SAN ANTONIO —  You’ve probably heard of wedding ceremony traditions like cutting the cake or even throwing bird seed at the newly married couple. What about placing a lock on a bridge?

The Love Lock Bridge along the River Walk in San Antonio has become a popular tradition for couples after saying "I do."

David and Diana Arguedas became husband and wife in a small wedding chapel. 

“We were just looking for a small ceremony,” said David Arguedas.

It's what’s right outside the window that draws a lot of couples. The Love Lock Bridge located right above the River Walk.

Arthur Flores, officiant with Courthouse Wedding Chapel, explained the tradition to the newly wedded couple before handing them a lock to make their own.

“It’s been growing ever since it started back in 2010 by a couple visiting from France and they have one in France, a Love Lock Bridge. They thought, 'hey, why don’t we start one here in San Antonio?' And so they did and here we are all these years later and all these locks later,” said Flores.

There was a time when he tradition seemed to be in jeopardy. The locks used to be placed directly on the bridge, but had to be removed in 2020 because all that weight was beginning to cause cracks on the bridge.

A fence was bolted down in front of the bridge, creating a secure place for the locks. 

“I think it’s a really nice thing to do after. It’s a symbol of locking your love and a representation of that,” said David Arguedas.

Recently, it was David and Diana’s turn. They added a lock with their names and wedding date on it.

“And then they give each other a kiss, make a wish, take the key of the lock and throw it in the San Antonio River and supposedly their wish will come true,” said Flores.

Most couples Flores marries want to take part in this.

“It gives the city a nice spotlight and promotes love and marriage,” he said. 

Flores said he loves getting a front row seat to their special day.