A guide to having a Vail Interfaith Chapel wedding
If you’re dreaming of a mountain wedding with a touch of elegance and serenity, Vail Interfaith Chapel might just be your perfect venue. As a Colorado wedding photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of photographing this charming chapel, and I’m here to share some insights to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your big day.
A Glimpse into Vail Interfaith Chapel
Nestled in the heart of Vail, Colorado, the Interfaith Chapel is a picturesque venue that welcomes couples from all walks of life. Its rustic architecture, combined with breathtaking mountain views, offers a serene and intimate setting for your wedding ceremony.
| Location | 19 Vail Rd, Vail, CO 81657 | ||
| Capacity | 250, 200 comfortably | ||
| Hours of use | 2-5 hour blocks | ||
| Parking | Limited, shuttles recommended | ||
| Rehearsal | 1 hour included | ||
| Special rules | No wax candles, no tape or adhesive, no tossed rice/petals, | ||
| Getting ready suite | Included |
Capacity and Pricing
The chapel comfortably accommodates up to 200 guests, making it suitable for both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations. Rental fees vary depending on the season and day of the week, typically ranging from $1,500 to $3,000.
Pricing for a peak season 3 hour wedding (May-October)
Updated March 2025, but for most up to date pricing always check directly with the venue!
| Saturday | $3,500 | ||
| Friday and Sunday | $3,200 | ||
| Monday-Thursday | $2,500 |
Pros of Choosing Vail Interfaith Chapel
- Scenic Beauty: The chapel’s location amidst the Rockies provides a stunning backdrop for your wedding photos.
- Interfaith Inclusivity: The chapel’s inclusive nature ensures that couples of various faiths and backgrounds feel welcomed.
- Central Location: Situated in Vail, guests have easy access to accommodations, dining, and recreational activities.
Cons to Consider
- Limited Reception Space: The chapel is primarily designed for ceremonies, so you’ll need to arrange a separate venue for your reception.
- High Demand: Due to its popularity, especially during peak seasons, securing a date can be challenging. Early booking is highly recommended.
- Limited Parking: There are about 30 parking spaces available at the Chapel, so for larger guests transportation will need to be arranged.
A tour of a Vail Interfaith Chapel wedding
Exterior
From the moment you arrive at Vail Interfaith Chapel, you’re greeted with a classic mountain aesthetic that blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings. The chapel sits along Gore Creek, with lush aspen and evergreen trees providing a serene and romantic atmosphere. The stone and wood facade gives it a cozy, rustic appeal that perfectly complements Vail’s alpine charm.
- Quaint Yet Iconic: The chapel’s steeple and traditional architecture make it stand out while maintaining an intimate feel, ideal for couples wanting a classic wedding setting.
- Seasonal Beauty: In summer, wildflowers and greenery surround the chapel, making it perfect for bright, colorful wedding photos. In winter, a blanket of snow transforms it into a magical, intimate setting.
- Scenic Backdrops: Just steps away, the Gore Creek and nearby walking paths offer breathtaking views for post-ceremony portraits. The mountain landscape and charming wooden bridge create ideal photo opportunities.
Interior
Stepping inside, the Vail Interfaith Chapel exudes warmth and elegance. The chapel is non-denominational, making it a welcoming space for all types of ceremonies.
- Soft, Warm Lighting: Whether it’s a daytime ceremony with natural light streaming in or an evening wedding with candlelit ambiance, the chapel’s lighting enhances the romantic feel of any event.
- Wood Beam Ceilings & Large Windows: The high ceilings with exposed wooden beams give the space a grand yet intimate ambiance, while the large windows allow soft, natural light to fill the chapel—perfect for photography.
- Neutral & Elegant Aesthetic: The stone accents and wooden details provide a naturally beautiful setting that complements any wedding décor, whether you’re going for classic elegance or modern minimalism.
- Seating & Layout: The pews are arranged for an intimate setting, ensuring every guest has a wonderful view of the couple. The simple yet elegant altar area provides a beautiful focal point for wedding vows and first kisses.
