An Alamo Wedding in San Antonio: Lana and Steve
We first connected with Lana on Facebook. A few messages turned into an invitation to their house, where we sat down with Lana and Steve to talk through their plans and what they wanted from their photography.
Somewhere in that conversation we learned that Steve works for M&S Engineering. Royce knew the company well, having photographed for them back in 2011. A first meeting turned out to have an older thread running through it. We settled on eight hours of wedding day coverage and waited for the date to arrive.
Getting ready at the Menger Hotel
The day began at the Menger Hotel, one of San Antonio’s historic hotels and a short walk from The Alamo. Lana got ready with her friends and family, and Steve did the same with his. Both sides wanted photographs in some of the same spaces, so we worked out the timing ahead of time and moved between them without anyone waiting on the other. It was a quiet, unhurried start.
A first look at the Church Entry
From the Menger we moved to The Alamo for a first look in the arched walkway of the Church Entry. Lana and Steve saw each other with the weight of the place around them, and we stayed back and let the moment take the time it needed.
Planning a wedding around a landmark
Weddings at The Alamo come with logistics that most venues don’t have. The site is open to visitors during the day, and private events begin after hours. The plan was to bring all 140 guests together at 5:45 for one large group photograph in front of The Alamo, then guide everyone to their seats for a 6:30 ceremony. That kind of schedule only holds with good coordination, and Kathryn, the Alamo’s event planner, kept it moving.
The ceremony in the Convento Courtyard
The ceremony took place in the Convento Courtyard, beneath the large oak tree. It was as emotional as you would expect from a wedding held at a site this significant. Lana and Steve cared about the setting as much as we did, so we made a point of documenting the architecture and the surroundings alongside the people in them. The place is part of their story now, and we wanted the photographs to show that.
Introductions and reception by the Education Center
After a few formal portraits, we moved to the courtyard outside the Education Center for the reception, with live music from Matthew Krivec. Lana and Steve entered with a choreographed dance, spins and dips included, and it got a strong reaction from family and guests. That introduction dance also served as their first dance.
They skipped the usual list of formalities. There was no bouquet toss and no cake cutting. That left room for a heartfelt toast, in which they thanked the people who had helped bring the wedding together, and for time with their guests. They moved through the space all evening, stopping to talk with everyone.
The exit and a final photograph
The night ended at the Church Entry arch. Guests lined the way waving hand lights as Lana and Steve walked out. We finished with one more photograph of the two of them in front of The Alamo, as the light dropped.
Planning a wedding at The Alamo: what we would tell you
Timing matters. Private events are held after hours, so build the day around the Alamo’s schedule, including when guests arrive and when photographs happen.
Choose your spaces early. The Alamo offers several venues, including the Convento Courtyard and the courtyard by the Education Center. You can see them all on the Alamo’s private events page.
Share your getting-ready plans with your photographer. If both of you are in the same hotel, a shared timeline keeps everything calm.
Leave room in the evening. Skipping a few traditional formalities gave Lana and Steve more time with their guests.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get married at The Alamo?
Yes. The Alamo hosts weddings and other private events in several spaces, and they are held after the site closes to visitors. Details are on their private events page.
Where was the ceremony held?
In the Convento Courtyard, with the reception in the courtyard outside the Education Center.
Where did they get ready?
At the Menger Hotel, next to The Alamo.
We photograph weddings in San Antonio, the Texas Hill Country, and destinations across the region. If you are planning a wedding at The Alamo or another San Antonio landmark, you can read more about our wedding photography or reach out when you are ready.
Credits: Venue: The Alamo. Alamo planner: Kathryn. Live music: Matthew Krivec. Getting ready: Menger Hotel.
