The Wayfarers Chapel:
Wedding Ceremonies Beneath the Redwoods
by Paris Permenter & John Bigley

Imagine exchanging your vows deep in a dense grove of redwood trees--but under the protective cover of a glass chapel.

This is The Wayfarers Chapel, located in Rancho Palos Verdes about 25 miles from downtown Los Angeles. Designed by Lloyd Wright, son of Frank Lloyd Wright, the unique chapel hosts over 500 weddings a year. All are held beneath the towering redwood beams of what is nicknamed the "glass chapel," one that has a view that extends to the Pacific waters and to Catalina Island.

"In going back to Lloyd Wright's original concept, this is a tree chapel," explains Reverend Harvey A. Tafel, chapel administrator. "You are in the midst of nature and the beauty of creation."

Part of the Swedenborgian Church, the chapel welcomes couples of all faiths for weddings. The ceremonies are performed by chapel ministers ordained by the Swedenborgian Church but, with approval, a couple's minister, rabbi, or priest may also participate in the ceremony. The chapel has no membership so couples don't have to worry about a waiting list; to reserve a wedding time, couples only need to pick up the phone and call to reserve a wedding day.

Extremely popular as a destination wedding venue, the chapel hosts couples from across the country (as well as many couples who travel from Japan with their guests to wed at the unique site.) Weddings are scheduled every two hours on even hours, on into the evening hours. "The most beautiful time to get married is a night," says Tafel, whose own wedding was held during the evening hours, lit completely by candles.

To plan a wedding at The Wayfarers Chapel, couples need to first call and reserve their wedding date and time. Soon after, the couple speaks with one of several wedding directors for details on photos, videography, music, and marriage license requirements. [Information on obtaining a California marriage license.]

After your ceremony, the 16 bells of the Hallelujah Tower will peal, spreading the news of your union across the area and over the nearby sea cliffs. You and your guests may then stroll among the botanical gardens and reflect on the life the two of you are embarking upon, surrounded by 3 1/2 acres of natural beauty.

The chapel also hosts many vow renewals every year. Many are scheduled just like the weddings but on the first Sunday in June, all couples are welcome to renew their vows on "Marriage Sunday." There is no charge for the special June vow renewal, which always has a full house.

For more information :

• see www.wayfarerschapel.org
• call 310.377.1650
• fax 310.377.8589
• Visitors are welcome daily at the chapel and visitors center.