Chapel of the Holy Dove
A unique A-frame chapel on Highway 180, offering stunning mountain views and a 'wall of wishes'.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
For safety and views
Chapel of the Holy Dove
Best Time
For safety and views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique A-frame chapel on Highway 180, offering stunning mountain views and a 'wall of wishes'.
"A wonderful little surprise in the woods with spectacular views."
🎯 Visit During Daylight
Travelers strongly advise visiting only during daylight for safety and to fully appreciate the views.
👀 Easy to Miss!
It's a roadside gem, so keep your eyes peeled on Highway 180. No prominent signs!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Spectacular Mountain Views
Behind the pulpit
Breathtaking panoramic vistas of the San Francisco Peaks serve as a stunning backdrop.
Wall of Wishes
Interior walls
Discover heartfelt notes, prayers, and messages left by visitors, creating a unique communal tapestry.
Unique A-Frame Architecture
Exterior and Interior
An architecturally distinctive chapel that feels like a 'Hobbit Closet in the Woods,' offering a charming, rustic appeal.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
A Spontaneous Stop
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Visit During Daylight
Travelers strongly advise visiting only during daylight for safety and to fully appreciate the views.
👀 Easy to Miss!
It's a roadside gem, so keep your eyes peeled on Highway 180. No prominent signs!
✍️ Leave a Note
Many visitors add their own messages to the walls, contributing to the chapel's unique charm.
💍 Spontaneous Weddings
It's a popular, free spot for spontaneous weddings and vow renewals with incredible backdrops.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Visit During Daylight
Travelers strongly advise visiting only during daylight for safety and to fully appreciate the views.
👀 Easy to Miss!
It's a roadside gem, so keep your eyes peeled on Highway 180. No prominent signs!
✍️ Leave a Note
Many visitors add their own messages to the walls, contributing to the chapel's unique charm.
💍 Spontaneous Weddings
It's a popular, free spot for spontaneous weddings and vow renewals with incredible backdrops.
🚗 Park with Care
There's a clearing for parking, but be mindful of your surroundings, especially if arriving at dusk.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Chapel of the Holy Dove a charming and unique roadside stop with spectacular mountain views. While its remote location and simple architecture are appreciated, some caution against visiting at night due to safety concerns and the potential for unsettling encounters. The 'wall of wishes' adds a personal touch, making it a memorable detour for many.
"A small but free little chapel that is definitely worth a 5-10 minute stop. Read all the scribblings on the wall, read from the Bible, and spend a little time meditating. Many people get married in here also."
Mike Fritsch
"A must see stop! *if it's day time. Made the mistake of taking someone here at night and I've never been more scared in my life. Daytime, this place is a wonderful little surprise in the woods. No one mans it so you could get married in it for nothing BYOP. The architecture is something. I don't want to ruin it for anyone who hasn't been. It's exactly 16 miles passed the "Welcome to Flagstaff" sign and that little gas station on the way towards Snow Bowl and Grand Canyon, on your right but only visible when its at your 4-5 o' clock position. I call this place "The Hobbit Closet in the Woods". There is no sign and no road, a clearing you can park at but if you're driving to it from Flagstaff it's a quick sighting or you'll easily miss it. They do have some sketchy pamphlets in there that only added to my nightmare excursion which was not helped at all by a rando parked in his truck watching us for 20 min and then peeling out of there like he was going home to get an axe. There was some recent vandalism there though sadly. That place has a somewhat mysterious history attached to it. So in short, definitely stop here if it's light enough that you could see if someone was trying to murder you. Lol"
Montana Baird
"A interesting little church one should stop and take in the fresh air and scenery."
Marc Shoemaker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Chapel of the Holy Dove is located on Highway 180 between Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon. It's about 16 miles past the 'Welcome to Flagstaff' sign. Look for a clearing on your right; there are no prominent signs or a formal road, making it easy to miss if you're not looking.
Yes, there is a clearing where visitors can park their vehicles. It's advisable to park carefully and be aware of your surroundings.
While technically open 24/7, visitors strongly recommend visiting only during daylight hours for safety and to fully experience the chapel's beauty and views. Nighttime visits can be unsettling.
