Introducing a new wedding venue: The wedding chapel

There’s a reason why Grand View Lodge was voted MN Bride Magazine’s Best Minnesota Destination Venue for so many years in a row. It is because the resort has so many beautiful wedding venues, indoor and outdoor, for that special day. And now, a new venue is being added.

Grand View Lodge is excited to announce its new wedding chapel, which will accommodate a variety of ceremony events – particularly for those who desire a small wedding with a BIG experience.

With high peaks and traditional chapel-style architecture, The Chapel is 1,200 square feet and can accommodate up to 80 guests, ideal for hosting ceremonies, weddings and other special, intimate events. Whether it be an elopement for two or vow renewals with close family, it is the perfect place to gather in a unique and beautiful setting.

The Chapel has a total of 13 large windows, 10 of which allow for direct, natural light to fill the main room. A large refurbished, colorful stained-glass window in the peak of the chapel caters to the warm ambiance it harnesses. The high peaked ceiling features thick, reclaimed wooden beams crossing throughout that accentuate the rustic and inviting atmosphere. The chapel’s main room features wooden cross-back chairs for the audience and can be aligned in a variety of ways that cater to the guests. In the front of the main room is a raised wooden platform to emphasize and direct attention. Along with the main gathering area, two small rooms on either side are positioned close to the entrance, which can be used for staging-rooms for the pre-ceremony, coat racks when needed, and a sound and lighting station, with a window in each room. The inside spaces can be air-conditioned and heated — making any season comfortable for all guests.

Wedding Sales Manager Becky Bohnenstingl states, “The Chapel is an exclusive venue that provides one of the most unique settings for a wedding or event that Grand View Lodge and the Nisswa area offers. The space is very intimate and perfect for those small ceremonies and couples who don’t need or want a big area for their modest service.”

The Chapel is located close to Grand View’s main entrance and sits on the north side of the property near the Gull Lake Center. The frontal lawn of The Chapel features a brick walkway leading from the road to the double door entrance. Among the ramp and the exterior is an abundance of green life, flowers and landscaping (season permitting), allowing for pristine and unique photo opportunities, adding to the collection of beautiful photo areas available around the expansive grounds of Grand View Lodge.  Eventually, there will be an event lawn next to The Chapel, allowing additional space for cocktail tables for pre- and post-ceremony receptions.

Having the Chapel on-site year-round will create more options for resort guests when planning that special event, especially for those planning an outdoor wedding or event that requires a backup plan in case of unforeseen weather. It also expands wedding season as Grand View’s first interior venue dedicated solely for ceremonies. Additionally, it is a prime option for those seeking the chance to make the second marriage brighter without having the big party, or the perfect fit for a quick elopement, an increasing trend in the wedding space as more and more couples opt to allocate resources to a dream honeymoon trip.

In the future, The Chapel and its lawn may be utilized for additional special events, as well. Grand View hosts a variety of year-round events that the space could be used for, such as wine and beer tastings and other gatherings beyond weddings and ceremonies.   “It’s so charming, warm and inviting,” Bohnenstingl said. “We are excited to provide clients with something they’ve never been able to grasp – a small wedding within a larger picturesque setting, providing an overall impressive and memorable experience that they’ve always dreamed of having.”

The Chapel is already taking bookings, with an estimated completion date of July 1, 2018.

You may have heard about The Chapel’s construction at the Brainerd Lakes Area Wedding Expo, where Grand View’s wedding sales team, Becky along with Wedding Sales Assistant Jaci Ohotto, advertised the space and what’s to come by giving away specialty bridal champagnes promoting the new wedding venue.