While San Antonio wedding venues are known for being steeped in history and rustic elegance, they’re not always acclaimed for their affordability. But if you dig a little deeper into the offerings, you’ll find an impressive collection of affordable wedding venues in San Antonio that range from structures built in the 1880s to sprawling outdoor gardens that make you feel like you’ve stumbled onto the French countryside. The city’s variety of affordable ceremony and reception venues means you can realize your dream wedding as you plan—without having to kill your dreams of a down payment for a new home, a college fund for your future kids, or even a honeymoon that lasts more than one night. You can have it all at the following venues.
1. The Grand Promenade
Sitting just down the street from The Alamo, this storied venue was built in the 1880s and has maintained the historic allure that this area of San Antonio is famous for. If you want an outdoor ceremony or reception, The Grand Promenade offers a large patio that overlooks the San Antonio River Walk and is filled with rich aromas and a lively atmosphere that attracts travelers from across the world. For those having a San Antonio wedding in the summer, and hoping to avoid the infamous heat, this venue also offers indoor spaces such as the Briars Suite and a new reception hall.
The Briars Suite possesses the elegance of a bygone era with a copper-topped grand piano, black marble fireplaces, antique chandeliers, and a romantic balcony. Within the Grande Promenade reception hall, couples enjoy 10,000 square feet of space including a stage, hardwood floors, a brick bar, and a balcony offering stunning views of the River Walk. From the outdoor patio filled with the balmy Texas air to the sprawling reception hall, this venue has a space sure to be just right for your big day.
Typical Cost: Room fees range from $250 – $750 for four hours, and food and drink minimums range from $1,500 – $4,500.
Capacity: 150
Bonus: An original rock and brick wall in the reception hall provides a quintessential spot for photos that bridges the old with the new.
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2. Pearl Stable at Historic Pearl
A landmark site in downtown San Antonio, Pearl Stable at Historic Pearl was the former home to the Pearl Brewery’s draft horses in the late 19th-century and is now a beautifully renovated event space that still exudes the old-world aesthetic of the original structure. The highlight of the venue is the 5,000 square foot oval-shaped central space, as it’s ideal for a wedding reception adorned with strong colors and vintage-romantic décor. This space also opens to a foyer and a gallery that has two bars and two large courtyards.
Another popular indoor space is the mezzanine which creates a dramatic effect with its glazed cupola and nine-foot bronze chandeliers. An outdoor wedding ceremony or reception can be held in the Entry Courtyard and Gallery Courtyard that together offers 20,000 square feet of grounds soaked in Texas vibes.
Typical Cost: $1,500 – $6,500
Capacity: 350
Bonus: It’s easy to find the perfect caterer, as the venue offers a highly curated list of approved businesses that are committed to offering superior food and service and participating in sustainability efforts.
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3. The Grande Ballroom at Milltown Historic District
As one of the best venues in New Braunfels, regardless of your budget, The Grande Ballroom at Milltown Historic District mixes the bucolic beauty of the Texas Hill Country with the sophistication of a ballroom. Imagine this: Your wedding day begins with you walking down a brick aisle that ends at your fiancé, standing under a white gazebo. You’re both surrounded by family and friends sitting in a sea of white chairs resting on a verdant lawn encircled by thriving trees.
After you say your I dos, flow with your guests into a French Quarter-style courtyard for cocktail hour before slipping away to prepare for your entrance down the grand staircase leading into the enchanting ballroom, glowing with chandeliers. When the reception is in full swing, you’ll be busting out your favorite moves on the large dance floor to the tunes emanating from the venue’s state-of-the-art sound system. This is the venue for you if you’re dreaming of a wedding filled with the laidback energy of Texas and the inherent elegance of a French château.
Typical Cost: Starts at $5,400
Capacity: 175
Bonus: The venue rental includes an overnight stay in an adorable cabin.
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4. The Gardens at West Green
For couples wanting a small wedding in a whimsical outdoor setting, The Gardens at West Green is the best of San Antonio’s affordable venues. The gardens, which make up the majority of this space, are spread over two-and-a-half acres and create a dreamy effect with the abundance of centurion oaks and lush, natural foliage.
A three-tier water fountain, iron candelabras, and an eight-column loggia enhance this outdoor space. Ensuring couples have to worry about little more than showing up, the venue staff takes care of the setup and takedown, in addition to providing everything from a wireless lapel mic for the officiant to the tables, chairs, and linens needed for the reception.
Typical Cost: $1,850 – $2,850
Capacity: 120
Bonus: A bridal suite and groom’s room are included.
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5. The Milestone Boerne
A gem of South Texas wedding venues, The Milestone Boerne is located in a gorgeous valley of the Texas Hill Country that’s surrounded by rolling hills and adjacent to the Upper Cibolo Creek. The indoor and outdoor spaces at this venue are an optimal fusion of rustic hill country flair and tasteful details such as stone pathways, hardwood floors, an entrance staircase, and double-arched cast iron doors—making this is a perfect space for couples wanting a classic Texas wedding that’s not at all cheesy.
Ceremonies at The Milestone often take place under a large and wooden open-air pavilion at the end of a stone path surrounded by grass and trees. Meanwhile, cocktail hour is enjoyed on the property’s covered portico and walkaround porch before the party moves into the reception hall with a dance floor, hardwood oak floors, open-beam trusses, crystal chandeliers, and a built-in bar.
Typical Cost: Starts at $3,350
Capacity: 320
Bonus: This venue is so entrenched in nature, it’s not uncommon to have deer and other wildlife photo-bomb you.
Find The Milestone Boerne on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
