Pretty Place Chapel Weddings — Planning, Photos & Films
Pretty Place Chapel is unlike any other wedding venue in the Southeast — perched on the edge of Standing Stone Mountain with a panoramic view over the Blue Ridge. It attracts couples from all over the country for sunrise, sunset, intimate ceremonies, elopements, and destination weekends across Greenville, Asheville, Travelers Rest, and the surrounding region.
We’ve photographed and filmed dozens of weddings at Pretty Place in every season — in fog, cloud inversions, soft blue dawn, harsh sun, winter golden hour, and everything in between. This guide is designed to help couples understand how the venue works, what to expect, and what makes Pretty Place different from traditional wedding venues.
Why Couples Choose Pretty Place Chapel
Pretty Place appeals to couples who want a ceremony that feels emotional, natural, and rooted in place. With seating facing the cross and the open valley, the ceremony becomes less about décor and more about presence, vows, and family.
It’s also one of the few venues in the country where a ceremony can feel cinematic without any additional decoration. The mountain does the heavy lifting.
Understanding the Venue (For Couples Planning Weddings Here)
Pretty Place Chapel is operated by YMCA Camp Greenville. Weddings are scheduled in two-hour blocks, and the chapel does not host receptions, catering, or extended daytime events. Because of this, couples often pair Pretty Place with a reception venue in Greenville, Travelers Rest, Asheville, Brevard, or a nearby lodge.
Friday–Sunday
Two-hour time block (minimum): $2,950
Additional hour: $1,400
One-hour rehearsal: $800
Sound system rental: $125
Background adjustment: $125
Monday–Thursday
Two-hour time block (minimum): $2,250
Additional hour: $1,100
One-hour rehearsal: $800
Sound system rental: $125
Background adjustment: $125
Reservation Details
Non-refundable hold-the-date deposit: $300
Balance due: within 10 business days
Rehearsals must be scheduled separately
Cancellation Policy
No refund if cancelled within 12 weeks of the event
Prior to 12 weeks: refund minus $150 + the $300 deposit
Rehearsal cancellations: $75 fee
📌 Official source:
Pretty Place Chapel | YMCA Camp Greenville
Note: Pricing reflects the 2026 schedule. Pretty Place updates its rates annually, so couples should always verify current fees directly with the Chapel.
Preferred Vendor at Pretty Place Chapel
As a preferred photo and video vendor for Pretty Place Chapel, we’ve documented ceremonies in every lighting and weather scenario the venue can produce.
From sunrise fog where the mountaintops float like islands, to clear fall days with full color across the valley, to winter where the chapel sits above cloud cover, Pretty Place rewards vendor teams who are prepared for its conditions and timeline.
Because everything happens within a two-hour block, vendor coordination and independent operation matter — especially for bundled photo + video coverage.
Incorporating Timeless Film Techniques at Pretty Place
Vintage Super 8 Film
Super 8 brings movement, texture, and emotion that feels nostalgic and lived-in. The grain reacts to light in a way that digital cannot replicate, especially in shifting sunrise and fog conditions.
Super 8 works exceptionally well at Pretty Place because the medium emphasizes motion, touch, and atmosphere — three things this chapel gives abundantly.
Real 35mm Film for a Timeless, Unrepeatable Look
35mm photography pairs naturally with mountain environments. Film handles highlights differently, allowing the valley to hold detail while skin tones stay soft and honest.
We’ve shot Kodak Portra and Wolfen 500 and other 35mm film stocks at Pretty Place for different weddings across different lighting conditions — midday, and sunset on the overlook rocks. Both translated beautifully.
Watch Real Pretty Place Weddings (Digital + Film + Super 8)
Bundle Photo + Video for Pretty Place
Pretty Place rewards vendor teams who can operate independently, adapt quickly, and divide coverage without interrupting the ceremony. For couples considering bundled coverage:
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Reduced footprint
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Aligned creative direction
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Coordinated timeline
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No competing staging for shots
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No duplicated vendor communication
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Better use of the 2-hour rental window
For couples who prefer independent vendors, that works too — as long as styles align and communication is smooth.
Pretty Place Wedding FAQs
Do I need a permit to get married at Pretty Place Chapel?
Yes. Pretty Place requires all weddings to reserve an official two-hour ceremony block through YMCA Camp Greenville.
