Flying In for a San Antonio Courthouse Wedding? Where to Stay, Eat and Explore Downtown
Courthouse weddings are small, but the people who come to them often travel a long way. At almost every courthouse wedding we photograph, there's a parent, a grandparent or a best friend who flew in that morning. This is our guide for out-of-town family: where to stay, how to get around and how to turn a short ceremony into a whole weekend in San Antonio.
Getting Downtown
Most families fly into San Antonio International Airport, a short drive from downtown by rideshare or rental car. Once you're downtown, the Bexar County Courthouse, City Hall, San Fernando Cathedral, the River Walk and Market Square are all within walking distance of each other, so you may not need a car at all. If you do drive, plan on paid garage or street parking and leave extra time on the wedding day.
Hotels Near the Bexar County Courthouse
These hotels are a short walk from the courthouse and Main Plaza:
- Riverwalk Plaza Hotel, next to La Villita and one of the closest hotels to the courthouse
- Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk, a few blocks away on St. Mary's Street
- Omni La Mansión del Rio, a historic River Walk hotel that's great for parents who want something special
- Thompson San Antonio Riverwalk, modern and close to the river
- Embassy Suites by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk-Downtown, with suites that give families extra room
- La Quinta Inn by Wyndham San Antonio Market Square, on the west side of downtown near Market Square
- Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk and the historic Menger Hotel, near the Alamo and a little farther from the courthouse
Want something quieter? Hotel Emma at the Pearl is a short drive north. Military families with base access can also look into lodging at Joint Base San Antonio. Book early around big weekends like Fiesta in April, when downtown fills up fast.
Where to Celebrate After the Ceremony
- Mi Tierra Café y Panadería in Historic Market Square, a San Antonio landmark since 1941, with mariachis, a big dining room that works for groups and pan dulce to take home
- Boudro's on the River Walk, a River Walk classic since 1986 that also hosts dinner barges on the river
- A River Walk patio, anywhere along the water, for a relaxed group lunch
For a bigger group, call ahead and make a reservation wherever you can.
Things to Do Downtown With Out-of-Town Family
- San Fernando Cathedral on Main Plaza, steps from the courthouse
- The River Walk, on foot or on a river boat tour
- The Alamo, a few blocks east
- Historic Market Square, for shopping and food
- La Villita, the historic arts village by the river
- The Spanish Governor's Palace on Military Plaza, near City Hall
- The San Antonio Missions, a UNESCO World Heritage Site a short drive south
- The Pearl, for a slow brunch-and-shopping morning
Tips for Family on the Wedding Day
- Arrive early. Courthouse security and elevators take time, and ceremonies start on schedule.
- Ask how many guests can come in. Some ceremony rooms are small, so check with the couple first.
- Stay for family photos. We take them right after the ceremony, usually outside the courthouse or at City Hall, before the couple's portraits.
- Plan for the weather. San Antonio summers are hot, so bring water and plan shade breaks for older family members.
Planning a Courthouse Wedding in San Antonio?
We'd love to be there. See our San Antonio courthouse wedding photography, read our Bexar County marriage license guide, see Matt and Kristen's courthouse wedding or check your date. Military couples, start with our guide to getting married before a PCS.
