Beautiful Chapel Wedding Venues Across the US for Your Special Day
Whether or not you're a religious or spiritual couple, chapel wedding venues can serve as the perfect backdrop for your special day. Luckily for you, there are plenty of chapels across the United States from which you can exchange vows and officially start the next chapter of your love story.
"Some couples love the idea simply because of the beautiful architecture for their venue," explains Tara Fay, founder of Ireland-based Tara Fay Events. "Other couples like that chapels can create a traditional wedding experience with a nod to a religious style service without having to fulfill all the elements or requirements."
That said, there are a couple of key points to note when considering wedding venues, especially when it comes to the differences between church wedding venues and chapels (aside from their size) to ensure you're selecting the type that works best for your celebration. Similar to how most churches are affiliated with a religion, some chapels are, too (but not all). "A chapel can be a purpose-built space or a deconsecrated church space where non-religious ceremonies are allowed," Fay explains. Although some chapels offer more flexibility regarding the types of celebrations that can be held, it's always a best practice to inquire with your preferred venues to ensure the celebration you want to have is permitted.
To help start your search for chapel venues, we compiled a list below with pertinent information such as guest capacity. Although we think the venues we list below will pique your interest, The Knot Vendor Marketplace is a great resource to search for additional information and wedding chapel venues near you by selecting the "venue type" and the "religious settings" filters within the platform. Regardless of what your venue search process looks like, make sure to have your wedding venue booking checklist handy.
Duke University Chapel in Durham, North Carolina
Duke University Chapel in the heart of Durham is one of the most beloved university wedding venues and for good reason. While there are strict rules regarding who can tie the knot there—it's only available for Duke students, alumni, staff and faculty (and their children) to utilize—it's on the larger side and can seat up to 1,800 guests for your celebration. Although the chapel's interior is the big draw of the Duke University wedding venue, it also houses some luscious greenery right outside which can elevate your wedding photos—just make sure to acquire the necessary permissions ahead of time.
- Guest Capacity: 1,800
St. Paul's Chapel at Columbia University in New York, New York
Reserve St. Paul's Chapel at Columbia University in New York for a chapel wedding venue that delivers on space and ambiance. With enough room to accommodate up to 400 guests, this non-denominational chapel features Italian Renaissance, Byzantine and Gothic-style architecture that will enthrall your guests from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave. Although students and alumni can apply to host their wedding, outside guests can also apply—just make certain that you do it earlier rather than later to increase your chances of approval (and chapel availability).
- Guest Capacity: Up to 400
The Chapel at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee
Celebrate your love with an intimate chapel wedding at The Chapel at Lee University. With enough room to comfortably accommodate 200 guests, this elegant yet rustic venue's most notable features include wood pews, vaulted ceilings and stone and stained glass windows. Some amenities of this chapel wedding venue in Tennessee include a grand piano, courtyard and reception areas, kneeling benches and getting-ready suites.
- Guest Capacity: Up to 200
Juliette Chapel in Dahlonega, Georgia
As far as chapel wedding venues in Georgia go, Juliette Chapel offers a contemporary aesthetic with lots of wood, windows and natural light. In addition to the indoor section of the chapel, the venue also features outdoor lawn and patio spaces overlooking luscious greenery. When you host your wedding here, you'll be able to bring in any external vendors you choose. And, you can invite up to 70 guests (including pets) to celebrate with you at this woman-owned, small chapel wedding venue.
- Guest Capacity: Up to 70
The Chapel at World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida
Ocala, Florida is home to The Chapel at World Equestrian Center. Despite its smaller size, which can accommodate up to 100 guests, this wedding venue with a chapel offers a gorgeous white interior with hanging chandeliers and multiple windows allowing for natural light to fill the space. After exchanging vows you and your partner can celebrate with your loved ones from the venue's Oak-Canopy Garden. And, since The Equestrian Hotel is situated on the property, you won't have to worry about having to find a partner hotel to catch some sleep as you and your guests can reserve rooms for the nights surrounding your wedding day.
- Guest Capacity: 100
The Alice Millar Chapel at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois
Evanston, Illinois houses the Northwestern University wedding venue—The Alice Millar Chapel. With enough room to seat up to approximately 700 guests (although there is no minimum guest requirement), this venue is suitable for small, medium and large chapel weddings. What makes this chapel stand out from many others is its nearly floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows on multiple walls. When you host your wedding here, you'll have access to a chapel coordinator who will ensure your wedding day is executed without a hitch.
- Guest Capacity: Up to 700 (approximately)
I'On Chapel in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Nestled a short drive from downtown Charleston, I'On Chapel features wood doors and high-arched windows that accommodate up to 150 guests for small and medium-sized celebrations. In addition to housing a dressing room for the celebrated couple, this wheelchair-accessible chapel can be transformed in many ways (especially if you plan on saving money on a venue). When you decide when to celebrate, work with the team to plan your day as you see fit.
- Guest Capacity: Up to 150
Chapel of the Flowers in Las Vegas, Nevada
Many couples have chosen to host their wedding at Chapel of the Flowers nestled on the infamous Las Vegas Strip for nearly 60 years for its plethora of chapel options and character. Regardless of whether you're planning a small wedding with 20 guests or a larger one with 88 guests, this venue has a chapel for you (Victorian Chapel, Magnolia Chapel, La Capella Chapel and The Glass Gardens). Whether wood pews, hanging chandeliers or mosaic tiles are a priority for your venue, you can rest assured that Las Vegas charm will make its way into your wedding day.
- Guest Capacity: 20 to 88
Glass Chapel in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
As far as glass chapel wedding venues go, Glass Chapel in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, is a solid pick. Completed in 1996, this venue features a wood ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows providing sweeping views of the trees that comprise the wooded area where it sits. Full-service and venue-only packages are available for both religious and non-religious wedding ceremonies with up to 150 guests. No matter what package you choose, lots of natural light and classic chic white pews are guaranteed.
- Guest Capacity: Up to 150
Lois Perkins Chapel at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas
If a chapel wedding venue filled with stained glass is a non-negotiable for your special day, consider Lois Perkins Chapel at Southwestern University. After exchanging vows from the chapel featuring an eye-catching red aisle and wood beams that can accommodate 650 guests, head over to the 3,700-square-foot campus ballroom with a dance floor and room for 140 of your closest friends and family members. We can't forget to mention the chapel garden and limestone patio that sets the scene for your wedding photos. Although Protestant and Catholic traditions are found throughout the venue, couples of any faith can reserve it for their wedding.
- Guest Capacity: Up to 650
The Chapel of Orange in Orange, California
Located in the heart of Orange County sits The Chapel of Orange (hence the name), this historic wedding venue chapel can seat up to 175 of your closest family and friends while you exchange vows. Although this venue does offer all-inclusive packages, these packages are not required to book the venue. You can work with the chapel to customize a package that suits your wedding needs. When you book this venue, you don't have to worry about inclement weather as its hybrid celebrating spaces can be quickly adapted as needed.
- Guest Capacity: Up to 175
The Chapel at Dragonfly Farms in Dover, Arkansas
If a chapel wedding venue in Arkansas is what you seek, don't rule out The Chapel at Dragonfly Farms located near the Ozark Mountains. Constructed in 1882, this chapel which originally served as the Broomfield Church has been re-established to host services, events and weddings. Despite its vintage (and rustic) appearance, it is equipped with modern amenities including a catering kitchen, accessible restrooms and temperature control. Regardless of the type of wedding you want, the team is open to helping you create the ceremony of your dreams with several booking options.
- Guest Capacity: Up to 100 seated