How to Plan Cooper Chapel Weddings + Elopements

Elopements + Weddings at Mildred B. Cooper Chapel

Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel, or just Cooper Chapel for short, is one of three glass chapels in Arkansas. It’s located in Bella Vista, in Northwest Arkansas, just 10 minutes from the Missouri state border. Bella Vista is close to Bentonville, which is where many couples will continue their celebrations after their chapel ceremony. The Arkansas glass chapels have been recognized worldwide as being some of the most beautiful wedding venues. Couples travel from all over the world for them. Cooper in particular is one of my favorites to photograph weddings at, because of the mesmerizing curved beams.

Read on to learn everything you need to know to get started with planning a Cooper Chapel wedding or elopement!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• About the Space
• The Cost
• When to Get Married Here
• When to Book Your Vendors
• Where to Get Ready + Reception Venues
• Where to Eat
• Where to Honeymoon

Hire A Photographer Familiar With The Space

I’ve shot many weddings and elopements at all three chapels. They can sometimes be a bit tricky to work with as photographers, since there’s 360° glass letting light leak in. Hiring a photographer who has worked at the chapels can benefit you, since they will know what to expect of potentially tricky lighting situations. I always recommend asking to review a full gallery from the photographer you want to hire, especially a gallery of the venue you want to use, or at least a similar venue that will give you an idea of what to expect of that photographer’s capability to handle tough lighting conditions.

About Cooper Chapel

Cooper Chapel can seat 120 guests on cream-colored pews. While you’re in the chapel, you’re surrounded by stunning 360° views of the outdoors and architecture. The venue is temperature controlled. It’s perfect if you’re getting married in the coldest days of winter or hottest days summer, or if you just want a controlled environment. There is not a reception hall or getting ready space here, so you do have to do anything beyond a ceremony and portraits at another location, which I will list some options for you below!

The Cost

Please note that the chapel can change rates at any time. Please refer to their website Here for the most up to date info.

For Elopements (15 or less guests only): 1 hour rental, starts at $500. No amenities included.

For Weddings: 2 hour rental + 1 hour for a rehearsal, starts at $1,500. This package includes all amenities, such as: access to the changing space in the office and the sound system.

When to Get Married at Cooper Chapel

You can comfortably get married at Cooper Chapel any time of year, since the chapel is temperature controlled. Since the chapel is see-through and you might go outside for portraits, it’s still wise to pick a time of year where you like the foliage and can handle the temps for at least short periods of time, though!

Foliage: Around mid November through early March, the trees will be bare. Usually by mid to late March the green is back in the trees. By mid to late October, fall colors will settle in, but they usually don’t last more than a few weeks. Most of the leaves will fall off by mid November.

Temperatures: The chapel is temperature controlled, but if you plan on being outside for a long period of time it may still be wise to book a comfortable time of year. Temps can get hot and humid, in the 90s to 110s, early May to early October. Arkansas winter can be all over the place, temperature wise. Typically we have temps sitting in the 40s and 50s for most of the season, but we can see temps in the 30s and sometimes freezing around January and February. It can be in the 60s/70s in early December and late February. Other times of the year, the temperatures are generally comfortable in the upper 60s to low 80s.

Tourist Season: While you don’t have to worry about tourist season in this direct area, Eureka Springs is just an hour away from Cooper Chapel. This is a big tourist spot for anniversaries, honeymoons, and just a good weekend getaway. If you’re interested in spending time in the area before or after your event, Eureka Springs may be on your radar. Eureka can get pretty busy in June during their Pride parade, and during the fall when many motorcycle rallies happen in the area. Parking is very limited downtown so scheduling outside of busy events can ease a lot of stress when visiting.

When to Book Your Vendors

I recommend getting in contact with the Chapel as soon as you have the funds ready to reserve them, since they take on a limited amount of events per year. October/November and April/May generally book out the fastest. The sooner you reach out to all of your dream vendors, the better!

Where to Get Ready + Reception Venues

Since there isn’t a place to get ready on the chapel grounds, you’ll need to get ready off-site at either your home (if you live local), at a venue, or at a short-term rental, like Airbnb/Vrbo. There are accommodation options local to Bella Vista, but you can also look into other nearby cities like Bentonville (15 minutes away). The office at Cooper Chapel will be unlocked for you about 15 minutes before your reservation begins (only if you reserved the wedding package), if you want to change in there to not wrinkle your outfit on the drive to the venue.

Accommodations/Getting Ready Spaces Nearby:

• Airbnb/Vrbo

Reception Venues Nearby:

• Under the Woods, 10 minutes away in Jane, MO
• The Ravington, 20 minutes away in Centerton
• Kindred North, 20 minutes away in Centerton
• The Ballroom at I Street, 20 minutes away in Bentonville
• Record Downtown, 20 minutes away in Bentonville (does not have getting ready space)

Where to Eat

If you don’t plan on having a reception to follow, but you do want to go out to dinner with your small number of attending guests, or just your spouse, check out these places in Bentonville:

• The Preacher’s Son (refined New American)
• Tusk & Trotter (gastropub)
• Tavola Trattoria (casual Italian bistro)
• Conifer (gluten-free)

Where to Honeymoon

If you plan on honeymooning in the area, Bentonville is just down the road from Cooper Chapel. Check out Crystal Bridges Museum, the Momentary, and enjoy plenty of good eats. Or, Eureka Springs is just an hour away and is a great place to visit with loads of shops, food, and attractions to enjoy. Stay at the (allegedly haunted) Crescent Hotel & Spa, and go see tigers at Turpentine Creek and Refuge!

Final Notes

Cooper Chapel is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful wedding venues Arkansas has to offer. If you have your heart set on marrying in this serene place, reach out to them!

You can read about the other two chapels if you’re still trying to weigh all of the pros of each one to pick the venue right for you:

• Thorncrown Chapel
• Anthony Chapel

Still trying to decide between a big wedding celebration or an intimate elopement? Learn all of the pros and cons of both: How to Choose between Eloping or Having a Wedding

If you’re ready to make your date official and need a photographer then I’d love to chat with you!