservatory, Amphitheater, H-E-B Discovery Center Classrooms, Auld House and Patio, and the new state-of-the-art indoor/outdoor venue, The Betty Kelso Center. This venue brings nature inside and feels cozy yet fancy. I’m obsessed with the unique wood paneling on the walls and ceiling, surrounding windows, and the patio overlooking the grandeur of the Greehey Lawn. Although their outdoor options are breathtaking, I wouldn’t be upset if this indoor beauty was the only available area.

If you’re not convinced, they have the awards to prove it:

• 2016-2020 Wedding Wire Couple Choice Awards

• 2019 Best Wedding Venue by San Antonio Current

• 2015-2020 Bride Favorite by San Antonio Weddings

• 2020 Local Favorite by Texas Wedding Guide

• Favored LGBT-supportive vendor by Love Wins Texas Weddings

Color me impressed. Here’s hoping we get more opportunities to work in each of their amazing venue spaces.

Learn more about the San Antonio Botanical Garden here.

Lambermont Events, San Antonio, TX

Style: Vintage Regal

Fit for a princess, this historic mansion invites couples to celebrate like royalty. This fairytale venue is only five minutes from the San Antonio Museum of Art which is fitting given it’s a work of art. Don’t be fooled by the outside though, the interior is just as elegant and majestic. A three-year restoration has turned this mansion into a wedding dream while maintaining the outward castle-like facade.

While this space can accommodate up to 300 guests, they offer different packages to suit weddings of all sizes. Here, you can host your ceremony and reception without having to travel. What’s more, you can have your reception on the lawn under the stars or inside the mansion - we’ll take under the stars!

We love everything that is included when booking this venue, it’s truly royal treatment. Most venues will have a bridal suite and internet but this place also provides clean up, event planning, and lighting/sound - those usually have to be outsourced which means more vendors to research, hire, and keep track of. Rest easy, literally, at this impressive and insanely unique venue - it’s one of San Antonio’s hidden gems.

Check them out here.

Ivy Hall, San Antonio, TX

Style: Lush Eclectic

Did you know this dreamy event space is tucked in San Antonio’s King William neighborhood? Not far from the city’s Riverwalk, the wondrous Ivy Hall can accommodate the most intimate or massive guest counts - fitting up to 450 guests. They offer interior and exterior event areas; their banquet hall features a lush and colorful indoor space and a romantic and intimate outdoor patio.

Here, couples can find everything they need for their wedding day such as bar and catering service, setup and cleanup, an even an event planner, and even liability insurance. They’ll also help you find event rentals, lighting and sound! One magical detail is that they’re a pet-friendly location (love that).

Everybody loves a winner and Ivy Hall has no shortage of accolades to prove how dope they are:

• 2020, 2021 & 2023 Wedding Wire Couple Choice Awards

• 2021 & 2023 The Knot Best of Weddings

• Here Comes The Guide Best Unique, Outdoor, and All-Inclusive Wedding Venue

Look into this spot for a venue that has a bit of everything, especially photo-worthy moments.

Check them out here.

The Venue at Devils River Distillery, San Antonio, TX

Style: Modern Urban

Last but not least, we have San Antonio’s very own Venue at Devils River Distillery. Celebrate your union in style at this Old World-style venue. You can tell they put a lot of thought and intention when designing this space and that’s one of the things we love most about it. Found in a multi-level building, this distillery offers a variety of event spaces for your big day. The Grand Mezzanine level is home to the venue’s spacious wedding suite where you and your party can get ready for a day full of good times. The Tasting Room (shown here) with its hand-carved antique bar, Swarovski crystal chandeliers, and a view of the copper stills, serves as a romantic backdrop for ceremonies and receptions. Believe it or not, these two photos were taken in the same room but designed so differently that it looks like a completely different space.

In the building’s lower level, you’ll find the dimly lit 300 Club with unforgettable speakeasy-style decor and intimate ambiance. The vibes are immaculate and endless here. Another unique aspect of this venue is the fact that not only are cigars sold here, but you can enjoy them on the patio! We love a good cigar bar and they already have everything you need to incorporate that into your wedding. Besides the incredible view of the distillery, other details we adore are the velvet lounge seating, whiskey barrels that serve as cocktail tables, and vintage chandeliers.

Whether you love whiskey or not, this place is intoxicating. You and your guests are sure to have a fabulous time in this historic space.

Go here to learn more about hosting your big day at this unique establishment.

Check out more real weddings, tips and inspiration here.

Want us to create your dream wedding? Go here and drop us a line!

Looking for more venue recommendations? We got you! Check out our Top 3 venues in Houston, TX here!

That wraps up our favorite San Antonio venues! Check out our recent work in San Antonio here.

Let us know what you think in the comments. Have you visited any of these venues? Which are your area favorites? Any specific questions about them? Set up a chat here, we are always ready to help.