Wayfarers Chapel — Attraction in Rancho Palos Verdes

We had our wedding ceremony here and our experience was simply outstanding. Here are some of the reasons why:

The staff at Wayfarer's were all very helpful. This includes the office staff and the wedding directors we interacted with (Shelly & Debra). They were also very caring, which meant a lot to us and our familial circumstances. Everyone at Wayfarer's was pleasant and professional, and we appreciate them greatly.

This includes Michael Waring, the chapel music director and musician, who was amazing. He took our requests for transposing a couple relatively unpopular song and transposed them to piano beautifully. His music performances during our ceremony were excellent, and made everything that much more special.

Our minister, Rev. Mary Cartusciello, was also fantastic. She demonstrated great care, patience, and understanding. My wife and I are not religious, so we were somewhat worried about getting pressured to do things that don't represent our style of faith/belief. But Mary put a lot of thought and effort into developing a non-religious, humanist ceremony that suited us and our partnership beautifully. She obviously cares most about the love between couples manifesting into a wonderful commitment, as opposed to marrying folks under her particular faith, and we appreciate that a ton.

And that openness goes for our whole experience of being married at Wayfarer's. They seem to accept and respect all who come to their chapel, so long as you do the same for them. It's wonderful.

Finally, and most obviously, the chapel and the grounds are gorgeous. Absolutely stunning. Pictures don't do it justice.

We are so glad we had our wedding ceremony here! We highly recommend other couples give it a look, even if just to drop in and see the grounds...

The Wayfarers Chapel is one of those places that you find on the Internet, in a bridal magazine, or know about from traveling around Rancho Palos Verdes. If you get out of your car, look at this place you will most likely be blown away by it's beauty. It's on a hill overlooking the ocean. The only other place I've ever seen that looks similar to this place as far as the outside view is concerned was this winery in Maui. Words cannot explain how spectacular the view is from up here. When you step into this church you will also be amazed. A glass church, almost a large greenhouse that is also breathtaking. If you are an emotional bride and make decisions based on feelings you can easily get caught up in the moment and book this place. Your expectations will go through the roof as you have found your dream church!

But here's the reality. This church is very popular and you rent it for only a short period of time. They are trying to accomidate as many brides as possible. What they tell you is you rent it for two hours, in reality your only get it for 1 hour and 50 minutes. There is no fudge time, they want you off the property when your time is up. Show up late and you'll have even less time than you planned on. Is two hours enough time to do this place justice? Nope, not even close. But this is what you get. If you want to get married here you have to go by their rules. Their rules are HEAVILY enforced. So, you need to be the right type of people to get married here because if you expect that they won't go out of their way to accommodate you. The way they are set up, they...

This chapel alone makes me want to get married.

Wow what a sight to sit inside. The aesthetics are so harmonious that you feel that you are in the presence of beauty! I also love that it is called the Wayfarers Chapel and it is open to all faiths (a wayfarer is a wanderer journeyer traveler).

Designed by: Lloyd Wright (son of FLW)

We got there (phew just made it!) 15 mins before a wedding was about to start (from which point the Chapel was closed for 1.5 hrs. If you want to be sure, ring them in advance to see what the availability is).

It's pretty snug, not a huge cold looming cathedral.. and that's exactly what I liked about it. It's entirely worth the drive over. The view is beautiful. We got there at 3:30pm, though the pictures at dusk look especially amazing but I am not sure if the chapel is open in the eve.

Visitors Center is super helpful. You can ask them for other points of interest in the area. FYI- yes they have restrooms on site.

Other activities: Point Vicente Interpretive Center - a free museum devoted to the aquatic life and history of the area. Lighthouse - if it's open Hiking / bike riding along the coast. Be sure to read up on the history of PV & Portuguese...