TOP 10: NWA’s most romantic wedding destinations

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — From historic chapels to scenic vineyards to rustic ballrooms, the Natural State is home to many iconic wedding destinations.

Here are the top 10 wedding venues in northwest Arkansas according to Yelp.com.

1. Thorncrown Chapel

Thorncrown Chapel, located in Eureka Springs, was designed by E. Fay Jones and built in 1980. The chapel features 6,000 square feet of glass and 425 windows, creating the illusion of an open-air structure while offering the comfort of an enclosed, air-conditioned space that can seat up to 100 people.

Thorncrown Chapel was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, an honor typically reserved for buildings 50 years or older, in 2000, according to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas.

Outside of the venue and grounds, the chapel offers a piano, a sound system, recorded wedding music, restrooms and a full-time minister to ordain your wedding at no extra charge.

Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak times like summer and October, according to the Thorncrown Chapel website.

• Notable features: chapel space, scenic views, free minister

• Pricing: $595 – $1695

• Yelp rating: 4.6/5 (71 reviews)

2. Sassafras Springs Vineyard

Sassafras Springs Vineyard was established in Springdale in 2014 as a marriage (no pun intended) between Cheryl Long’s dream of running a wedding venue and her husband Gene’s dream of owning a winery.

Sassafras Springs’ main ceremony space, the Chapel Ruins, measures 33 by 80 feet and can accommodate up to 360 guests, while The Stables reception building overlooking the vineyards can host up to 300 to 500 guests.

The venue is full of unique touches, like the colorful Peacock Room bridal suite, wineglass chandeliers designed by artisans and antique doors from a chapel in St. Louis, Missouri, according to the Sassafras Springs website.

Booking includes table arrangement, linens and centerpieces, and a champagne toast. Other services such as a wine barrel lid keepsake, bar services and custom wine bottles are available at additional costs.

• Notable features: large space, Sassafras wine and beer menu, catering

• Pricing: $1500 to $5900

• Yelp rating: 4.3/5 (55 reviews)

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3. Botanical Garden of the Ozarks

The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks (BGO) in Fayetteville offers three different venue spaces for couples looking for an outdoor experience.

BGO’s largest event package, the “Great Lawn Wedding” offers a ceremony under the Rotary Peace Arbor in the flowers of the Rose and Perennial Garden followed by a reception in the Totemeier Event Hall, which can host over 800 guests outdoors and 60-80 indoors, according to the gardens’ website.

Couples looking for a more low-key experience can choose the “Simple Garden Wedding” package for a ceremony in one of 12 themed gardens for up to 10 attendees.

• Notable features: scenic venue, affordability, large space

• Pricing: $300 to $4800

• Yelp rating: 4.0/5 (21 reviews)

4. Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel

Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel in Bella Vista was designed by E. Fay Jones, the same architect behind Thorncrown Chapel, according to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas. The chapel is made up of 15 50-foot arches and fits up to 120 guests.

The full 2-hour ceremony package features full use of the chapel, on-site event staff and other amenities listed on their website.

• Notable features: intimate space, scenic views

• Pricing: $300 – $1000

• Yelp rating: 4.6/5 (17 reviews)

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5. Peel Museum and Botanical Garden

The Peel Museum and Botanical Garden in downtown Bentonville was the historic home of Colonel Samuel W. Peel built in 1875, according to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas. Visitors can rent the house and the more than two acres of Victorian-style gardens that surround it for events of any size.

The Peel Mansion, designed in an Italianate style of architecture, offers two main indoor spaces that can serve up to 150 guests. The museum’s outdoors spaces can accommodate up to 400 guests. and are short walks away from an apple orchard, butterfly garden and vegetable garden, according to their website.

• Notable features: indoor and outdoor spaces, historic

• Pricing: $325 to $1900

• Yelp rating: 4.5/5 (10 reviews)

6. The Garden Room

The Garden Room in Fayetteville lets couples wed surrounded by vibrant greenery and rustic charm. The venue offers an indoor and covered outdoor space in the heart of Dickson Street and can accommodate up to 250 guests.

Although the Garden Room provides limited amenities, they do offer beverage and bar services according to their FAQ page.

• Notable features: unique venue, indoor and outdoor seating

• Pricing: $750 – $7500

• Yelp rating: 4.1/5 (9 reviews)

7. The Ravington

The Ravington is a 115-year-old venue located on Centerton’s main street. The Ravington, formerly home to Boon Bros. general store and several other businesses, features high ceilings, exposed brick walls, and reclaimed wood flooring.

Besides the Ravington’s historic status, touches from owners Eric and Amber Gustafson such as a 200-year-old reversable door from India and handcrafted furniture make this venue one of the most unique on this list.

• Notable features: uniqueness, flexibility

• Pricing: starting price of $3000

• Yelp rating: 4.4/5 (8 reviews)

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8. Whitney Mountain Lodge

The Whitney Mountain Lodge in Garfield sits 700 feet above Beaver Lake, making for a memorable waterfront wedding venue.

The lodge can host intimate gatherings or large events, with options to include hotel rooms in your event package. The outdoor balcony space overlooking the lake can host a wedding and reception for up to 300 guests.

Looking for a more intimate experience? Whitney Mountain offers a service that includes a minister, a two-tier wedding cake and punch for 20 guests.

• Notable features: scenic view, indoor and outdoor space, hotel accommodations

• Pricing: starting price of $1500 – $3000

• Yelp rating: 5/5 (7 reviews)

9. The Melonlight Ballroom

The Melonlight Ballroom in Eureka Springs doubles as a performing arts center and wedding venue. According to their website, Melonlight only books only one couple per day, making for a completely private experience.

For couples opting for a simple planning experience, the ballroom only offers one package, which includes a four-hour event, wait staff, an event coordinator and more.

Add-ons include professional dancer “wedding crashers,” wedding dance lessons and golden string lights for the venue space.

• Notable features: spacious, simplicity, flexibility

• Pricing: $3000 – $3300 (plus add-ons)

• Yelp rating: 5/5 (6 reviews)

10. The Osage House

The Osage House, located in Cave Springs, boasts two separate wedding venues on their 54-acre property. The Chapel + Hall is a combined ceremony and reception space that can accommodate up to 800 people. The Chapel features an all-glass wall behind the alter space and provides plenty of natural light.

The Reserve package does not include use of the Chapel, but instead includes outdoor ceremony options. The Osage House also offers military and non-profit discounts, according to their website.

• Notable features: two venues,

• Pricing: starting price of $1500

• Yelp rating: 3.6/5 (5 reviews)

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