If you’re looking for a place to elope or host a wedding in Arkansas that will give you a controlled environment away from the stress and risk of inclement weather that the outdoors brings, while still giving you the feel of being outdoors, I know just the venues for you.
The Glass Chapels of Arkansas
Arkansas is home to three glass chapels that are known worldwide as being some of the most beautiful wedding venues. These venues have been featured in countless blogs, magazines, and have been seen on TV. Each chapel is unique in its own way, but they all carry the essence of being a serene place to quietly enjoy the nature that surrounds the chapels. I have photographed weddings and elopements countless times at all three of these venues, and they are certainly some of my favorites when it comes to indoor venue options in Arkansas!
- Thorncrown Chapel
- Anthony Chapel
- Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel
Thorncrown Chapel
Thorncrown Chapel – Eureka Springs, AR
Thorncrown is probably the most widely known of the three since it was featured on 19 Kids and Counting, when one of the Duggars got engaged here. It’s also been one of the most featured in blogs and magazines. Thorncrown Chapel is tucked away in the trees of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, which is about 30 minutes from the Missouri state border. Eureka Springs is a quirky tourist town located in Northwest Arkansas, and personally one of my favorite places to visit because of all the shops and things to see and do here! The chapel itself features cool-toned geometric beams that form the structure of the glass building. There’s pews with blue cushions, to compliment the cool tones of the beams, that can seat up to 100 guests.
Anthony Chapel
Anthony Chapel – Hot Springs, AR
Anthony chapel and Thorncrown chapel get mixed up a lot, because they do look similar in structure. The biggest difference is in the colors of the chapels, but there is a slight structural difference between the two as well. Anthony chapel is made of warm-toned geometric beams, and the pews are cream-colored with a cross-hatch pattern to add a neutral look to the inside. This chapel can seat 200 guest. Anthony Chapel is located at Garvan Gardens, a botanical garden in Hot Springs, Arkansas, which is in the Southwest area of the state. Two perks that set Anthony Chapel apart from the other two are the getting ready suites that are available on-site (if you reserve a package through the chapel that includes them), and the botanical garden that is right next to the chapel, which gives you more space and options for scenic backdrops during portraits.
Cooper Chapel
Cooper Chapel – Bella Vista, AR
Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel, or Cooper Chapel for short, is located in Bella Vista, in Northwest Arkansas. This chapel is the most different in structure compared to the other two. The curved beams and large circular windows are beautiful and compliment this chapel so well. The pews are a cream color to keep a neutral, but warm vibe to the chapel. 120 guests can comfortably fit inside. This chapel is just 10 minutes from the Missouri border, making it the closest chapel of the three to reach from another state.
Final Notes
All three of these chapels are beautiful. Narrowing down which of the three you like most will mostly depend on what you like about the areas you can find each one in, the perks that are included in the packages they each offer, and which is most conveniently located for you. There are plenty of other indoor venues in Arkansas, but these three will keep you closer to nature than any others!
Read How to Elope in Arkansas to find out more about the marriage license process, the best times of year to get married in Arkansas, and more.
Ready to book your date and need a photographer? I got you covered.
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