We have weddings almost every day, so it’s necessary to have policies in place that respect everyone’s time reservations and keep the venue presentable. Thanks for understanding!

RESERVATIONS

There is NO CHARGE to have your wedding at Chapel Dulcinea. There is however a No-show fee that is collected at the time of registration and fully refunded on the date of the wedding, if the wedding proceeds as scheduled.

A $200 No-show fee is required for reservations Mon.-Thurs.
A $400 No-show fee is required for Fri/Sat/Sun.
A $500 No-show fee for reservations more than 12 months in advance.

All refund checks will be made out to the person whose credit card was charged. If you don’t show up at your scheduled time – or fail to stop in at the Welcome Center the day of your ceremony – you forfeit the money. Please DO NOT call us and say, “we were there but we forgot to pick up our check.

Friday, Saturday & Sundays are reserved for OFFICIAL wedding ceremonies. An official wedding is a ceremony that’s recognized as legally binding by the state of Texas. Official weddings may reserve Monday through Friday as well.

Wedding Renewals, Civil Ceremonies, Christenings and Memorials are welcome to schedule Monday through Thursday.

Professional Photo Shoots that want to reserve the chapel are only permitted to schedule Monday through Thursday. Refunds are not an option for Photo Shoots. However, you are permitted to reschedule if weather is bad the day of your shoot. (Of course photography is permitted during wedding ceremonies.)

Cancellations or Time Changes Policy. Make sure you’re committed to your date and time before you make your reservation. If you cancel or change your original time or date more than 30 days prior to your date, you will receive a 50% refund. Any changes less than 30 days before your date will receive NO REFUND.

No-Shows will not be permitted future access to the Chapel. No-Shows are added to our “block” list and will not be approved for any future reservations. We deeply regret having to be so inflexible, but in our first year of operation, Dulcinea experienced a 42 percent “no-show” rate. This is particularly disturbing for we who remember dozens of other couples who were heartbroken when those time slots weren’t available.

Bad Weather Policy. To eliminate endless disagreements, we’ve had to take the simple position of NO REFUND of No-show fee due to bad weather – only reschedules. Sorry for the hard line, but judging the weather is very subjective and it’s your decision if it’s too wet or too cold – however, you’re still required to call us. “No Shows” will be put on our “block list”. If you want to control your environment, please consider the risk of temperamental weather before you register for our OUTDOOR chapel.

DO’s & DON’Ts
Bubbles are highly recommended (and really fun!) since it’s imperative that you leave the Chapel, Bride’s Room and Reception Pavilion clean and ready for the next event. Real petals are permitted to be thrown at the Chapel – HOWEVER – you’re required to sweep up whatever you drop. A $250 fee will be charged to anyone throwing rice, artificial flower petals or confetti.

Candles are permitted in glass containers but limited to the front of the Chapel only.
Sparklers and Sky Lanterns are strictly prohibited due to fire risk. This is a request from the local fire department.

No food or drinks are permitted in or around the Chapel.

Smoking on campus is only permitted in designated smoking areas.

All guests are required to check-in the Welcome Center upon arrival. If you are planning to have a large event, please provide your guest list to us in advance so we can help expedite the registration for your party.

No vehicle access to the Chapel. Do not attempt to drive to the Chapel. Yes – we’ve had it happen. We do have a complimentary wheelchair for you to borrow, but if you or your guests are unable or unwilling to walk 200 yards on an outdoor trail, please consider another location. Please be aware that we will not transport anyone or anything to the chapel by golf cart.

Chapel Dulcinea is on private property. Unruly guests can and will be evicted.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to the Chapel?
Click here for directions.

What do I get with my reservation?

Because of your reservation you have access to Chapel Dulcinea, Spence Diamond Pavilion AND the Bride’s and Groom’s rooms. You may access to the changing rooms a much as a half hour early.

When can I visit the Chapel?

You’re welcome to visit 7 days a week from 8AM to 8PM. Be sure to register at the Welcome Center immediately upon arrival so you’re not guilty of criminal trespass and to see if a wedding party is currently using the chapel. Our security policies require us to know who is on campus at all times.

Is there a place for brides and grooms to get ready?

Yes! The Paul and Jean Compton Bride’s Room can be found at the Welcome Center near the Chapel Dulcinea parking lot and the new Groom’s Room is a short distance away near the Chapel path. Often, they will be ready as much as 30 minutes prior to the beginning of your time slot but this is not always the case. If you show up early and there is no one available to unlock the rooms and check to be sure the previous party didn’t trash it*, you may have to be patient until one of the staff is free to do this. (*You would be surprised how often the friends of the bride and groom leave a horrible mess.) So, it’s important that you leave the Bride’s Room and Groom’s Room clean and ready for the next couple.

Who can use the chapel?

Any two people who wish to make a life-commitment to each other are welcome to use Chapel Dulcinea. But due to heavy demand and limited time slots, only OFFICIAL Wedding Ceremonies are scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sundays. Wedding renewals, civil ceremonies, memorials and christenings are welcome to schedule Monday through Thursday. Professional photo shoots can also schedule Monday through Thursday but do not receive a refund of their $200 fee.

How many people can the Chapel accommodate?

Seating under the roof can accommodate 12 people. Standing-room-only capacity under the main roof can accommodate a total of 30 to 35 people with another 60 to 65 able to view the wedding from the extended patio area. A much larger crowd can watch from outside the patio area. But let’s be clear about this: Dulcinea is a small chapel.

Is there an alternate facility we can use in bad weather?

No. But we do allow you to reschedule in the event of bad weather. Sorry – no refunds, just a free reschedule.

Can I have cake and/or a quick wedding toast in the Chapel?

