Step into a gem of San Antonio history and natural beauty at the Japanese Tea Garden at Brackenridge Park. Nearly a century old, the garden was once an operating rock quarry before it was turned into one of the city’s most loved cultural resources—and now one of its beloved event venues.

The picturesque garden sits in the heart of San Antonio and began hosting events in 2011. Today, it offers unmatched beauty and serenity alongside the historic Jingu House, which together create an ideal setting for the wedding of your dreams.

The Japanese Tea Garden is open to the public daily, but couples on a budget or wishing for an intimate affair for 10 to 15 guests can book the waterfall or lower garden for one hour during the daytime (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.). A one-hour daytime rental package for up to 50 guests is also available for the iconic pavilion and couples do have the option of renting a second hour. The daytime pavilion package can include rental of the pavilion, on-site venue manager, a water station, up to 50 folding chairs, one linen-draped ceremony table, setup and clean up.

“We even offer mini-receptions,” says Samantha Perez, venue manager at Japanese Tea Garden. “Couples can share a toast, cake cutting and light finger foods with their guests, and utilize the rest of their one or two hours taking photos around the garden.”

The restored garden and lush grounds feature stunning floral displays with shaded walkways, stone arch bridges, the 60-foot waterfall and koi ponds.

In the evenings, the entire property can be rented for private events, a perfect opportunity for brides and grooms dreaming of saying “I do” during a romantic sunset ceremony and then dancing the night away beneath the starry Texas sky. From 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., couples and up to 300 guests have the Japanese Tea Garden and Jingu House all to themselves.

The Jingu House café offers public daytime dining and is a popular spot for hosting bridal showers, afternoon teas, baby showers and rehearsal dinners for up to 40 guests. But for brides and grooms tying the knot, it’s exceptionally convenient to have Fresh Horizons Catering serving as the venue’s exclusive caterer. Owner Caryn Hasslocher and her team work closely with couples to custom design a menu that meets their every wish and taste. Whether that entail tray-passed hors d’oeuvres, seated dinners, Asian, Italian, or Mexican food stations or a combination of all of the above. Tents are often rented to make the most of the outdoor space.

Perfect for intimate ceremonies or elegant galas, this historic outdoor venue is unlike anything in the area. Brides can design their wedding around the garden’s natural beauty and the historic Jingu House’s charm, or Samantha says, many of their brides have also taken a specific theme and designed their dream wedding.

The Japanese Tea Garden and Jingu House have evolved over time and now along with Fresh Horizons Catering, the team of event professionals offers a continuous service for couples. “We’re more of a one-stop shop,” Samantha says, emphasizing how ideal the venue is for couples on a budget. Whether for one-hour, daytime ceremonies followed by a mini or lunch reception or for larger, private evening receptions with beautiful sunset lighting throughout the garden, she says, “We are happy to work with our brides.”