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 sign in and mailed to the address you provide between two and four weeks after 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 check 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 sign in and fill out the form."
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.
Please stop in at the Welcome Center upon arrival. You can watch an intro video, grab a drink or a snack, and let us know that you're on campus to walk around. We can let you know if your party has arrived or if there is a wedding currently in progress.
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?
Is there a place for brides and grooms to get ready?
Who can use the chapel?
How many people can the Chapel accommodate?
Is there an alternate facility we can use in bad weather?
Can I have cake and/or a quick wedding toast in 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?
Can we reserve the Chapel for our rehearsal?
Can I schedule my bridal photo shoot at Chapel Dulcinea if I'm not getting married there?
Can we decorate the Chapel? A $250. fine will be charged to anyone throwing rice, artificial petals or confetti.
Can music be played at the Chapel?
Can we rent chairs for our ceremony?
How do I sponsor the gaslights?
How much parking is there?
Do you have a list of nearby hotels for my family and friends?
Do you provide the officiant?
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 be mailed to you within 2 to 4 weeks of your wedding date. 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?
Can we rent a horse drawn carriage for our ceremony?
Are pets allowed?