How long is the rental time for weddings at Pretty Place?
The standard reservation block is two hours, including arrival, ceremony, portraits, and exit.
How many guests can Pretty Place Chapel accommodate?
Pretty Place accommodates up to 300 guests with additional standing room.
Is Pretty Place wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Entrances, seating, and the cross platform are wheelchair accessible with ADA parking.
What amenities are available for weddings?
Seating, covered chapel structure, restrooms, and parking. No climate control and no reception space.
Where do couples typically get ready?
Most couples get ready with hair & makeup offsite, 35–55 minutes away. There are 2 small dressing rooms available for couples to change into wedding attire before the ceremony.
Can guests take photos or videos during the ceremony?
Yes, unless a couple requests an unplugged ceremony.
Is there parking for wedding guests at Pretty Place?
Yes. Parking available onsite with overflow on the access road. No shuttle provided.
Where do receptions take place after Pretty Place?
Receptions are held offsite — most commonly in Greenville, Travelers Rest, Asheville, Hendersonville, Brevard, or at nearby Airbnb rentals or facilities.
What happens if the weather is foggy or cloudy at Pretty Place?
Fog, clouds, and inversions are common and part of the Pretty Place experience. Some couples get clear views, others get fog that clears mid-ceremony, and some get full cloud inversion. Ceremonies continue regardless and the footage often looks uniquely cinematic.
For more logistical and venue-specific FAQs, download the official Pretty Place Chapel Wedding Guide:
What makes photographing and filming at Pretty Place challenging?
Pretty Place is difficult to shoot because the cross sits under the overhang in shade, while the valley stays extremely bright, creating heavy backlighting. The sun sets behind the chapel, so the interior darkens as the valley remains lit. We compensate with discreet external lighting at the columns and on-camera flash for photo to balance skin tones without disrupting the aesthetic.
Is Pretty Place better for sunrise or sunset photos?
Both times work, but they produce different aesthetics. Sunrise provides the classic open valley view, while sunset lights the valley from behind the chapel. Because the nearest getting-ready locations are 35–55 minutes away, most sunrise couples start hair and makeup at 3–4 am. Sunset offers rim light and flares from the rock side of the chapel, but the valley remains bright while the chapel darkens.
Do we need a photographer or videographer with experience at Pretty Place?
Experience is not required, but it makes the two-hour block run smoother. With typical 20–25 minute ceremonies and guest counts under ~150, experienced vendors know how to manage transitions, portraits, and travel time without stress. Cutting corners can introduce rushing and reduce portrait time after the ceremony.
Can drones be used at Pretty Place for wedding photos or video?
Yes. Drones are permitted and commonly used for scenic establishing shots and mountain context. There are no listed drone restrictions in the Chapel Information packet. Pilots should fly respectfully to avoid disrupting vows or prayer moments.
Do we need a dedicated photo & video team for Pretty Place, or can separate vendors work well together?
Separate vendors can work well together, and many that are on the preferred vendor list, Pretty Place Provides, have worked together before.
The biggest thing about going this route is making sure you are ensuring the styles align or that the vendors are building off each other from the best of both independent teams you are investing in. Your day should be a team effort, not an ego environment.
Hiring a dedicated, bundled team like the one we offer is a great resource, too. (Kelley, Todd & AJ) can all shoot independently in both photo and video, without needing to set camera settings. We actually separate to not have to bounce back and forth throughout getting ready because most people who offer video and photo do not operate independently upon arrival.
If you're investing in 2 shooters, you should be confident you're hiring 2 dedicated shooters, not a glorified assistant and a lead who handed them a camera preset. Conditions change rapidly at Pretty Place, and adaptation often is needed on the fly.
What is the advantage of having a 3-shooter team at Pretty Place?
A three-shooter team allows important coverage to happen in parallel instead of sequentially. One shooter can stay dedicated to the wide chapel and mountain overlook while the other two focus on vows, reactions, and close details. Because all three of us shoot as leads rather than assistants, couples get more coverage with fewer missed moments and less intrusion during the ceremony.
Once you have your Pretty Place date secured, your vendor team is what shapes the experience. We photograph and film this chapel in all seasons — sunrise, fog, bluebird days, and everything in between — with digital and real film formats available.
Whether you are booking photo, video, or both, we’d love to take care of your day.