Choosing an Anthony Chapel Wedding Photographer for Stunning Photos

Anthony Chapel in Hot Springs is one of those places you see online and think, “Is that even real?” We felt the same way the first time we saw it. The tall glass walls. The long wood beams that stretch toward the trees. The soft light that pours in from every side. It almost feels like a forest cathedral built for couples who love simple, clean, nature-filled design.

While we haven't photographed a wedding there yet, we're searching for a few 2026-2027 couples who want a calm, honest, and story-driven record of their day. We bring a relaxed style to every wedding, and this venue fits everything we value about quiet moments, deep connection, and natural beauty.

If you're planning an Anthony Chapel wedding, here’s a helpful look at the chapel, what the space feels like, and how we approach photographing a venue built almost entirely of glass.

Why Couples Love Anthony Chapel

A chapel built into the woods

Anthony Chapel sits inside Garvan Woodland Gardens. Trees surround the entire building. When you step inside, it feels like you didn’t leave the outdoors. The tall glass walls rise high above the seats. Sunlight passes through the glass and moves across the wood.

The best part is how calm it feels. There’s no traffic noise. No busy crowds. Just trees, paths, and water close by.

A design that doesn’t need decor

Many venues need flowers or lights to dress things up. Anthony Chapel is the opposite. Couples often bring very little, and the space still looks rich and warm. The wood beams create strong lines that frame the ceremony. The glass brings the forest in. Every section of the chapel has its own character.

If you want a simple look without stress, this venue makes it easy.

Space for a mid-size crowd

Anthony Chapel can host around 160–200 guests. It works well for small and mid-size weddings. Guests sit close enough to feel connected, but the chapel never feels tight. The high ceiling adds a sense of openness.

What It’s Like to Photograph a Wedding at Anthony Chapel

Even though we haven’t worked there yet, we’ve photographed venues with similar architecture—tall glass, dark beams, and shifting light. Those weddings taught us how to read these spaces and how to move through them without distraction.

Light changes often

Glass walls can shift light fast. Clouds change the entire look in seconds. A sunny day gives strong highlights and sharp lines. A cloudy day gives soft tones with muted shadows. Both work well.

Photography in this kind of place is all about timing. We watch the light and adjust quickly. We make sure your skin looks clean and bright. We avoid harsh light on faces and place you where the glow works in your favor.

We learned this the hard way once at a chapel in Texas. A bright beam hit the groom straight in the eyes as he tried to say his vows. We eased to the side and caught the moment without the glare. That taught us how important angles are with glass spaces. Anthony Chapel works the same way.

The chapel’s lines create strong photos

The long wood beams give a sense of depth. The glass creates reflections that add layers. When couples stand at the front, the lines pull the eye toward them. These elements help create bold, clear images that feel clean and grounded.

Wide shots inside the chapel work well. These show the height of the ceiling and the angle of the beams. We also mix in quiet close-ups of hands, smiles, and emotion during the ceremony. The contrast between big and small moments tells the full story.

Portraits in Garvan Woodland Gardens

This is where Anthony Chapel shows off even more. The chapel is just one piece of a huge garden. Paths lead to trees, plants, bridges, and water. It offers a long list of spots for portraits.

Some of our favorite looks come from these kinds of gardens:

A shaded path with soft light on faces
A wooden bridge with light passing through branches
A small open field that brings warm tones at sunset
A lake view with a wide, clean horizon

We guide you through poses that feel natural. We give simple prompts and let you focus on each other. No stiff posing. No forced smiles. Just honest connection.

Tips for Your Anthony Chapel Wedding

Book early

Anthony Chapel fills up fast. Many Saturday dates are gone a year out. If you want a specific season—spring blooms or fall color—grab your date early.

Pick your ceremony time with care

Light inside the chapel can change how your ceremony photos feel. Here’s a quick guide:

Morning: brighter, clean, even light
Midday: stronger light, sharper contrasts
Late afternoon: warm tones, softer shadows
Evening: moodier light, more contrast, a calm look

If you want portraits in the gardens, late afternoon gives the best color and skin tones. The trees act like a natural filter.

Plan your reception near the gardens

The chapel is for ceremonies only. It has prep rooms, a bridal hall, and space for the wedding party, but the reception needs a separate location. Many couples book a nearby venue or host a dinner in town.

We suggest picking a reception spot that fits your style and timeline.

Make time to explore the gardens

You don’t need a long portrait session, but a few extra minutes in the gardens will give you a wide range of shots. Even a short walk offers several great looks.

Let the chapel team guide you

The venue includes staff who help with sound, timing, setup, and privacy. They’re familiar with the space and keep the flow smooth. They’re also very good at keeping ceremony noise down, which helps a lot in a glass building.

Why Hire a Photographer Who Understands Anthony Chapel

We know how to work with glass

Glass can cause reflections and bright spots. We adjust angles, use natural shade, and find clean light for skin tones. We also plan ahead so nothing blocks faces or key moments.

Our past work in similar venues gives us a strong base for this chapel.

We balance architecture with emotion

A place like Anthony Chapel invites wide portraits and scenic angles. But the story of your wedding still comes from how you look at each other, how your family reacts, and how the day feels.

We mix the big and small moments so the full story stays true to you. We want you to look back and feel the day, not just see it.

We travel with ease

We photograph weddings across Texas, Arkansas, and the U.S. We keep travel simple and clear. No hidden steps. No guesswork. We guide couples from first call to final gallery.

Our delivery time is fast. Our communication is clear. And our goal is always to keep stress low.

Great Photo Spots at Anthony Chapel and Garvan Gardens

You’ll have no shortage of choices. Here are a few spots that stand out:

The center aisle framed by the tall beams
The front of the chapel with trees behind the glass
The outdoor paths leading from the chapel to the gardens
The bridge near the lake
Stone walkways and shaded paths
Open areas with soft light in spring and fall

Each area offers a quiet look with clean lines and natural color.

Who We Are and How We Work

We’re Royce and Michelle, a couple who photograph weddings in a relaxed, journalistic style. We’ve documented over 200 weddings together. We want couples to stay close, be present, and feel at ease. No stiff posing. No forced shots. We blend into the day like guests with cameras.

We shoot quick. We adapt to any light. And we focus on connection above all.

Anthony Chapel matches everything we care about as photographers. It’s calm. It’s natural. It’s full of clean lines and soft tones. It’s a place where couples can focus on each other without distraction.