One of San Antonio?s most unique attractions, next to the Riverwalk, are its historic missions. Overseen by the San Antonio National Historical Park, the Missions of San Antonio include: The Alamo (Mission San Antonio de Valero), Mission Concepci?, Mission San Jos? Mission San Juan, Mission Espada.

The Alamo, located downtown, is most likely San Antonio?s most famous mission. While most of the original grounds and building have long disappeared, the central church remains, plus various outbuildings still remain and are now used as a museum.

Mission Concepci? is located three miles south of downtown. The mission sits back from the road in a quiet, leafy residential areas. The mission was actually relocated to San Antonio in 1731 from east Texas. The attractively aged appearance of the central church, which is distinctly Spanish in design, has needed very little restoration over the years.

Mission San Jos?is the largest and best preserved of the five missions in San Antonio. The mission, which includes the original enclosing wall and all the associated outbuildings, is 15 miles from downtown. Founded in 1720, the mission is currently surrounded in most directions by trees and grassland around the river, providing an unspoiled picture of how it looked nearly 300 years ago.

Mission San Juan is one of the smaller mission complexes in the area. The church has a distinctive look, including the simple bell tower, typical of Mexico. The church is also smaller than most of the other missions and overall is muted in appearance.

Mission Espada is the southernmost church, surrounded by woodlands in a rural setting, although it is just yards away from a highway. Mission Espada is the oldest mission  in Texas, originally founded in 1690. In 1731 it was moved to its present location.

Not only do the missions help define the history and culture of San Antonio, they also make excellent backdrops for brides to take their bridal portraits.  Portraits taken at the missions offer a distinctive and elegant look that is symbolic of San Antonio.  Bridal portraits do not require any advance reservations, but photo sessions must not interfere with the ability of the public to enjoy the missions. Photography sessions are also limited to those areas accessible to the public. If you desire to be married or have your reception at one of the missions, it is more difficult. Other than the Alamo, each mission has an active parish and church. Arrangements for wedding ceremonies inside one of the Mission churches are made directly through the individual mission?s parish.  Since wedding receptions can be held at any number of venues outside of the missions, they are not generally permitted at the missions. The exception to this is for registered members of the mission parishes. The decision to allow receptions rests first with the individual mission parishes.

For more information as to how you can gain access to one of the missions, contact:

San Antonio Missions NHP; Headquarters (210) 534-8833;
Visitor Center (210) 932-1001;
Email: saan_administration@nps.gov