Readers of San Antonio’s weekly paper regularly vote the Southwest School of Art to be the city’s “best place to be married” — reflecting a widespread belief which has brought generations of South Texas weddings to our lush and historic grounds. 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 lofty, 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, 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 dessert outside under the stars. The permutations are many – no two weddings here are ever arranged 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 have been featured on the national TV shows “Whose Wedding is it Anyway?” and a competitive reality show. And our facilities have been honored by The Knot as a Best of Weddings Pick, 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, so you must retain one of our approved caterers to handle food and beverages.
- 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 music is absolutely 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.
