10 Dreamy Wedding Chapels Around the World
Today’s bride should no longer just think of a destination wedding as a wedding outside on a beach. Many resorts build their own chapels so that the couple doesn't have to sacrifice their religious faith when marrying in an exotic location. Here, some of my favorite resorts and destinations that incorporate the idyllic beach wedding with a unique chapel.
By: Jennifer Doncsecz
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Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa -136545
On Bora Bora, one of the most exotic locations to host a wedding, the Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa offers a traditional Polynesian wedding ceremony in their Blue Lagoon Chapel. In the true spirit of South Pacific architecture, this chapel is set on stilts over the water, and a walk down the aisle inside this chapel means walking over the glass pathway, giving the illusion of the bride walking on water.
Raffles Resort
If you're looking for privacy and seclusion, you'll find it at Raffles Resort, located deep in the Caribbean on the very exclusive Canouan Island in the Grenadines. Unlike other resorts that design a chapel to accommodate weddings, this resort was built on the grounds of a 19th-century Anglican Church. Beautifully restored with murals and Italian stained glass, the walls still bear the original stones brought from England many years ago. If you are looking for a truly traditional Christian wedding, this church provides an authentic experience right in the middle of paradise.
Turtle Bay Resort
Also in Hawaii, the Turtle Bay Resort — located on Oahu’s North Shore — features their signature glass wedding pavilion. This chapel, which overlooks the ocean, is completely encapsulated by glass doors and overlooks some of Hawaii’s premium surfing spots. The chapel sits up to 50 guests.
Grand Wailea Resort
One of the most serene locations for a wedding is in Hawaii on the island of Maui. Along the famous stretch of Wailea beach lays the Grand Wailea Resort, which built their seaside chapel specifically for weddings. It boasts a gorgeous gazebo, waterfall, and small lake nearby. The interior is air-conditioned, and stained glass windows of Hawaiian flowers and birds adorn the church.
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort
Looking for a true fairytale wedding? Disney’s Wedding Pavilion at the Grand Floridian Resort features a chapel with seating for 300, dressing rooms for the bride and groom, and a patio with the Magic Kingdom serving as the backdrop for a storybook wedding reception.
Barcelo Bavaro Palace
In the Dominican Republic, the Barcelo Bavaro Palace boasts an open-air thatched San Salvador Chapel. Quietly set on tropical grounds next to a reflecting lake, this chapel performs Catholic weddings. The Barcelo resort is the only resort in Punta Cana that can perform true Catholic wedding ceremonies on the resort grounds.
Sandals Montego Bay
At the Sandals Montego Bay resort in Jamaica, there sits a lovely non-denominational chapel, Frank Warren Chapel, tucked away in the gardens. It's simply perfect for traditional ceremonies at a pulpit, followed by a beachside reception. The chapel seats about 80 guests and has a sentimental story of undying love: It was built and funded by Dr. Frank Warren’s widow, who gifted the chapel to Sandals in memory of her late husband. Her hope was that couples who exchanged their vows in this chapel could experience the same eternal love as she has with her husband.
Cabo Azul Hotel
Another option in Mexico, located on the Pacific Coast in trendy Los Cabos, is the enchanting five-story open-air wedding chapel, El Corazon, at the Cabo Azul Hotel. Surrounded by infinity pools that flow into the Sea of Cortez, this unique chapel is completely non-denominational. A cross, Star of David, or chuppah can be added to accommodate any religious tradition.
Royal Playa Del Carmen Resort
In stark contrast to the quaint chapel at Dreams Tulum, there is the ultra-modern “Our Lady of Guadalupe" Catholic Oceanfront Chapel at the Royal Playa Del Carmen Resort. This structure features three walls of floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that overlook the breathtaking ocean.