2026 Wedding Pricing and Trends for Greater San Antonio

We know how overwhelming planning a wedding can be. It happens so often when we are meeting a newly engaged couple for the first time; they’re excited, a little overwhelmed, and already apologizing for the number of questions they have about pricing. We laugh and tell them what we tell every couple. If you are not asking questions, you are probably doing it wrong.

Planning a wedding in San Antonio can feel like stepping into a city that offers everything all at once. Downtown elegance. Hill Country sunsets. Historic churches. Modern venues tucked into unexpected corners. And with all of that choice comes the same question we hear over and over.

What does a wedding actually cost around here in 2026, and how do we know if we are doing this right?

So let us pour a cup of coffee and talk it through together. Not as a checklist. Not as a rulebook. Just as 2 photographers who have spent years inside real weddings, watching couples navigate budgets, priorities, surprises, and moments that matter far more than line items ever could.

The big picture of weddings in San Antonio right now

San Antonio remains one of the most active wedding markets in Texas. That has not slowed down. If anything, 2026 continues the trend we have been watching for a while now. Steady demand. Strong vendor availability. And couples who are far more intentional about how and where they spend their money.

Most weddings we photograph in the Greater San Antonio area fall into a wide range of total budgets. That range is important to understand, because averages on the internet can be misleading.

Here is what we see most often in real conversations.

1. Smaller and more intimate weddings often land between $30,000 and $40,000.

2. Mid size weddings with 100 to 150 guests typically fall between $45,000 and $60,000.

3. Larger celebrations can stretch beyond that depending on venue, catering, and guest count.

What matters more than the number itself is how that budget is shaped. 2 weddings with the same total cost can feel completely different depending on what the couple values.

How couples actually divide their wedding budget

One thing that surprises couples is how consistent budget patterns are, even when styles are wildly different. Whether a wedding is downtown or in the Hill Country, formal or relaxed, certain categories naturally take up more space.

From years of photographing weddings across San Antonio and New Braunfels, we see budgets most often divided across a few key areas.

1. Venue and catering together usually take the largest share.

2. Photography and videography follow close behind.

3. Planning, music, florals, and beauty services fill in the rest.

This does not mean every couple should follow the same formula. It simply gives you a starting point so nothing catches you off guard later.

Venues and what couples are paying in 2026

Venues in San Antonio are wonderfully diverse, and pricing reflects that range.

Downtown venues often come with higher base rental fees but include convenience, city views, and built in atmosphere. Hill Country venues may offer more space and scenery, sometimes with more flexibility on vendors.

Most couples we work with encounter venue pricing that looks roughly like this.

1. Downtown and central San Antonio venues often range from $6,000 to $8,000 for the space alone.

2. Hill Country venues around Boerne and New Braunfels frequently land in a similar range, sometimes a bit lower depending on day and season.

3. All inclusive venues can reach $10,000 or more, but often include catering, rentals, and coordination.

We remember photographing a wedding at a Hill Country ranch where the couple initially thought the venue was expensive. Halfway through planning they realized how much was included. Tables, chairs, staff, and even catering. By the end, it simplified their entire experience and saved them stress they had not budgeted for.

Catering and bar costs that shape the guest experience

Food is emotional. It is also one of the most flexible and unpredictable parts of a wedding budget.

In 2026, catering in the San Antonio area typically breaks down by guest count more than anything else. Per person pricing often falls into these general ranges.

1. Buffet or family style meals usually start around $75 per guest.

2. Plated dinners often move closer to $100 to $150 per guest.

3. Bar packages vary widely based on beer and wine versus full bar service.

We once photographed a wedding where the couple trimmed their guest list by 15 people and used the savings to upgrade their menu. The result was a dining experience guests still talk about years later. It did not make the wedding bigger. It made it feel richer.

Photography as an investment in memory

We are obviously biased here, but we also live inside the results of this choice long after the wedding day.

In 2026, most couples in San Antonio invest between $3,500 and $6,000 for wedding photography, depending on coverage, experience, and approach.

What that number represents is not just time on the wedding day. It reflects planning help, timeline guidance, calm energy during stressful moments, and the ability to capture real emotion without interrupting it.

We remember a couple who told us they almost went with a cheaper option. Months later, when they received their gallery, they told us the photos felt like reliving conversations they did not even realize we were standing next to. That is the quiet value couples are really paying for.

Other vendors couples commonly budget for

Beyond the big categories, there are supporting vendors who shape how the day feels.

Here are common ranges we see couples planning for in 2026.

1. Planning and coordination often falls between $2,000 and $5,000 depending on involvement.

2. DJs and musicians typically range from $1,000 to $3,000.

3. Florals and decor often land between $1,200 and $3,500.

4. Hair and makeup varies by services and party size, usually a few hundred dollars per person.

5. Videography often mirrors photography pricing depending on coverage and style.

We have watched weddings transform simply because a couple chose a planner who aligned with their personality. Less stress. More presence. That choice rarely shows up in photos, but its impact absolutely does.

Trends we see shaping 2026 weddings

Weddings in San Antonio are evolving, but not in the way headlines suggest. Couples are not necessarily spending more. They are spending differently.

Here are trends we see repeatedly.

1. Smaller guest lists with more intentional experiences.

2. Flexible timelines that prioritize connection over tradition.

3. A blend of modern design with classic Texas landscapes.

4. A focus on moments rather than perfection.

One of our favorite recent weddings skipped a formal reception entrance entirely. The couple simply joined their guests at sunset with drinks in hand. It felt natural. It felt like them. And no one missed the choreography.

Sample budget scenarios couples relate to

Rather than perfect numbers, it helps to picture real scenarios.

An intimate wedding of 75 guests might focus on a beautiful venue, elevated food, and full photography coverage, with a total budget around $35,000 to $40,000.

A mid size wedding of 150 guests might balance venue, catering, photography, and music, landing closer to $50,000.

A larger celebration of 200 guests may prioritize guest experience and logistics, with costs rising accordingly.

None of these are better or worse. They are simply reflections of priorities.

How to decide what matters most to you

The best advice we give couples is surprisingly simple. Picture how you want the day to feel, not how you want it to look online.

Ask yourselves a few honest questions.

1. Do we care more about atmosphere or guest count?

2. Do we want a relaxed timeline or a packed one?

3. Which moments do we want to remember most clearly years from now?

Every wedding we photograph that feels truly successful has 1 thing in common. The couple trusted themselves.

A final thought as you plan your San Antonio wedding

San Antonio is a beautiful place to get married because it offers flexibility. You can have a timeless church ceremony, a modern downtown reception, or a Hill Country celebration that feels like an escape.

There is no correct budget. There is only a budget that supports the experience you want to have.

If you ever feel overwhelmed, remember that every vendor you talk to has seen this process unfold many times. Ask questions. Share what matters to you. And trust that your wedding does not need to be perfect to be unforgettable.

We have watched hundreds of couples walk into their day nervous and walk out glowing. The common thread is not money. It is intention. And that is something no price tag can measure.