Mildred B. Cooper Chapel is one of my favorite Arkansas venues! The natural light, golden arches and stunning natural serenity creates the perfect ceremony location. This venue allows for an intimate approach to your wedding day, creating a space for you to feel comfortable and to be completely yourselves while saying I Do under the absolutely mesmerizing architectural design. If you are anything like me then you definitely were in awe the first time you came across photos of Mildred B Cooper Chapel and from there you were instantly hooked and probably looking for all information on how to book the chapel for your wedding or elopement and even your engagement photo session. Look no further you can find all of the information you will need by continuing your reading...
ABOUT MILDRED B COOPER CHAPEL | Arkansas Wedding Venue
Mildred B. Cooper Chapel is located in Bella Vista a northwest Arkansas town and is tucked away in 50 feet of tree line sitting just above Lake Norwood, creating a truly wonderful natural space to enjoy during your wedding celebration.
Bella Vista is only 20 minutes from Bentonville Arkansas , 10 minutes from the Missouri state line and 25 minutes from the Oklahoma state line making this a favorable area with endless possibilities of additional activities and reception venues. Couples and tourists travel from all over the world to experience the chapels beauty and to learn the history behind the chapels creation. A flash of history - Mildred B Cooper Chapel was built in honor of Mildred Borum Cooper, a devoted mother, church president and community leader. Mildred's family is hopeful that with each visit the chapel will be a source of inspiration.
Cooper Chapel is by far one of my favorite spaces to photograph wedding days as the lighting is stunning all year round and at all times of the day, the chapel is temperature controlled and can seat up to 120 guests making the space perfect for a full wedding ceremony or an intimate elopement. While the venue does have a bridal changing area they do not feature a full getting ready space or reception hall however there are multiple venues within a 20 to 30 minute drive that feature both as well as airbnb options and vrbo.
WHAT TO EXPECT COST WISE WHEN BOOKING THE CHAPEL
Chapel rates are subject to change at any time and at the discretion of Mildred B Cooper Chapel. To stay fully up to date on current pricing and services refer to their website : https://www.cooperchapel.com/services
FOR ELOPEMENTS - ( 10 guests or less, count does not include your media team officiant or planner ) : Rates start at $300 for 1 hour of chapel time and this does not include amenities. This is a great option for smaller budget friendly ceremonies!
FOR WEDDINGS - Rates start at $1000 for 2 hours of chapel time + a 1 hour rehearsal.
This package includes ALL listed amenities. Chapel Event Staff will be present during both rehearsal and ceremony. They will act as Chapel liaison and be responsible for ALL Chapel provided amenity set-up including the sound system and mics. Private Event Signs will be posted at entrance and along the path. As a courtesy the Chapel office is available 15 minutes prior to your scheduled private time for brides to dress. It can also be used as a holding area for attendants during guest arrival and seating for the ceremony.
FULL AMENITIES LIST:
Kneeling Bench
Guest Book Stand
Large Parking Area
Unity Candle Stand
Bridal Changing Area
Chapel Seats 120 Guests
On-site Chapel Event Staff
Baldwin Piano/Hammond Electric Organ
2 7-Candle Candelabras (includes candles)
Bluetooth Sound System (includes 2 Wireless Mics/3 Handheld Mics)
FULL POLICIES LIST:
No Drones on Property
No Rented Candelabras
No Balloons Inside Chapel
No Standing on Pews/Walls or Wall Ledges
Battery Operated Candles Only in Guest Area
No Smoking, Vaping, Food or Alcohol on Property
No Decorations Requiring Tacks/Nails/Adhesions
No Real Flower Petals Dropped or Tossed (inside/outside)
No Rice, Birdseed, Confetti, Sparklers, or Fireworks (inside/outside)
THE BEST TIME TO GET MARRIED AT THE CHAPEL
Mildred B Cooper Chapel is a popular venue all year round!! My favorite time of year in northwest Arkansas is late summer and early fall where the trees are glowing green and the warmth of the sun pairs perfectly with the chapel , making the indoor and outdoor areas both pleasant for photos. With the venue being temperature controlled, the only questions left to answer is if you would prefer warm or colder weather while taking your outdoor portraits and if you would like the trees in lush green bloom or fall foliage that is rich in reds, oranges and yellows! The area is truly gorgeous all year round and will make your wedding day dreams come completely true no matter the season.
A few other key points to think about when deciding on your perfect time at the venue would include: availability of getting ready / reception venues, tourist seasons ( although you don't have to worry about this during your rental because the chapel is closed off to the public, there will always be a few people that lurk around the grounds ) and what time of day that you would like to host your ceremony!
These are popular times by month that allow for even lighting in almost all areas.
January 3:00 PM
February 3:00 PM
March 4:00 PM
April: 5:30 PM
May 6:00 PM
June 6:30 PM
July 6:30 PM
August 6:00 PM
September: 5:00 PM
October 4:30 PM
November 2:30 PM
December 2:30 PM
WHEN TO BOOK THE CHAPEL
Mildred B Cooper Chapel is a very popular and sought after space that only accepts a limited amount of events each year!
My recommendation is to get in contact with them as soon as possible and as quickly as you are ready to reserve your requested date and time. Spring months like April and May as well as Fall months like September and October are typically the most desired dates and from experience book up very quickly across all vendors. If Mildred B Cooper Chapel is your dream location it is never to early to reach out!
CONTACTING THE CHAPEL:
Address: 504 Memorial Drive, Bella Vista, AR 72714
Website: Mildred B. Cooper Chapel
Instagram: @mildredbcooperchapel
Email: mcooperchapel@att.net
Phone Number: 479-855-6598
WHEN TO BOOK YOUR VENDORS
Most wedding vendors are booking a year to a year and a half in advance, and while there is no rush in booking if you need more time to thoroughly plan out your desired vendor team you may want to submit a quick inquiry for the information you're after sooner rather than later! If you have your heart set on certain vendors , reserving them as quickly as you can ensures that you do not miss out on the opportunity to have them for your special day!
BOOKING A PHOTOGRAPHER / VIDEOGRAPHER THAT IS FAMILIAR WITH THE SPACE
Booking a creative team that is familiar in the space you are booking and/or is familiar with the lighting scenarios is a huge plus! You are more than likely booking your photographer and videographer because you love them and their style as well as their approach to capturing your day... a part of narrowing down your search is to find vendors that will work well with not only you and the dynamics of your day but also with each space you have chosen! I always recommend asking to review a full gallery or film from the creatives you want to hire as this will give you an idea of what to expect of that photographer or videographers capability to handle tough lighting conditions.
As a photographer and videographer that has captured multiple ceremonies at Mildred B Cooper Chapel my main goal is to always curate a gallery with variety and to use the chapels entire scape for endless photographic opportunities. I consider myself to be an adventurer with a love of detail and pairing that with the chapel is a guarantee for a beautiful gallery and captivating wedding film. Capturing your wedding day would be an honor and if you are ready to move forward you can submit an inquiry by clicking inquire here :
WHERE TO GET READY & HAVE YOUR RECEPTION
Since there is not a getting ready area or reception hall at the chapel you will need to go somewhere off site for both of these. If you are eloping and keeping it simple you'll more than likely only need a location to get ready in and there are great hotels local to Bentonville as well as Air B n B and vrbo local to Bella Vista!
A few good options local to Bella Vista :
A few good options local to Bentonville:
If you are planning a larger wedding and need a space for a wedding party to get ready as well as host a full reception here are some great options in the surrounding areas & their contact links! All of these venues are a different assortment of style and are unique in their own ways...
Kindred North | Centerton Arkansas
The Wishing Willow | Bentonville Arkansas
The Mansion at the Orchard | Bentonville Arkansas
Osage House | Cave Springs Arkansas
Ballroom on I Street | Bentonville Arkansas
Under the Woods Event Center | Jane Missouri
& so many more amazing venues to choose from if you're looking for something different!
CAPTURING YOUR MARRIAGE
If you are planning an elopement or wedding at Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel or anywhere that your love wants to take us I would love to connect with you to learn more about your dream day and dive deeper into the wedding and elopement services that Bethany Sanny Photo and Film offers. Your day is special , your photographic coverage is too!
Hi there! Im Bethany Sanny your new wedding third wheel and celebrator of love.
My goal is to be a resource and a friend during this process, you can submit your inquiry via the contact from below and once you do the magic starts to happen!
It is an honor & I am grateful you are here with me.
Blog Post Written By : Bethany Sanny
Photography and Videography By: Bethany Sanny Photo and Film
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