How to Propose at the Landa Library

The Landa Branch Library is one of the most beautiful, yet underrepresented, proposal sites in all of San Antonio. The location packs at all: a gorgeous historical mansion, lush landscaping, and background variety ranging from Texas Hill Country meadows to whimsical mushrooms. But there are some rules you need to follow if you want to get down on one knee here. In today’s blog post, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about how to propose at the Landa Library.

Meet Ella and Oliver

As always, let’s start off by meeting the happy couple. These two actually met in junior high school, but only started dating around six and a half years ago in high school. And though Oliver currently lives in Houston and Ella is finishing school in San Antonio, they plan to find a city in Texas they can both be happy in once Ella graduates this year.

How To Propose at the Landa Library – Photo Permits Required

The first thing you need to know is that a photo permit is required for any photography at Landa Library. The good news, however, is that the permit is free and easily acquired.

As with all photo permits in San Antonio, you need to go to the San Antonio Film Commission website and put in an online application at least 10 days prior to the date of your photo shoot. The photo permit is free, and it entitles you to take photos on the grounds surrounding the library. No photos are allowed inside the library building.

There are several signs on the Landa Library grounds stating that a film permit is required. That said, while I was there during our shoot, there were no guards or any other officials from the Landa Library asking to see any paperwork.

During our time at the library, we originally had the library all to ourselves. At approximately 7 PM, however, things changed dramatically. It was as if all the photographers in San Antonio descended upon the library and there were suddenly six photo shoots taking place all at the same time. Did all of these photographers have photo permits? Who knows? No one came to check their paperwork. All I’m saying is that the photo permit can easily be acquired and just in case someone does ask for the permit, do your part and fill it out online. Oh, and be prepared for crowds (more about that later).

How To Propose at the Landa Library – Where to Propose

In my opinion, you have two solid locations at which to propose: the colonnade, or the front garden.

The colonnade is without a doubt, the most popular spot for photography in the garden. If this is your chosen location, then know that you need to get there super early and claim your spot. For Oliver‘s proposal to Ella, he chose to propose at the end of the colonnade. We arrived at 5:30 PM, and right before the proposal, there were two other photographers trying to move in on our spot. My recommendation is that the actual proposal happen at the end of the colonnade as Oliver did so because this is where you find the most available natural light. You can then take photos all along the colonnade making use of the middle space, the front steps, and everywhere in between.

The precious little garden out front is another great spot for a proposal. To propose here, I recommend getting down on one knee on the front steps so that you are surrounded on either side by the landscaping. For whatever reason, this area was neglected by the other photographers, who instead chose to swarm the colonnade area. To me, the garden is the most serene space and was the highlight of our photo shoot.

How To Propose at the Landa Library – Other Photo Locations

Although the Landa Library only takes up about one block, it packs a punch with plenty of photo opportunities throughout the property.

Side Gate

In addition to the colonnade and the front garden, you also have an interesting side gate located between the main building the parking lot. Note that the second door to the gate has been removed for some reason. The gate is still lovely, especially during sunset.

Main Building Façade

I enjoyed having Oliver and Ella pose in front of the main building. With such a gorgeous architectural gem to work with, you have to include it in your photo shoot. There are some unattractive signs on the front door to the building, but these can easily be taken off with the magic of Photoshop.

Whimsical Forest and Playground

The backyard of the Landa Library is essentially a large playground with huge oak trees, providing a gracious amount of shade. These trees are a wonderful respite from the Texas heat and a fantastic photo opportunity as well. There is a tiled fountain right in front of the playground. Towards the back of the playground area is a seating area that was created in the style of well-known Mexican born artist, Dionicio Rodriguez, whose work you see throughout the city.

Abandoned Meadow

Finally, the abandoned lot – or ‘meadow’ as I like to refer to it – found behind the Landa Library, should definitely be on your shot list. Depending upon if the lot has been recently mowed or not, the area can give you a glimpse of the Texas Hill Country. There are magnificent, oak trees, and plenty of vines and sawgrass to contrast with the ornate architecture of the library.

Words of Advice

Crowds

Personally, the Landa Library is simply beautiful, and I wish more people would choose this location for their photo shoots. That said, it’s a very small venue, made even smaller when other photographers descend at golden hour. If a crowd of photographers is present, you may need to wait in line for popular photo spots like the colonnade or the gate.

Crowds can definitely be a problem, so if you can, try to schedule your photo shoot during a weekday. Absolutely avoid the weekends if you can. Finally, if you are planning proposal in the colonnade, get there early and stand firm to claim your spot.

Timing

You do not need to schedule your photo permit during the library’s operating hours, so feel free to plan your photo shoot for a time when the library is closed. I recommend scheduling your session for golden hour – the hour just before sunset . This time in the afternoon is beautiful at the library, and you are least likely to have children running around the playground at this time.

Enjoy the Monte Vista Neighborhood!

Enjoy the images, and make sure to take a trip over to the Monte Vista neighborhood surrounding the Landa Library. The homes there are some of the oldest in San Antonio, and the tree-lined streets are wonderful to walk down.

I’ll have more photo adventures for you next week!

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If you found this article on ‘How to Propose at the Landa Library’ useful, then check out these articles:

Are you interested in saying scheduling your own engagement session in downtown San Antonio? Drop me a line and let’s chat about how I can help you. I have hourly rates, and all photo shoots include editing and high-resolution files.

To view more images from my wedding photography portfolio, please visit my website – KellyWilliamsPhotographer.com