No. Food and drink are not allowed in the Chapel. But, the Canadian Diamond Pavilion is available at no charge for small receptions. This elegant pavilion was funded by Spence Diamonds of Canada to give newlyweds a quiet place for a wedding toast with wine or champagne and a small cake-cutting ceremony. It is available only to couples who reserve Chapel Dulcinea and is limited to the same 1.5 hour window that you have reserved to use the Chapel.

Do not mistake the Canadian Diamond Pavilion for a party pavilion. The small size of the pavilion (20′ X 20′) limits the use to small receptions. There are no tables and chairs but you may rent these from the Welcome Center. Because of its proximity to Chapel Dulcinea and nearby homes, we do not allow loud music at the pavilion.

Champagne & wine are permitted to be served by a licensed TABC server, but hard alcohol is not.

No food is allowed except wedding cakes. It’s very important for you to leave the facility clean, so please bring your own trash bags and a broom. DO NOT leave drinks, food crumbs or trash in the pavilion. All rowdy guests will be evicted from the property. So don’t let your friends get drunk. If you want to have a wedding reception with food and dancing, you will need to use a different facility.

Are there reception sites close by?

There are 3 reception sites in the near vicinity. Listed in order of proximity to the chapel, the nearest are The Veranda Room, Tuscan Hall, and The Wildflower Barn. In exchange for parking privileges, Chapel Dulcinea has agreed to schedule AN ADDITIONAL WEDDING on sold-out dates for couples renting Tuscan Hall or The Veranda Room for their receptions. Call the Welcome Center for details.

Can we reserve the Chapel for our rehearsal?

No, we don’t make reservations for rehearsals but you’re welcome to have a rehearsal anytime the chapel is not being used. We’re open 7 days a week from 8AM to 8PM. Just check with the staff to see when weddings are scheduled so you don’t interrupt a ceremony. The times most often available are early week – Monday morning through noon Thursday – but please check with us to be sure. If you get there and find that someone else is already using the chapel for their rehearsal, we hope you’ll be gracious and wait patiently until they’re done. Please limit your rehearsal time to no more than 30 minutes.

Can I schedule my bridal photo shoot at Chapel Dulcinea if I'm not getting married there?

Yes. You can now schedule your photo shoot at Chapel Dulcinea Monday through Thursday, however, the $200 fee is not refundable. Remember, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are reserved for weddings. Make your reservation online just like you would for a wedding.

Can we decorate the Chapel?

We do allow you to decorate with lightweight ribbons, flowers and decorations as long as there are no attachments to the walls using tacks, nails, staples or other things that might leave a mark. Likewise, there are to be no attachments made to the gaslights or their supply lines.

A $250. fine will be charged to anyone throwing rice, artificial petals or confetti.

Can music be played at the Chapel?

Yes. We have an electric outlet available for you to plug in portable music and we also allow live music such as guitarists, mariachis, harpists and violinists. But no loud bands or amplified music.

Can we rent chairs for our ceremony?

Yes! The Welcome Center has a large number of classic, white wedding chairs available to rent for $7 each. (Just $5 each when rented 30 or more days in advance!) These prices include the set-up and removal of the chairs. You’re also welcome to bring your own chairs but they must be removed immediately following your wedding. It is important to note that there is NO VEHICLE ACCESS TO THE CHAPEL, so you’ll be carrying these chairs from the nearest parking lot. We’ve found that most ceremonies last only 15 to 20 minutes, so chairs aren’t an absolute necessity.

How do I sponsor the gaslights?

If you want to sign up to sponsor the gaslights, just give us $25 and the name of the person you want to honor and we’ll place their name in the sign near the Chapel on their special day. This is a big help in offsetting the gaslight expenses.

How much parking is there?

The Chapel Dulcinea parking lot will accommodate about 20 cars. If your wedding exceeds the parking capacity of the Chapel Dulcinea lot, you are free to park in the overflow parking next to the main parking lost. Or You can park in the adjoining parking lot of Tuscan Hall. In exchange for these parking privileges, Chapel Dulcinea has agreed to schedule AN ADDITIONAL WEDDING on sold-out dates for couples renting Tuscan Hall for their reception.

Do you have a list of nearby hotels for my family and friends?

There are several nice hotels a short distance from our chapel in south Austin and nearby Buda. Check our Service Providers list or the list of hotels most frequently used by our students and visitors which can be found at WizardAcademy.org

Do you provide the officiant?

No. You are responsible for making arrangements with a minister. We have a list of Service Providers that have contributed to help support Chapel Dulcinea that includes ministers and judges as well as photographers, caterers, florists and musicians. However, you do not have to use one of our service providers, you’re free to use anyone you choose.

How do I reserve the Chapel?

Reservations are scheduled online. You can view our available dates on the calendar. You are allowed only one active reservation. No multiple booking of dates will be allowed. There is no charge for using the chapel, but you will forfeit your No-show fee and have to post another No-show fee each time you change your reservation.

Is there a catch to reserving the chapel?

Not technically. It’s free to you, but it doesn’t run on magic and wishes.

It costs over $200,000/year to maintain the Chapel and pay the support staff that enable us to offer free weddings to one and all 363 days a year.

We collect a No-show fee at the time of your reservation. To get your money back, all you have to do is show up on the day of your wedding and check in at the Welcome Center. A check will be waiting for you. Don’t show up at the appointed time – or fail to check in at the Welcome Center – and you forfeit the money.

Can we ring the bell?

Yes – Our one request is that you and your spouse ring the bell in the bell tower at the conclusion of your vows, thus signifying that another couple has been married in Chapel Dulcinea!

Can we rent a horse drawn carriage for our ceremony?

No. Since the Chapel is located on the edge of a cliff, I’m sure you understand the liability.

Are pets allowed?

Yes. Well behaved pets are permitted on a leash but remember – you scoop whatever they poop.