Just because you’re getting hitched far from home doesn’t mean you need to forgo getting to the church on time. These resorts offer some of the prettiest wedding chapels.
By: Jenna MahoneyHilton Hawaiian Village
Endless manicured acres of tropical blooms and beach access are hallmarks of this enormous property on Hawaii’s capital island of Oahu. And with the recent launch of the White Beach Chapel, the hotel’s second, wedding chapels should also grace that list. The newer of the two boasts spectacular ocean views (it’s especially enchanting at sunset), a separate bridal suite and seating for 40. Tip: Wed here on a Friday night and conclude your ceremony with the resort’s weekly fireworks show. The hotel’s sister chapel, the non-denominational, picturesque ocean Crystal Chapel is set amid tropical foliage, near a crystal clear waterfall (room rates start at $209 a night; hawaiianvillage.hilton.com).
Photo courtesy of Best Bridal Group
Grand Palladium Riviera Maya
Given its locale, in the middle of the Yucatan jungle on the southern portion of Mexico’s Riviera Maya, the name of the chapel — Nuestra Señora de las Nieves (which is translated to Our Lady of the Snow) —seems an unlikely one. But the breezy chapel with a yellow façade and open-to-the-trees nave is totally and completely at home within the sprawling beachfront property. Inside, traditional Catholic ceremonies are held for up to 150 people. And as with all weddings at the Palladium resorts, couples can choose decor packages from an exclusive line from celebrity wedding planner Karen Bussen. Reception locales range from the à la carte restaurants located near the entrance to the chapel to a section of the pristine Caribbean beach (room rates for the Grand Palladium start at $129 per person, per night; palladiumhotelgroup.com).
Photo courtesy of Palladium Hotel Group
Disney’s Wedding Pavilion at the Grand Floridian
There’s a reason the entire Walt Disney World complex is called "the happiest place on earth," because it excels at offering something for every visitor—even a high-end bride. The beautiful, non denominational Wedding Pavilion at the upscale Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a sophisticated setting with views of the resort’s lush grounds and tranquil waterways. The white wooden structure is so striking that it feels magical (of course the special window situated behind the altar that augments Cinderella’s castle also helps). Being whisked away in a pumpkin carriage and having an appearance by the Mouse himself are festive, sense-of-place add-ons (room rates for Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa start at $457 a night; disneyparks.disney.go.com).
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World Resorts
One & Only Palmilla
The site — set on a hill over-looking the posh oceanfront resort — is perhaps as well-known to the international jet set as the property’s attention to detail. It’s the colonial chapel at the pampering One & Only Palmilla, a 173- room waterfront enclave in Mexico’s tony Los Cabos. The hotel’s picturesque, whitewashed church is something out of a Bridal Guide photo shoot with pretty, decorative niches, arched wooden doors and a golden nave. Although a spectacular sight at any time of day, the chapel, which can host 44 guests indoors and 150 on the surrounding stone patio, is most breathtaking when aglow with candles in the evening light. Host the reception on the beach and end the party with a bang— a breathtaking fireworks display (room rates start at $350 a night; oneandonlyresorts.com).
Photo courtesy of One and Only Resorts
