Wayfarers Chapel Los Angeles
An iconic Lloyd Wright-designed glass chapel nestled in a redwood grove with stunning Pacific Ocean views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lower prices & fewer crowds
Wayfarers Chapel Los Angeles
Best Time
Lower prices & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic Lloyd Wright-designed glass chapel nestled in a redwood grove with stunning Pacific Ocean views.
"Imagine getting married in a chapel made of glass, with nothing but trees and sky around you."
Check Venue Status First
Always verify current access and operational status due to potential weather-related closures. :information_source:
Intimate Ceremony Space
The chapel is small, best for ceremonies with up to 100 guests. Receptions are not held here. :bustsinsilhouette:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Glass Architecture
Chapel Interior
A breathtaking chapel designed by Lloyd Wright, featuring walls of glass that blend seamlessly with the surrounding redwood grove and ocean views.
Stunning Redwood Grove Setting
Chapel Exterior
Nestled within a serene grove of towering redwood trees, offering a tranquil and picturesque natural backdrop.
Panoramic Coastal Views
Chapel Surroundings
Enjoy sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean, providing a dramatic and romantic setting for any occasion.
Architectural Staircase
Chapel Entrance
A beautifully designed staircase that adds to the chapel's unique architectural charm and photographic appeal.
Planning Your Visit
Check Current Status Before You Go
Understand Venue Limitations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Venue Status First
Always verify current access and operational status due to potential weather-related closures.
Intimate Ceremony Space
The chapel is small, best for ceremonies with up to 100 guests. Receptions are not held here. +1 :bustsinsilhouette:
Book in Advance
Popular for weddings, so booking well in advance is crucial, especially for prime dates. :calendar:
Consider Weekday Weddings
Weekday ceremonies, particularly Tuesdays, can be more budget-friendly. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Venue Status First
Always verify current access and operational status due to potential weather-related closures.
Intimate Ceremony Space
The chapel is small, best for ceremonies with up to 100 guests. Receptions are not held here. +1 :bustsinsilhouette:
Book in Advance
Popular for weddings, so booking well in advance is crucial, especially for prime dates. :calendar:
Consider Weekday Weddings
Weekday ceremonies, particularly Tuesdays, can be more budget-friendly. :moneywithwings:
Prepare for Warmth
The glass structure can get warm inside, especially during sunny days. :sunwithface:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Wayfarers Chapel for its breathtaking architectural design and stunning natural setting, calling it a 'dreamy' and 'iconic' location. The blend of glass, redwood trees, and ocean views creates a uniquely serene and beautiful atmosphere. However, some note its intimate size, the lack of reception facilities, and potential for it to get warm inside.
"This is place is peaceful and beautiful. The chapel itself is not too big however you get to walk around the area and if you're lucky you can spot the hummingbirds and butterflies. The views are amazing and the best part is that the entrance is free. They have plenty of parking space."
Domingo Mendez Jr
"Visited this chapel on the weekend in October 2023, before they closed it due to the unfortunate land shift on their property.
Beautiful chapel, there was a wedding in progress so wasnt able to view the chapel area. Great ocean views of the Palos Verde Peninsula, beautiful landscaping and area. Sad to see this area slowly being destroyed but they are saving the chapel piece by piece. Hopefully they can rebild and reopen in the near future.... 5 stars🤙"
P RANNA
"The chapel is very cute, occupies a small area, has good greenery, is surrounded by trees, and has abundant grass. You can chat and have a picnic here.
The opposite is the sea, a very beautiful place.
On the day I went there was a wedding, so the church could not enter, everything was so beautiful, thank God for all the beauty."
R-Zhang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wayfarers Chapel is located in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. Driving is the most common way to access it. It's situated along Palos Verdes Drive South. Parking is available on-site, but can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
Public transportation options are limited and may require multiple transfers. It's generally recommended to drive or use ride-sharing services for easier access.
From Los Angeles, take the I-110 South to CA-1 South (Pacific Coast Highway). Continue on PCH and then take Palos Verdes Drive South towards Rancho Palos Verdes. The chapel will be on your right.
Yes, there is on-site parking available. However, it is limited and can fill up quickly, especially during peak times or events. Arriving early is advised.
