Hot Springs Wedding Venue | Anthony Chapel Wedding | Garvan Gardens Wedding Photographer
If you’re searching for a stunning wedding venue in Arkansas, it’s hard to beat Anthony Chapel at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs. Whether you live local & want a venue that stands out against the other wedding venues in Central Arkansas or you live elsewhere and are seeking a unique destination wedding or elopement venue in a small town like Hot Springs, the Anthony Chapel is a great option for all brides. I have had the honor of being a Anthony Chapel Wedding Photographer for many weddings, each one making me love the venue a little more!
With its breathtaking glass chapel in the woods, lush botanical gardens, and serene lakeside views, this venue is perfect for couples who want a wedding that blends natural beauty with timeless elegance. This venue is a Hot Springs Wedding Photographers dream! Here is a “how-to” guide on planning your wedding at the Anthony Chapel.
Why Choose Anthony Chapel for Your Wedding?
Anthony Chapel is one of the most sought-after wedding venues in Arkansas, and for good reason! Its towering glass walls and wooden beams create a cathedral-like atmosphere while keeping the focus on the stunning natural surroundings. It’s a dream location for couples who love romantic, light-filled spaces with a peaceful, intimate feel.
Couples love getting married at Anthony Chapel because:
✔️ The architecture is breathtaking and needs little to no decor.
✔️ The glass walls provide a panoramic view of the forest and sky.
✔️ It’s beautiful in every season, from spring blooms to autumn leaves.
✔️ It offers a private, romantic atmosphere while still feeling grand.
How to Book Anthony Chapel
My first recommendation when you are interested in the chapel is to visit their website and send an inquiry email to find out what dates & timeslots they have available! This venue’s availability fills up fast so be sure to reach out to them quick after getting engaged! The chapel offers 3 different ceremony slots in 3 hour segments throughout the day.
A 3 hour rental block on a Friday or Saturday runs roughly $5,000. If you are interested in a 1 hour or 2 hour ceremony slot they have those available too but only during the week (Sun-Thur) for a very low guest count max.
Once you settle on a date & time, you will go through the typical motions of signing a contract & paying a deposit, then you get to planning!!
Best Spots for Wedding Portraits in Garvan Woodland Gardens
A huge perk of getting married at Anthony Chapel is having Garvan Woodland Gardens right outside your ceremony space. This 210-acre botanical garden offers gorgeous backdrops for wedding photos, making it one of the most scenic venues in Arkansas. The chapel itself offers a beautiful option for portraits & is so nice if you have a summer wedding because you still have all of the outdoor lighting while staying indoors. But there are endless options outside in the garden too.
Some of my favorite photo locations include:
🌿 The Japanese Garden – A peaceful oasis with waterfalls and stone paths.
🌸 The Tulip Garden (Spring Weddings Only) – A vibrant burst of seasonal color.
🌳 Lakeside Pavilion – Overlooks Lake Hamilton, perfect for sunset portraits.
🏛 Bridge of the Full Moon – A romantic, stone bridge that photographs beautifully.
No matter the time of year or season, the Anthony Chapel and Garvan Gardens have a beautiful location option for your couples and bridals portraits!
Planning Your Wedding at Anthony Chapel
Here are a few things to consider when planning your Garvan Gardens wedding:
📅 Book Early – This venue is in high demand, so securing your date well in advance is essential.
💰 Venue Costs – Rental fees vary based on guest count, day of the week, and season. Be sure to check the official website for details or send them an inquiry for available dates.
🎟 Garden Access for Guests – Wedding bookings often include garden admission, but confirm the details when reserving. You also get garden access to do engagement photos prior to your wedding date!
🌦 Seasonal Considerations – While the chapel is indoors, outdoor photos may be affected by Arkansas’ humid summers or occasional rain. Since the chapel is in the woods, consider if you want to be surrounded by warm golden tones of fall or lush green leaves of spring and summer. The gardens and chapel also decorate for Christmas!
Getting Ready for your Wedding at Anthony Chapel
Many brides have taken different approaches to getting ready for their wedding here at the Gardens. Having a space that accomodates you, your wedding party and any other loved ones you want included is important when deciding where you want to get ready!
Locations to consider:
- In addition to Anthony Chapel, the Chapel Complex includes the Millsap Bride’s Hall and Groom’s Quarters for the bridal party to gather prior to the ceremony. The Grooms Quarters is located northeast of the Chapel and just off the last bay of the main parking lot. The Brides Hall is located south of the Chapel and nearer to the Welcome Center, and also just off the main parking lot. The Bride’s Hall has parking for 2 vehicles and includes a large room with abundant lighting, mirrors and vanities. It also has a full-size catering kitchen.
- MY FAVE! An airbnb of your choice! Using an air bnb allows you the freedom to take as long as you want and be have the space & privacy you may need while getting ready. Many couples opt for this that are eloping or who are considered destination weddings because they already have an airbnb they are staying at.
Here are some pictures from both an airbnb one of my brides got ready at!
Plan Your Ceremony at Anthony Chapel
One of the best parts about getting married at Anthony Chapel is that it requires minimal décor—the stunning glass walls and natural surroundings do all the work for you!
Things to Consider for Your Ceremony:
✔️ Timing: Golden hour ceremonies (around sunset) provide the most magical lighting.
✔️ Music: The chapel’s acoustics are incredible for live music—think string quartets, acoustic guitars, or a solo singer.
✔️ Seating: The chapel accommodates up to 200 guests, making it perfect for both small and medium-sized weddings.
✔️ Rain Plan: While the chapel is enclosed, the gardens are outdoors—so have a backup plan for photos if needed!
💡 Pro Tip: Schedule your rehearsal the day before to ensure everything flows smoothly. You get an included time slot days prior to your wedding to gather all of your people & coordinator to go through your wedding and make sure it all goes off without a hitch!
Plan Your Reception in Hot Springs
While Anthony Chapel does have an on-site reception space, you can also book a separate venue for your post-ceremony celebration. The spaces on site are smaller and more intimate options that truly depend on the amount of guests you have and what the weather does, as some are indoor and some are outdoor!
Here are a few great options in Hot Springs:
Chittum Event Venue – A lowkey event venue just 15 minutes from the chapel with great seating and a pool! This is a pretty option for guests who just want a relaxed feel and to have fun, with all of the usual accommodations that a traditional venue offers!
An Air BNB – Again an AirBNB allows you the option and freedom to take time, be slow and intentional with who you invite and how you spend the rest of your wedding celebration!
💡 Pro Tip: Consider a restaurant reception if you’re planning a smaller wedding. Hot Springs has some amazing local restaurants that can accommodate private dining experiences!
Here are some pictures from a reception I photographed at Chittum Venue following a gorgeous summer ceremony at the Anthony Chapel!
Your Dream Wedding at Anthony Chapel Awaits!
If you’re looking for a wedding venue that’s elegant, romantic, and surrounded by nature, Anthony Chapel at Garvan Woodland Gardens is truly one of the best choices in Arkansas. Whether you’re planning a large celebration or an intimate gathering, this location provides the perfect blend of stunning scenery and timeless beauty.
If you’re still searching for a wedding photographer in Hot Springs or for your wedding at the Anthony Chapel, I’d love to chat and help you document your big day! Let’s create something beautiful together. Reach out here to see about your date today!
Here are a few more favorites from the weddings I have photographed at Garvan Woodland Gardens & Anthony Chapel!
📸 Photographer: LC Photography
