Summer Thorncrown Chapel Wedding
Drew and Erin’s summer wedding was simple in the best way. It wasn’t a production but it was still everything they wanted & more in a wedding day.
They chose an intimate ceremony at Thorncrown Chapel with just their closest friends and family, then headed to Fayetteville, AR for a reception that turned into one of the most fun I’ve seen all year.
If you’re planning a Thorncrown Chapel wedding or looking for a Eureka Springs wedding photographer, this day is such a good example of how to keep things meaningful without overcomplicating it.
Getting Ready at Basin Park Hotel
The morning started at the historic Basin Park Hotel in downtown Eureka Springs.
If you’ve ever been there, you know it has that old-school charm — tall windows, creaky floors, and the kind of natural light photographers love. It felt relaxed and easy, which set the tone for the whole day.
Erin wore a gown from Joon Bridal, and it fit the chapel perfectly — elegant, classic, and not overdone. As well as gorgeous, blue pair of manolo blahnik heels that were a wedding day gift from Drew. Thorncrown doesn’t need anything extra, and her dress complemented the space beautifully.
An Intimate Thorncrown Chapel Ceremony
There’s really nothing like getting married at Thorncrown Chapel. The architecture alone makes a statement. The trees wrapping around you and natural light leaking in from all directions. In the summer, everything is green and alive, and the light filters in so softly.
Drew and Erin kept their ceremony small — just close friends and family. No distractions & no big production. Just the two of them, surrounded by people who love them.
As a wedding photographer in Eureka Springs, I always appreciate how the chapel speaks for itself. You don’t have to overdecorate or overplan it. The setting carries the moment.
Simple Couples & Bridal Portraits at the Thorncrown Chapel
After the ceremony, we took several moments to take couples portraits in the chapel. These are what everyone looks forward to AND looks at immediately after the wedding day. What grandma puts on the fridge and everyone puts on their walls!
It was sort of hot outside so we stayed indoors mostly, but that is a perk of the chapel is that you can stay inside while still getting outdoor light! These were some of my favorite portraits I have taken of couples in so long. Erin’s smile was honestly contagious and so freaking cute!!
ALWAYS TAKE TIME FOR PORTRAITS!!
Reception at The Garden Room in Fayetteville
After the ceremony, everyone made their way to The Garden Room for the reception — and this is where the energy shifted in the best way. Their guests were already there & the couples entry into the venue was so exciting. Their officiant offered a toast then the night took off!
Street tacos, boozy popsicles & a packed dance floor.
Zero holding back.
It was one of those receptions where people didn’t just “attend”, they celebrated. The mix of a quiet, reverent ceremony in Eureka Springs and a high-energy Fayetteville reception made the day feel balanced and personal.
Planning a Thorncrown Chapel Wedding?
If you’re considering a Thorncrown Chapel wedding, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- It’s ideal for smaller, more intimate guest counts
- The natural setting means you don’t need heavy décor
- Summer light inside the chapel is beautiful and consistent
- It pairs well with receptions in Fayetteville or Bentonville
As a Eureka Springs wedding photographer, I always recommend building in a little extra portrait time around the chapel. The wooded areas nearby are just as stunning as the interior.
Drew and Erin’s day was thoughtful, relaxed, and genuinely fun — which is honestly the sweet spot.
If you’re planning a wedding at Thorncrown Chapel or anywhere in Northwest Arkansas, I’d love to photograph it. Feel free to contact me here! Wanting to elope but unsure where? Consider checking out my blog here that talks about eloping along the buffalo river!