While primarily a wedding venue, visitors can often access the grounds and exterior for viewing and photography, provided there are no private events scheduled. It's best to check their website for visitor hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are not typically required for general viewing of the exterior and grounds. However, if you are attending a scheduled event or wedding, you will need an invitation or ticket.
Visiting hours can vary due to private events and maintenance. It's essential to check the official Wayfarers Chapel website for the most up-to-date information on public access.
The cost for a ceremony can vary significantly. Weekday ceremonies are generally less expensive than weekend ceremonies. Prices can range from a few thousand dollars upwards.
Formal tours are not typically offered. Visitors usually explore the grounds and admire the architecture independently. For wedding inquiries, direct contact with the venue is recommended.
The chapel has experienced rain damage and is undergoing preservation. Always check the official Wayfarers Chapel website for the latest status on accessibility and any ongoing restoration work.
📸 📸 Photography & Filming
Photography is generally permitted on the grounds for personal use. However, commercial photography or filming may require special permits and fees. Check with the venue for specific policies. +1
The iconic glass architecture, the redwood grove, the ocean views, and the unique staircase are all prime spots for stunning photographs. +1
Drone usage is typically restricted in most public and private venues due to privacy and safety concerns. It's highly unlikely to be permitted without explicit, advanced authorization.
Wedding photographers should coordinate with the chapel directly regarding any specific rules or time limits for photography during ceremonies.
Late afternoon, during the 'golden hour,' offers beautiful, soft light that enhances the chapel's glass features and the surrounding natural beauty.
🎫 💍 Weddings & Events
The chapel comfortably seats around 100 guests. It's a beautiful, intimate space perfect for smaller ceremonies.
No, Wayfarers Chapel is strictly for ceremonies. There is no space for receptions on-site, so you'll need to arrange a separate venue for any post-ceremony celebrations.
Typically, rental periods are limited, often around two hours, which includes setup and cleanup time. This is important to factor into your wedding day timeline.
The chapel often requires that their own clergy officiate the ceremony, though this can sometimes be negotiated. It's best to confirm this policy when inquiring.
Spring and early summer offer pleasant weather, but the chapel's beauty is year-round. Consider off-peak seasons for potentially lower rates and fewer crowds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families looking for a more interactive or child-friendly experience in the area, consider nearby parks or beaches in Rancho Palos Verdes. The chapel's appeal is more for its architectural and scenic beauty, which might be appreciated by older children or teens interested in design and photography.
💍 Couples Planning a Wedding
However, couples should be aware of the chapel's intimate size (around 100 guests) and the fact that it's ceremony-only. You'll need to secure a separate reception venue. Consider weekday weddings for potential cost savings and book well in advance, as it's a popular spot. Be prepared for the possibility of warm temperatures inside the glass structure.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Key photo opportunities include the chapel's exterior against the redwoods and ocean, the unique staircase, and the interior views through the glass. Always be mindful of any private events and respect the venue's policies regarding commercial photography. Checking the chapel's status for public access is crucial before planning a shoot.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Significance
The use of glass walls is central to its design, allowing natural light to flood the interior and offering unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding redwood grove. This innovative approach blurs the lines between indoors and outdoors, fostering a sense of peace and connection with nature. The chapel's integration with its environment is so profound that it feels like an extension of the landscape itself.
Despite its architectural brilliance, the chapel has faced challenges. Recent rain damage has highlighted the need for ongoing preservation efforts. This underscores the delicate balance required to maintain such a unique structure while ensuring its continued accessibility for future generations.
Wedding Venue Considerations
A significant point to note is that receptions are not held at the chapel. Couples must arrange a separate venue for their reception, which adds an extra layer of planning and potential cost. The rental period for a ceremony is also typically limited, often to around two hours, which includes time for setup and cleanup. This necessitates efficient planning for the wedding day timeline.
To manage costs, many couples opt for weekday ceremonies, particularly on Tuesdays, which are often more affordable than weekend dates. The chapel's clergy may also need to officiate the wedding, a detail that should be confirmed during the booking process. Despite these considerations, the sheer beauty and unique atmosphere of the Wayfarers Chapel make it a dream venue for many.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit