What to Expect on Your Wedding Day
at Chapel in the Hollow

Your big day is finally here! You’ve filled out your wedding info form, picked your fabric colors and floral combos, and chosen your photo spots—and now it’s go time. Whether you’re eloping just the two of you or bringing a small crew, we’re here to help make your micro wedding feel magical, smooth, and low stress. Here’s exactly what to expect on your wedding day when you say “I do” at Chapel in the Hollow.

Before the Big Day

Before we even see you in person, we’ve already done quite a bit of prep work behind the scenes. That wedding info form you filled out? It gives us all the details we need:

• How to set up the chapel with your chosen fabric and florals
• Which parts of the venue you want featured in your photos
• What we should include in your ceremony script

You’ll also have selected whether you’re using our in-house photography, videography, and event management services (we highly recommend it—we know the space best!), or bringing your own. If you go the outside vendor route, just make sure they provide us with a certificate of insurance (except for officiants—they’re the exception).

Arrival Time

We open the gates 30 minutes before your scheduled time slot. This grace period is ideal for any final setup, getting photos of your dress and details, or just catching your breath before the festivities begin.

⚠️ Heads up: If you or your guests arrive earlier than 30 minutes before your time, you’ll be asked to leave and return at the correct time. We don’t allow early entry due to overlapping weddings and limited parking space. There is no parking on the roadside.

We recommend the bride arrives first, along with anyone helping with setup, and the rest of the guests follow about 10 minutes prior to your booked time. This allows us to get some stunning dress shots before tucking you away in the bridal suite so no one sneaks a peek.

 

 

Setting Up & Getting Ready

The chapel will already be decorated with your selected florals and fabrics when you arrive. During the 30-minute grace period, you (or your event manager) can set out any personal decor or accessories you brought.

We encourage everyone to arrive dressed and ready to go (except the bride, of course) to avoid crowding the bridal suite and throwing off the timeline.

While you get dressed, we’ll capture detail shots of your dress, shoes, rings, bouquet, invitation suite, or any other fun items you brought. Then we’ll sneak in to grab a few snaps of your final moments getting ready: zipping up the gown, clasping your necklace, maybe a teary hug from mom.

Optional First Look

When your booked time officially starts, we can kick things off with a first look if you’d like—whether that’s with your future spouse, your parent, or your kids. These moments are always emotional and make for beautiful photos!

While that’s happening, your event manager will line up the bridal party and get everyone ready for the walk down the aisle.

If you skip the first look, don’t worry! We’ll position your spouse facing the officiant so the first glimpse of you in your dress happens as you walk through the archway. Cue the tissues.

 

The Ceremony

This is it—time to tie the knot! We keep your ceremony personal and beautiful. The basic ceremony lasts around 7 minutes, and we can tailor it to include:

• Personal vows
• Handfasting rituals
• Cord of three strands
• Scripture or spiritual references
• Moments of remembrance for loved ones

Your officiant will guide the experience with warmth and professionalism, making sure everything flows naturally and feels like “you.”

After the Ceremony

Immediately after your “I dos,” we move into family photos at the chapel. This is the easiest time to wrangle everyone before they wander off for cake or snacks.

If you’ve added on first dances, a toast, or cake cutting, those come next. These extras are usually done right at the base of the chapel or on the platform, keeping the experience cozy and easy to manage.

Couple Portraits

Now it’s time for the romantic shots! We’ll whisk you and your new spouse around to your pre-selected photo locations. This could include:

• The forest path
• The mossy rock garden
• The tractor
• The truck
• The road
• The field with mountain views
• The wooden archway
• The vines

📸 Note: If you’ve selected the field with the mountain view, plan for a 30-minute block (7 minutes each way plus shooting time). This location is for couple-only photos and requires a quick drive with only one vehicle allowed at the site.

We shoot right up until your time ends to maximize every beautiful moment.

Wrapping Up & What Happens Next

Once we finish up your portraits, you’ll head out to your reception (if you’re having one) or start your honeymoon adventure!

Here’s what to expect after the day:

• Photo Teasers: Posted on our Facebook page either the same day or the next so you can share a sneak peek with your friends and family
• Final Photos: Delivered within two weeks via an online gallery
• Video (if purchased): Delivered in 6-8 weeks, beautifully edited and ready to relive all the feels

Final Thoughts

Your wedding day at Chapel in the Hollow is designed to be stress-free, intimate, and memorable. We do the heavy lifting so you can focus on what matters most: marrying your person in one of the most magical places on Earth.

Whether it’s just the two of you or you’ve brought your nearest and dearest along for the ride, we’re honored to be a part of this chapter in your love story.

Have questions? Want to customize something? Just holler—we’re always happy to help you bring your vision to life.

See you at the chapel! ✨