San Fernando Cathedral in San Antonio, TX
Norma & Jonathan Wedding - San Fernando Cathedral - The Westin Riverwalk - San Antonio, TX
“OMG, those are so gorgeous, Royce! What a blast we had last night! Truly I could not have had a more wonderful wedding experience. Thank you guys!” ~ Norma & Jonathan
A San Fernando Cathedral Wedding and Reception at The Westin Riverwalk
There’s something timeless about a wedding in San Antonio’s San Fernando Cathedral—the towering historic architecture, the soft glow of candlelight inside, and the sense of tradition that makes each ceremony feel like a royal event. And when the night continues at The Westin Riverwalk, you get the perfect blend of historic grandeur and modern elegance.
We had the privilege of photographing Norma & Jonathan’s wedding at these two breathtaking locations, and let’s just say—it was a dream. From their heartfelt ceremony at the cathedral to their romantic first dance with the twinkle lights of the Riverwalk reflecting in the windows, every moment was unforgettable. If you’re considering this iconic San Antonio wedding duo, here’s everything you need to know.
Getting Married at San Fernando Cathedral
A Historic and Breathtaking Ceremony Venue
San Fernando Cathedral is one of the oldest active cathedrals in the U.S., dating back to 1731. It’s not just a place to say "I do"—it’s a piece of Texas history. The cathedral’s soaring ceilings, intricate stained-glass windows, and grand altarmake it a show-stopping setting for a traditional, faith-filled wedding.
Norma & Jonathan’s ceremony was absolutely stunning. As the sunlight filtered through the stained glass, the cathedral’s interior took on a warm, golden glow. There was this incredible moment when Jonathan, standing at the altar, turned to see Norma for the first time as her parents walked her down the aisle. It was the kind of scene photographers dream about.
Why Couples Love San Fernando Cathedral
Grand & Timeless Aesthetic – Whether your wedding style is traditional or modern, the cathedral’s beauty makes for jaw-dropping photos.
Spiritual & Meaningful – For Catholic couples, this venue is a powerful and sacred place to exchange vows.
Stunning Exits – The iconic front doors create the perfect backdrop for a grand send-off with flower petals, bubbles, or even a mariachi band leading the way!
Things to Know Before Booking
Photography Guidelines: Flash photography is typically not allowed during the ceremony, so hiring a professional who understands natural light is key.
Marriage Requirements: You’ll need to go through the required Catholic pre-marital process and obtain approval from the church.
Guest Capacity: The cathedral can accommodate up to 500 guests, making it ideal for larger weddings.
Seamlessly Transitioning to The Westin Riverwalk for Your Reception
A Luxe Reception Venue with a Riverwalk View
The Westin Riverwalk offers a romantic and sophisticated reception space, just minutes from San Fernando Cathedral. Imagine stepping into a ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the San Antonio Riverwalk, soft candlelight on the tables, and an elegant ambiance that feels both grand and intimate.
For Norma & Jonathan’s wedding, this venue was the perfect choice. The couple wanted a mix of classic elegance with a touch of San Antonio charm, and the Westin delivered. After their cathedral ceremony, guests were able to walk or take a short drive to the reception, making the transition seamless.
What Makes The Westin Riverwalk a Top Choice?
Convenient Location – Just minutes from San Fernando Cathedral, keeping travel stress-free for you and your guests.
Multiple Reception Spaces – Whether you're hosting 50 guests or 300, The Westin offers intimate rooms and grand ballrooms to fit your vision.
Breathtaking Riverwalk Views – Imagine having your cocktail hour on the outdoor terrace with views of the twinkling lights reflecting on the water.
Best Photography Spots Between Ceremony & Reception
One of the biggest perks of this wedding venue combination? Endless photo opportunities!
Romantic Sunset Portraits on the Riverwalk
After the ceremony, we stole Norma & Jonathan away for a few quiet moments at the McNay Art Museum. As the sun began to drop, we captured some gorgeous cloud filled portraits with the fountain in the background. If you're getting married, setting aside time for these portraits is a must!
Rooftop & Terrace Photos at The Westin
For couples looking for a dramatic nighttime cityscape backdrop, The Westin’s upper levels offer some incredible rooftop views. The warm glow of the downtown skyline makes for a perfect finishing touch on your wedding album.
Memorable Moments from Norma & Jonathan’s Wedding
A First Dance to Remember
One of our favorite moments from Norma & Jonathan’s wedding was their first dance. The ballroom lights dimmed, and the couple swayed to their song with the twinkle lights of the Riverwalk shimmering behind them. It was intimate, cinematic, and exactly the kind of moment you dream about when planning your wedding.
A Grand Staircase Send-Off
To end the night, Norma & Jonathan had a staircase send-off just outside The Ballroom, and let me tell you—it was picture-perfect. The flower petals, the guests in the background, and the pure joy on their faces made for some of the most magical photos of the evening.
Why This Venue Combo is a Dream for Couples
Pairing San Fernando Cathedral with The Westin Riverwalk gives couples the best of both worlds:
✅ A historic & breathtaking ceremony venue.
✅ A luxurious & convenient reception space.
✅ Iconic San Antonio backdrops for your wedding photos.
✅ A seamless guest experience with accommodations at the same location.
If you’re looking for a wedding that blends tradition with modern elegance, this is it. We’ve photographed multiple weddings at these venues, and they never disappoint!
Final Thoughts & Photography Tips
Planning your wedding at San Fernando Cathedral and The Westin Riverwalk? Here are a few pro tips to ensure your wedding photos are unforgettable:
📌 Plan for golden hour portraits. The best time for those dreamy Riverwalk photos is about an hour before sunset!
📌 Consider a live band or mariachi. It adds a beautiful touch to both your ceremony and reception!
📌 Have a sparkler or boat send-off. Either one creates a stunning, unique ending to your night!
San Antonio is full of beautiful wedding venues, but this pairing truly offers something special. If you’re considering it, we’d love to capture your day and help you make it as magical as Norma & Jonathan’s wedding was!
Thinking about getting married at San Fernando Cathedral and The Westin Riverwalk? Let’s talk! Reach out, and let’s plan your dream wedding photography experience.