The chapel is situated on Highway 180, a scenic route that also leads towards the Grand Canyon and Snowbowl. Many travelers discover it as a pitstop on their journey.
It can be tricky to find as there's no official sign or dedicated road. Keep a keen eye out for a clearing on the side of Highway 180, especially when driving from Flagstaff.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Chapel of the Holy Dove is a free roadside attraction. It's open to all visitors without requiring any tickets or admission fees.
The chapel is reportedly open 24/7, but it is highly recommended to visit during daylight hours for safety and the best experience.
There is no entrance fee. This unique chapel is a free stop for anyone traveling along Highway 180.
Yes, many couples choose the Chapel of the Holy Dove for spontaneous weddings and vow renewals due to its beautiful setting and free access. BYOP (Bring Your Own Priest/Officiant) is common. +1
While it is a chapel, it's primarily a unique roadside attraction. Services are not regularly scheduled, but it's a place for personal prayer and meditation.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo spot is looking out from the pulpit, capturing the stunning mountain views. The interior with the notes on the walls also makes for unique shots.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside and outside the chapel. Many visitors capture the unique architecture and the messages on the walls.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, can offer beautiful lighting for photos, but daylight hours are essential for safety and visibility.
There are no specific mentions of drone restrictions, but it's always best to be mindful of privacy and local regulations if considering drone use.
Yes, visitors often photograph the notes and messages left by others. It's part of the unique experience of the chapel.
🎫 🌲 Onsite Experience
The atmosphere is described as peaceful, calm, and unique, especially during the day. The remote location and mountain views contribute to a serene experience.
Take time to admire the architecture, read the notes on the walls, enjoy the spectacular views, and perhaps spend a moment in quiet reflection or prayer.
Absolutely. Its remote location, peaceful ambiance, and the presence of inspirational notes make it an ideal spot for meditation and prayer.
It features a distinctive A-frame design, often described as rustic and charming, fitting perfectly into its natural surroundings.
No, there are no facilities available at the chapel itself. It's a remote roadside stop, so plan accordingly.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that it's a remote location with no facilities, so ensure children have used restrooms before arriving and are supervised, especially near the highway. The peaceful atmosphere is conducive to a brief moment of quiet reflection, which can be a nice contrast to a busy travel day.
💍 Couples & Elopements
+2Consider visiting during golden hour for incredibly romantic photos. The 'wall of wishes' can be a fun element to incorporate into your wedding memories. Remember to plan for officiant and any simple decorations you might want, as the chapel itself is a minimalist canvas for your special day.
🚗 Road Trippers & Scenic Drivers
+1Make sure to have your camera ready for the incredible views and the quirky 'wall of wishes.' It's a great place to capture a unique roadside America moment and appreciate the vastness of the Arizona landscape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Roadside Gem: Discovering the Chapel of the Holy Dove
The chapel's interior is as unique as its setting. The walls are adorned with countless notes, prayers, and messages left by previous visitors, creating a communal tapestry of thoughts and wishes. This 'wall of wishes' adds a deeply personal and reflective element to the visit. The views from behind the pulpit are particularly spectacular, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains, which many find incredibly peaceful and grounding.
While the chapel is open 24/7, the consensus among visitors is to experience it during daylight hours. This ensures safety, allows for full appreciation of the scenery, and enhances the overall positive experience. Some reviews mention unsettling experiences at night, reinforcing the recommendation for daytime visits. It's also a popular, free spot for impromptu weddings and vow renewals, adding to its charm as a place of significance for many.
Weddings and Vows at the Chapel of the Holy Dove
Couples often appreciate the chapel's open-air feel and the ability to personalize their ceremony. The 'wall of wishes' inside can even serve as a unique guest book or a place for pre-wedding blessings. While there are no formal booking procedures, couples are advised to coordinate with any potential simultaneous visitors and to be mindful of the chapel's public nature. The ease of access and the natural beauty make it a dream location for elopements and small ceremonies.
+1For those considering a wedding here, it's essential to plan for the elements, as it's an outdoor-adjacent location. Bringing your own officiant is standard practice, and many couples opt for simple decorations that complement the natural surroundings. The Chapel of the Holy Dove offers a truly memorable and intimate wedding experience, far removed from the hustle and bustle of more conventional venues.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit