Things To Know When Getting Married At Cooper Chapel

Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel is a truly special place for a wedding. At every time of year, at all times of day – the chapel shines. It is a stunning and historic piece of architecture here in NWA and a very popular spot for destination weddings and elopements. However, just like with every venue, there are a few things to consider when you are planning your Cooper Chapel ceremony. Good thing for you, I frequent the chapel and have compiled a list of questions and general info that you may not have thought of!

Things To Know Before Your Cooper Chapel Wedding

Who will open the doors for the bride?

I’m not going to tell you that the answer to this will make or break your day, but in my personal, professional opinion: the double door opening really does matter. This is your grand moment. Even if you don’t want all the pomp and circumstance, even if you are eloping because you don’t want all the fuss – let this be the one thing that you go grand on. Let the doors be opened for you.

I have photographed elopements at the chapel with no guests in attendance where we still got a double door opening. Ask the venue manager to open one for you, and have Cory open the other one. (Then pause when the doors open to allow Cory to get back into place to get that photo of the back of your dress as you enter the chapel.)

What will the lighting look like at the time of your ceremony?

Listen, I know the location of the sun isn’t exactly something you can control. Just know that you CAN adjust where you stand. Slide towards the steps a bit or ask your officiant to back up a few feet so that you can get out of the harsh sun. I love a dramatic light moment, but on your face the whole ceremony means squinty eyes and uneven coloring in your photos. There are several different apps to help find out exactly where the sun will be at your ceremony time.

Will you get into your dress at the office?

Again, not going to make or break your day, but it is a decision you have to make. In my professional opinion, yes, you should get into your dress at the chapel office. In short, if you get dressed somewhere else you’ll have to ride in your dress in a car to get to the chapel. Wedding dresses aren’t generally known for their ease of sitting, and all creases are usually steamed out. Make life easier by getting into your dress at in the chapel office.

Something to know, the office is rather small. If you have a bridesmaids, they may want to get dressed prior to arriving. I definitely recommend having your hair and makeup done off-site and just bringing touch up items for after you are dressed.

Also note: the office has a full length mirror and a private bathroom, but the floor to ceiling windows do not have curtains. The sightline to the chapel path is through trees so you are relatively hidden still, but you will want to plan your dressing time for a low-traffic part of your timeline.

Do you have someone to start/stop music for you?

Cooper Chapel is equip with a bluetooth sound system that can be used for all weddings and elopements. You do not have to hire a DJ specifically for your ceremony. Have a guest (friend, family member, whoever) or your officiant start/stop your music for you.

Don’t rush down the aisle.

Take your time. I know that wasn’t a question that you need to answer, but it is a note I want you to make. While I stand by the fact that your wedding isn’t about the photos, this is one of those instances that you don’t get back. So go slow, feel the emotions, and give me all the opportunities to get every angle.

But on that note, if you want to run down the aisle, I’m here for it. Be excited to marry your person. I will applaud you and join in your joy.