In 2008, readers of San Antonio’s weekly paper voted the Southwest School of Art & Craft the city's “best place to be married” --- reflecting a widespread belief which has brought generations of South Texas weddings to the lush and historic grounds of the old convent.

The Coates Chapel used to be a Catholic church, and was built as part of the convent in the 1870s, but it has been deconsecrated. Today it retains a spiritual tone, but it is not a church.

One reason brides and wedding planners flock to this site – in addition to its history and its beauty -- is the site’s great versatility. Rental of the Coates Chapel includes two large gardens, so brides can be married inside or outside, under a tent in the gardens or beside the River, under the permanent gazebo. Cocktails can be in one part of the chapel, the wedding in another. Or, an inside wedding can be followed by dinner and dancing outside under the stars.  The permutations are many – no two weddings here are every laid out in exactly the same way!

One caution, however:  for Saturday evening weddings, the space is often booked more than a year in advance. Other popular times are competitive as well – so please reserve early if your heart is set on having your wedding here.

It’s worth the effort. The Coates Chapel and our River Garden were recently featured in a beautiful wedding on the national TV show “Whose Wedding is it Anyway?”  And our facilities were honored by THE KNOT as a Best of Weddings Pick for 2008, as voted by local brides.

Quick facts to know

• When you reserve the Chapel, two large gardens are also part of your rental.
• All brides receive the opportunity to have a one-hour rehearsal on-site.
• The Chapel is fully air-conditioned.
• The rental also includes a “brides room” for the bride and her bridesmaids to use on the special day.
• We do not have an in-house caterer. Weddings must retain one of our approved caterers to handle food and beverages.  In addition to meeting quality standards, the approved caterers have been trained and authorized to work at our historic site.
• The River Garden is, as its name implies, on the San Antonio River. Weddings often use our River Walk landing for arrival or departure of the bridal party.
• Unfortunately, amplified sound is not permitted outside in the gardens, since we are an historic site with neighbors nearby. Let us explain the rules and the options to you in person.

Click to read more of the details about weddings at the SSAC, including the list of approved caterers and rental fees.