Weddings at Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel – Bella Vista, Arkansas – Updated for 2024
Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel Wedding Venue
Table of contents
Information on the chapel
Address: 504 Memorial Dr, Bella Vista, AR 72714
Phone number: (479) 855-6598
Price range: $800-$1000 for a two-hour rental
Seating capacity: 120 guests
Bridal suite and groom’s room: No (but there is space available in their office to get dressed)
The chapel has no reception space but there are many nearby, here are my favorite venues in Northwest Arkansas
Introduction
Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel in Bella Vista is definitely one of the most unique venues we have in Northwest Arkansas, and probably also in the country. The chapel is simply an incredible work of art and is beautifully and conveniently located in the woods next to Lake Norwood and right off US Highway 71. The atmosphere inside the chapel is like no other, the sense of calmness along with the scenery and natural light make this venue a true gem.
History of the chapel
The chapel was built in 1988 by renowned architect E. Fay Jones. Jones studied under Frank Lloyd Wright and was commissioned by John A. Cooper, Sr. to honor Mildred Borum Cooper, his late wife. John A. Cooper was one of the pillars of the community of Bella Vista, his wife Mildred, served the community and Arkansas her entire life. The chapel is made up of over 30 tons of steel and over 4000 square feet of glass, that’s a full NBA basketball court of glass!
Film photography
This image was shot in October 2023 on 120mm color film. Check out this article to learn more about my film photography and how to add it on to your wedding collection.
My review
Cooper Chapel is a perfect fit for wedding ceremonies, elopements, and smaller gatherings. Some say that the fact that it doesn’t have a reception venue brings it down but there are endless options within a 30-minute drive from the chapel, see here. In addition to all the reception venues in NWA, there is also a slew of vacation home rentals in Bella Vista and around the lakes of Northwest Arkansas. I have personally photographed ceremonies at the chapel that have then been followed by both receptions in Fayetteville, Bentonville, and a mansion on Loch Lomond a few minutes away.
Natural light
The light inside the chapel is magical, it is hard to find a ceremony venue with better natural light, filtered through the woods and the glass. It doesn’t really matter the season, the light is always amazing! There are a few paths outside the chapel that are wonderful for wedding portraits, especially after you’ve done your portraits inside and outside the chapel. The path to the east of the chapel tends to have slightly better light than the one to the west.
Tanyard Creek Nature Trail
Tanyard Creek is just five minutes away and features multiple spots for breathtaking wedding portraits or engagement photos. A suspension bridge and a waterfall are just a few examples.
