How to Propose at the McNay Art Museum

Proposing is one of life’s biggest moments, and the location you choose can make all the difference. For those in San Antonio, the McNay Art Museum is a stunning, sophisticated, and picturesque venue to pop the question. With its gorgeous gardens, historic architecture, and serene ambiance, it’s a setting guaranteed to take your partner’s breath away. But before you get down on one knee, there are some logistics to consider—especially if you want those picture-perfect moments captured. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to propose at the McNay Art Museum, from securing a photography permit to choosing the best locations on the grounds. So, get ready to get down on one knee and let’s dive in.

How to Propose at the McNay Art Museum: The Photo Permit Process

Planning a proposal at the McNay isn’t as simple as showing up with a ring and a photographer in tow. You’ll need to secure a permit, which ensures your event runs smoothly and without interruption.

How Much Does It Cost?

The McNay offers a proposal photography package for $200. This fee not only covers exclusive access to the grounds for your big moment, but it also waives the standard $30 grounds photography fee. It’s an excellent deal for those planning a proposal, as it ensures you have the privacy and space to create a magical experience.

What Does the Permit Cover?

Exclusive Use of the Grounds: During your proposal, the museum’s outdoor spaces will be yours alone, so you won’t have to worry about other visitors wandering into your photos.
Up to 25 Guests: If you’re planning an epic proposal with friends and family present, you can invite up to 25 guests to witness the moment.
Music: Want to add a personal touch with your favorite song? Music is allowed to enhance the atmosphere.

Prohibited Items

While the McNay offers plenty of flexibility, there are a few restrictions:

Drones: Leave the aerial shots to another location—drones are not allowed.
Glitter, Balloons, and Confetti: These may be festive, but they’re a no-go at the McNay due to their environmental impact.
Alcohol: Swap champagne for a bottle of sparkling cider—the museum prohibits alcohol on the premises.

How to Apply

The permit application process is straightforward and can be completed online. Visit the McNay Art Museum’s website and navigate to the photography section to fill out the application. Be sure to apply well in advance to secure your preferred date and time.

If you would like to find out more about photo permits at the McNay Art Museum for photo shoots that are not related to marriage proposals, then please check out my article on ‘How to Take Photos at the McNay Art Museum.’

How to Propose at the McNay Art Museum: The Best Proposal Locations

Now that you have your permit squared away, it’s time to choose the perfect spot for your proposal. The McNay offers two standout locations:

The Fountain

The magnificent fountain in front of the main building is a classic choice. Its grand design creates a romantic backdrop, with the museum’s stately architecture towering behind it. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

The fountain lacks surrounding foliage, which can leave the area feeling a bit stark—especially in winter.
In extremely cold weather, the fountain may be turned off, so plan accordingly if you’re proposing during the cooler months.

The Japanese-Style Gazebo by the Koi Pond

For a more intimate and lush setting, the Japanese-style gazebo by the koi pond is my personal favorite. Surrounded by greenery, it feels like a hidden oasis and provides a serene, magical atmosphere. The pond’s tranquil waters and nearby foliage create stunning photo opportunities.

If you’re a nature lover or planning a spring or summer proposal, this spot is hard to beat. The vibrant greenery will enhance your photos, and the setting feels far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Best Outdoor Photo Locations at the McNay Art Museum

After the big moment, it’s time to capture the joy and excitement of your engagement. The McNay’s grounds offer a variety of photo-worthy spots that will make your engagement album truly special.

The Japanese Koi Pond Area

Don’t forget to revisit the Japanese koi pond area for more intimate, close-up photos. The water, foliage, and gazebo create a dreamy setting that will make your engagement album stand out.

The Fountain and Main Building

Start with the iconic view of the fountain and the main building. This classic shot highlights the grandeur of the museum and makes for a dramatic backdrop.

The Gigantic Oak Tree

Directly behind the fountain, you’ll find a massive oak tree that provides a gorgeous, natural setting. Its sprawling branches and textured bark add depth and character to your photos.

The Lush, Forested Area Beyond the Parking Lot

For those seeking privacy and a quiet, secluded area, head to the forested section past the parking lot. This hidden gem offers dense greenery and plenty of space for creative shots. It’s also perfect if you’re including kids in your photos, as they’ll have room to run and play.

The Reflecting Pool

The reflecting pool at the front of the museum provides a sleek, modern contrast to the garden’s natural elements. The symmetry and clean lines of the pool make for elegant, minimalist shots.

Indoor Locations

All photo permits issued by the McNay entitle the recipients to use the grounds only. If you would like to sneak a peek of what’s inside the museum, well, then that will cost you a wee bit more.

The grand inner courtyard of the McNay Museum is located in the heart of the museum. A permit for the courtyard requires an additional fee of $200. This fee grants you access to the Blackburn Patio and the Semmes Lobby staircase. The patio is quite unique and includes a colorful, tiled staircase, bubbling fountain, and lots of tropical foliage when in bloom. You can take photos from the second floor of the patio to either look down (or up) on your subject.

The fee covers one hour of photography and must be reserved separately by contacting the museum at this email address: indoorphotos@mcnayart.org. The additional fee may seem a tad steep, but you are guaranteed a private session since indoor photos at the McNay may only be booked when the museum is closed.

Seasonal Considerations

The McNay’s gardens change with the seasons, so timing your proposal and photoshoot can make a big difference in the overall look of your images. Here are a few tips:

Spring and Summer: These seasons bring the garden to life with vibrant blooms and lush greenery. If you want a colorful backdrop, aim for late March through early June.
Fall: The warm hues of autumn foliage create a cozy, romantic atmosphere. October and November are ideal months.
Winter: While San Antonio’s winters are mild, hard freezes can take a toll on tropical plants like banana trees and papyrus. If you’re planning a winter proposal, check the garden’s condition in advance to set realistic expectations.
Rain: If you encounter inclement weather, as I did during this particular surprise proposal session, then note that the only rain backup location is the covered porch next to the main building at the McNay. Personally, this columned porch offers a wealth of photo possibilities, but the space is still limited. Your best bet if rain is in the forecast is to reschedule.

Tips for a Picture-Perfect Proposal

Scout the Location: Visit the McNay ahead of time to familiarize yourself with the layout and lighting. This will help you plan the logistics and identify the best angles for your photos.
Consider the Time of Day: Golden hour—shortly after sunrise or before sunset—is the best time for soft, flattering light. Avoid midday when the sun is harsh and shadows are unflattering.
Keep It Personal: Incorporate elements that reflect your relationship, whether it’s a favorite song, a heartfelt speech, or a surprise element like flowers or a keepsake.
Respect the Rules: Adhere to the McNay’s guidelines to ensure your proposal goes off without a hitch. Prohibited items like glitter and drones may seem minor, but following the rules will help maintain the beauty of the grounds for future visitors.

Meet Elise & Robert

Accompanying this article are Elise and Robert, the stars of the show, so to speak. It was Robert who first approached me with the plan to propose to Elise in December. Elise would only be in San Antonio visiting family for a short time over the Christmas break, and he needed to pop the question before she jetted off to California to audition for a pro volleyball team. So, the day after Christmas – even though rain was sprinkling on and off throughout the morning – Robert asked Elise to marry him. She said yes, and despite the inclement weather, we had a great time at the museum. These two met while in school at Dallas, and if all goes well in California, they will be heading west together this spring.

Final Thoughts

Proposing at the McNay Art Museum combines elegance, beauty, and exclusivity in one incredible location. With its variety of stunning backdrops and well-organized permit process, the McNay ensures your proposal will be smooth and memorable. Follow this guide to make the day everything you envision—and enjoy the start of this exciting new chapter.

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

Are you interested in saying ‘I do’ in 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