Oh, yes! There is a place affectionately known as Marriage Island or Wedding Island, and this tiny island is part of spectacular Riverwalk in San Antonio, TX. One of the most visited places in all of Texas, Riverwalk has everything you need for an unforgettable destination wedding, with luxurious hotels, delicious dining and restaurants, great nightclubs, nightlife and entertainment everywhere you turn.

Some time back, a couple thought this little spot—an oak-shaded island known officially as the Padre Massanct’s Island and separated from the mainland by a small step—would be a unique and lovely place to hold their ceremony. Legend has it that anyone married on the island will have a long and happy marriage. Now many as 80 weddings a year take place on this beautifully landscaped bit of land, surrounded by the San Antonio River and sheltered by a high stone wall. The island only holds the wedding party, while as many guests as you’d like (and some folks you don’t even know) watch from the bridge and the Riverwalk above. Rumor has it Riverwalk is exceptionally scenic and sparkling during December, where thousands more colorful, twinkling lights decorate the riverbanks, bridges and the walk itself. The average winter temps are in the 50s and 60s.

There’s a small fee for reserving the island for 30 minutes or an hour. Then it’s off to your reception in one of the outstanding restaurants or hotels in the ‘hood. If you really want to make the most of your time along the San Antonio River, you can have your wedding breakfast or wedding dinner aboard one of the barges that cruise up and down the river at a leisurely pace. All you have to do is pick the River Walk restaurant of your choice and indicate that you want the meal served aboard the Rio San Antonio cruise barge, and the restaurant will handle all the details from there.

Or, while the wedding party and your guests head to your reception location, the two of you can take a romantic float to your reception and have your first “alone” time as husband and wife. Sounds the perfect getaway car, doesn’t it? 

Susan