Chapel & Cellar — Attraction in Winter Park

My fiancé and I were considering having our intimate wedding of 45 people at this venue. We wanted to keep it small and affordable (we’re happily a DIY couple and are also saving for a house!), so we were excited to find a venue that only cost $250/hour and seemed so naturally beautiful that we wouldn’t have to spend too much on decorations. The pros are limited only to the pretty grounds, the dark hardwood floors, and the quaintness of the cellars. The venue itself is gorgeous and perfect for a small wedding.

The cons come in the second you begin dealing with the company that runs this venue. Sydney was initially fine to deal with, neither nice/accommodating nor unpleasant. However, she did very little to help. We viewed the venue twice, both times Sydney didn’t make it a priority to come out and show us the place - we were simply let in by a landscaping employee (nice enough, but had no idea about any of our questions about the venue and specifics of the wedding). Nonetheless, we loved the venue (again, it’s a beautiful building) and we pursued a contract. Then the real fun started.

The management company has so many specific rules, makes no attempt to compromise or consider the specific requests of the couple, and charges you for every tiny little thing (I understand they have to make money, but when I say it was ridiculous, trust me - it was laughable). They were also asking that our caterers co-sign with us on our contract - Sydney was very condescending when we asked her to explain the rationale behind the requirement, stating “many venues require this so it shouldn’t be an issue” (I haven’t heard of this neither had my very experienced caterer). My caterer has mentioned this venue has already gotten somewhat of a reputation with any vendors that have worked with them (and not in the good way). My favorite though was when my mom called and was speaking with Sydney, and my mom said ‘Okay, I’ll check with bride’s name and let you know what she thinks’ to which Sydney responded, ‘who’s that?’ as she had apparently forgotten who the bride was. Sydney had a special way to make us feel insignificant.

In general, every little thing was complicated with this company and we did not once feel we were a priority. What’s supposed to be exciting and fun was turned into anxiety-inducing and frustrating. We ended up going with another venue that is so accommodating and has made us feel like the most important clients they have! Don’t bother with this place - the beauty of the venue will...

The pros - obviously the location, it is BEAUTIFUL. Our guests loved it and it makes an amazing back drop. The management team was always very accommodating for my rehearsal, allowing my florist to come measure etc, and I found the response time was typically very quick. the cons - The HVAC has condensation leaks in the cellar at the 2nd table on the left. I understand how and why but its off putting for such a nice space to have my guests arranging chairs and food around it. When we toured the space there were 4 pews on each side. At the rehearsal there were 5 on one side creating a lopsided effect. We asked that one be removed and it was, however it was placed behind the officiant. So every photo I have of us at the alter has a random pew behind us. I understand there are not many ways to hide it but common sense for a company who handles weddings would tell you that this is not a look a bride would want in her photos. Especially since it could be carefully laid down and would be easily hidden. The lights on the trees did not come on automatically and the day of coordinator did not know where or how to turn them on, which was a shame for the photos we hoped to get. In 6 months I had 4 different contacts who were handling my wedding. Sarah was great and I knew #1 was leaving but #2 & 3 just gone out of nowhere. They give you a list of preferred vendors. I used two of them, the caterer and photographer. Oddly, I found out later that neither vendor had actually done an event at the venue before. How can they be preferred then? I wanted to use vendors familiar with the space to save me time and stress. Forget that, you still have to be VERY involved. They even asked me for phone numbers of my vendors to coordinate with them and I was still the one coordinating. Not a complaint but a tip for brides: The small room the bride can use to get ready is VERY hot. If you will be using it just ask that the two doors into the room be left open when the venue opens to provide airflow. At the end of the day, we are happy with our venue, we had a wonderful day. A few small personal touches by the management company are all that is needed...

So to start this place is beautiful I LOVE the venue. It's perfect for a small wedding. The ONLY reason it's getting 2 stars.

However, the management company is awful. I had zero communication from anyone from the time I booked until a few weeks before my wedding (when another company partnered and took over). Several emails and phone calls were ignored and left unanswered. I had no clue what was going on with anything and since I already paid for everything in full I couldn't just change the venue. It was a nightmare! Even after I got contacted by the new company it was crickets until a few days before my wedding when I was told I couldn't have my rehearsal at 6pm like I asked 2 months prior and confirmed with these new people 3 weeks prior bc they don't work past 4.. I'm like seriously?! Most of my wedding party were coming in from other states and I now had to rearrange schedules a few days out. Erin and Sarah seemed great but the girl Michaela( not sure I spelled it right) was so snooty and had zero personality. She was unpleasant and I had to have her there the day of my wedding. Super unaccomadating and wouldn't move so we could set up stuff. I had to set up that table around her. Not to mention she tried to accuse us of breaking 2 chairs that 2 of my guests sat in and almost hurt themselves bc they were broken already. We also brought a table and she advised that if we didn't get it first thing the next morning they were throwing it away. Whelp they threw it away bc i couldnt get there until Monday..Real classy AND she left with some of my expensive cupcakes that I myself did not give her permission to take. Anyways, if I had to do it over I would have definitely booked somewhere else. Nothing but headaches with this place! If you want unorganized choas then...