Military Weddings: Capturing the Perfect Wedding Day
There’s something incredibly powerful about a military wedding. The crisp uniforms, time-honored traditions, and a love story that’s already faced more challenges than most—all wrapped up into one unforgettable day.
As San Antonio wedding photographers, we’ve been lucky enough to document many military weddings, and every single one has left a lasting impression. Whether it’s the moment a groom adjusts his dress blues with quiet pride, or an Army bride walks down the aisle with pride in her eyes, there’s a depth to military weddings that’s hard to put into words—but we try. Through photos.
If you're planning a military wedding in San Antonio or anywhere in the Hill Country, here’s what we’ve learned over the years to help you plan and capture the perfect day.
Why Military Weddings Are So Meaningful
Military weddings carry the weight of tradition—and the strength of a love that’s often been tested by distance, deployments, and a fast-moving life. It’s not uncommon to photograph couples who have written love letters across continents, FaceTimed through different time zones, or even planned their wedding from halfway around the world.
These weddings are about more than just “I do.” They’re about reunion, resilience, and deep mutual respect. And let’s be honest: they also look incredibly sharp. There’s nothing quite like the elegance of a dress uniform or the symbolism of the saber arch.
San Antonio: The Heart of Military Wedding Traditions
It’s no coincidence that so many military couples get married in San Antonio. Known as Military City, USA, San Antonio is home to multiple major bases including Lackland AFB, Fort Sam Houston, Randolph AFB, and Camp Bullis.
Whether you’re holding a ceremony in a historic on-base chapel or heading to the Hill Country for a wedding weekend with friends and family, San Antonio has the best of both worlds: deep military roots and stunning scenery.
We once photographed a military wedding where the couple exchanged vows at the Laughlin AFB chapel, then headed out to a private venue in Del Rio, TX for a relaxed reception under the stars. It was the perfect blend of formality and freedom—exactly what the couple wanted.
Military Wedding Traditions Worth Capturing
The Saber Arch
This is a signature moment—especially for Army or Marine weddings. The newlyweds walk through an arch of raised sabers held by fellow service members. We position ourselves just behind the final saber to capture the look on your faces as you walk into married life—literally and symbolically.
Uniform Details
From medals to service stripes to custom patches sewn inside the dress, we take close-ups of the details that represent your journey. One groom had a coin tucked in his pocket from his deployment to Afghanistan. His bride placed it in a shadow box with a note, and that photo ended up in their album right next to their kiss.
Honors for Fallen Service Members
We’ve seen beautifully subtle tributes—an empty chair with a single rose, a dog tag sewn inside a bouquet, a toast in silence. We always photograph these moments with reverence, understanding they carry deep personal meaning.
How Military Service Shapes Wedding Planning
Schedules Can Shift (And That’s Okay)
We’ve had couples move their wedding date up three months because of unexpected orders—and others who planned in just 45 days while on leave. The military life is nothing if not flexible. That’s why we stay nimble with reschedules and understand that a tight window might mean less time for pre-wedding meetings and engagement sessions—but never less intention.
Choosing the Right Venue
Some couples go for the base chapel or officer’s club, while others opt for Hill Country venues that are veteran-friendly and offer military discounts. A few favorites in the area:
The Veranda – Classy, peaceful, and close to Fort Sam.
Paniolo Ranch – Great for small, relaxed weddings with sweeping views.
The Dominion Country Club – Elegant and perfect for a black-tie feel.
Our Photography Style: Blending Tradition with Candid Emotion
We approach military weddings with the same care you bring to your uniform—attention to detail, respect for the moment, and a calm presence when the pressure is on.
Yes, we’ll capture the group shots, formal portraits, and all the military must-haves. But we’re also watching for:
The quiet hand squeeze before the ceremony.
The hug between a service member and a parent who hasn’t seen them in months.
The way your face softens when you finally get to relax at the reception.
One of our favorite images came during the introduction of the couple for their first dance, a spinning embrace. She clung to him like she never wanted to let go. That photo said more than any caption ever could.
Real Stories: Military Weddings We’ve Photographed
Taylor & Reed – Oak Valley Vineyard
Their day was all about the joy and delight of celebrating their love with friends and family. From the emotional “first-look” to their exciting exit the night ended with a spectacular portrait beneath the glow of fireworks.
Katherine & Ben – Sacred Heart Chapel - Our Lady of the Lake University
From their Catholic service at Sacred Heart Chapel to the exuberant reception at the Gateway Club on Lackland AFB, Katherine and Ben celebrated in wonderful style. They wove family traditions into the day to ensure it was meaningful and the moments would be unforgettable. Absolutely everyone at the reception was part of their “first-dance”.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Military Wedding Photos
Prep your uniform the night before – Make sure everything is clean, pressed, and ready. It helps us move faster and focus on the photos, not the lint.
Build in buffer time – Changing in and out of uniform can take longer than expected, especially if switching between ceremony and reception attire.
Bring your branch’s symbolic pieces – Service caps, awards, dog tags, coins. Even if you’re not using them in the ceremony, we can stage gorgeous flat lays or keepsake shots.
Include your military family – Got fellow service members in the wedding party? Let’s plan for a special photo or toast just for them.
Choosing a Photographer Who Gets It
You want someone who knows how to photograph the saber arch without blocking it… who understands that base access can be a whole thing… and who respects the significance of what you’re wearing and what you’ve been through.
More than that, you want someone who can balance the military structure with the personal emotion. Who can follow protocol and still capture the deep, soul-level stuff.
We’ve been there. We get it. And we’re ready to help you tell your story—one moment at a time.
Final Thoughts
Military weddings are a celebration of love, commitment, and sacrifice. And in San Antonio, the heartbeat of military culture, your wedding deserves to be photographed with both respect and creativity.
If you're planning your wedding while navigating orders, leave, or late-night shifts, we’d love to help take one big thing off your plate—knowing your memories are in experienced, steady hands.
📸 Let’s Talk About Your Military Wedding
We’d be honored to capture your day. Whether you’re planning a traditional ceremony on base or a modern celebration with a military twist, we’re here for you.
👉 Contact us here to check our availability and share your vision.
👉 Browse our portfolio to see more real military weddings in San Antonio.
👉 Follow us on Instagram [@walstonphoto_tx] for sneak peeks, tips, and behind-the-scenes goodness.