Anna and Alex’s August Wedding at Vail Interfaith Chapel
If you’d like to view what a wedding day looks like, check out this gorgeous August wedding.
Getting Ready
Anna and Alex’s beautiful wedding day began at two Airbnb’s off site. Both were within 10 minutes from Vail Chapel and Donovan Pavilion, so they were super accessible and convenient. Getting ready at an Airbnb can be a great choice if you have a large wedding party and need a bit more space to spread out.
Anna had some simple details that she wanted photographed, including some pearl accessories and their gorgeous pastel invitation suite.
First Look and Private Vows
After getting ready, we made our way to the couple’s first look spot. It was a super sweet moment and Alex’s reaction was ever bride’s dream. We then made our way up the gondola to get some gorgeous sweeping mountain views where the couple did my favorite thing, sharing private vows! After a few photos we made our way back down the gondola to ensure there was plenty of time before their ceremony.
Ceremony
This ceremony was one of my favorite of the year. It was a traditional Catholic ceremony, which meant there were lots of significant readings and traditions. It was so fun to capture the little kid’s reactions to a lengthier ceremony and all the way they entertained themselves.
Photographing Catholic ceremonies can sometimes be a bit tricky with lighting and restrictions, but the Vail Interfaith Chapel had so much natural light and were very accommodating to us vendors.
The couple ended the ceremony with a bubble exit, which is such a fun way to get “exit” photos without the end of night exit.
Vail Village Couple and Wedding Party Portraits
When talking with Anna on our consultation calls, she mentioned wanted to have a solid chunk of time to just explore Vail Village with the wedding party– and I was absolutely here for it! We spent about an hour wandering the quaint streets of Vail, popping around to some photo opportunities, but really just letting my couple enjoy their time with their friends.
Cocktail Hour
Anna and Alex really wanted to join their cocktail hour, to which I said, absolutely!! Donovan Pavilion has a wonderful cocktail hour space in the back of the venue, which allowed for plenty of room to mingle and greet guests.
Reception
Time for reception! And truly one of the most stunning reception spaces I’ve photographed. The floor to ceiling windows, the exposed beams. Anna and her planner (Leah from West and Anchored) absolutely nailed the decor. It looked so gorgeous.
After entrances and a few toasts, the couple did some special dances (including a sentimental dance with Anna’s late-father’s best friend, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room).
The couple then cut the cake and did an outfit change (into custom sneakers!) and the dancefloor was finally open. I didn’t stay for long, but I know it was a party to remember!
Vail Interfaith Chapel offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty and spiritual ambiance, making it a top choice for couples seeking a memorable mountain wedding. As with any venue, it’s crucial to consider your specific needs and preferences. If a serene chapel setting amidst the Rockies sounds like your dream wedding, this venue might be the perfect place to say “I do.”
Vendor Team
Venue: Vail Interfaith Chapel & Donovan Pavilion
Planner: Leah Weston of West and Anchored
Catering: Biscuits and Berries
Florist: Bustle and Bloom
Cake: Gateaux Bakery
DJ: DJ D’Amico
HMUA: Sunshine Daydream Artistry
Wedding Dress: Rivini by Rita Vinieris
Shoes: Kate Spade – Champagne Cork Heels
Suit: J. Mueser New York
Invites: Gates Paper Co
Meet Leah
A Colorado wedding photographer and big fan of Vail Interfaith Chapel
Hey there! My name’s Leah and I’m a Colorado wedding photographer based out of Denver (Broomfield to be specific).
I love candid moments, timeless edits and creating a luxurious and fun experience for all my clients.
In my opinion, your wedding photos should look how your day felt. So whether you’re having a huge wedding dancing until 1am or an intimate gathering with just your closest people, I want your photos to feel organic and authentic to your day.
I loved photographing this summer wedding at Vail Interfaith Chapel– the upscale and modern vibe really captured the mountain town elegance of Vail– it’s truly an incredibly photogenic church venue. So whether you’re just browsing for venues or looking for inspiration for your upcoming Vail Interfaith Chapel wedding– send me an email, I’d love to photograph your day!
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