Anthony Chapel at Garvan Woodland Gardens Named One of the 'Coolest Places to Get Married'

Evening at the Anthony Chapel.

Bright night.

Nestled in the woods.

A part of nature.

An Anthony Chapel wedding.

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Anthony Chapel, located at the University of Arkansas’ Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs, is among “22 of the Coolest Places to Get Married in America” according to Buzzfeed, an interactive news website. It’s easy to see why the Anthony Chapel is ranked No. 2 on the list posted May 6. Set on a hillside overlooking Lake Hamilton, the chapel’s floor-to-ceiling glass walls and multiple skylights provide picturesque views of the surrounding woods in a nearly six-story-tall structure made of massive yellow-pine columns and beams.

Architects Maurice Jennings and David McKee, both alumni of the U of A’s Fay Jones School of Architecture, designed every element of the chapel blueprint from the open-beam bracing system to the pews, wall sconces and outdoor lighting fixtures. Jennings describes Anthony Chapel as “the finest” of the more than 20 chapels he’s designed around the country. Jennings relied on his 25 years of experience working with nationally renowned design partner Fay Jones to create the chapel that rivals the team’s most famous creation – Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs – named the fourth best design of the 20th century by the American Institute of Architects.

Jennings and McKee both have design practices in Fayetteville. McKee is a member of the Professional Advisory Board for the Fay Jones School.

 The 160-seat Anthony Chapel, the largest of the chapels designed by Jennings and McKee, is the site of numerous events, including concerts, memorial and christening services, and approximately 200 weddings annually. Couples considering the chapel as a wedding location should consider booking as early as possible, as many Saturday dates are reserved up to a year in advance. For more information about weddings at the Anthony Chapel, visit the Garvan Woodland Gardens wedding page and online wedding brochure.