Visitors Guidelines
The Chapel and grounds are open daily from 9:00am – 5:00pm
The sanctuary is closed to the public during private ceremonies (weddings, baptisms, and memorials). During private ceremonies, visitors are welcome to relax and enjoy our gardens and scenic overlooks. If there are back-to-back private ceremonies, the sanctuary is opened to the public for the first half-hour of every odd hour (e.g. if there is a 2pm and a 4pm wedding the sanctuary will be open to the public from 1:00pm – 1:30pm and 3:00pm – 3:30pm). There is a ramp leading to the entrance of the Chapel on the oceanside.
You can call the Wedding & Special Events office before visiting to check our daily event schedule at (310) 377-1650 x2.
There is no fee associated with visiting the Chapel, however, donations are welcome and encouraged. Donations go to the life, ministry, and upkeep of the Chapel and grounds. If the Chapel holds meaning for you and you would like to see it survive as you know and love it for yourself and future wayfarers–spiritual seekers, architecture and history enthusiasts, wedding couples, locals and tourists alike, then we need your help.
To make a donation online, please visit our Online Giving page.
In the spirit of respecting that the Chapel is a sacred space, only service dogs that are specifically trained to aid someone with a disability are permitted inside the Chapel. Emotional support, therapy, comfort, and companion animals are not considered to be service animals under the ADA.
Photography and Videography
Any photography or videography must have prior authorization and a permit.
Any professional photography and videography (any photo/video sessions involving clients and a photographer), including engagement, maternity, and family portraits, are allowed on a limited basis only with a prior appointment and a permit from our Weddings & Special Events Office.
There is a $500 fee associated with these (1) hour sessions on our private grounds. Sessions typically take place on Mondays or Tuesdays between the hours of 9am-4pm. Appointments must be scheduled at least one week in advance of potential photo session.
Photos cannot be taken inside the Chapel…only on our surrounding grounds.
Absolutely no wedding day photography is allowed on our private grounds, with the exception of couples being married at Wayfarers Chapel during their allotted time frame. This includes wedding portraits, wedding party photos, and any photography in which anyone is dressed in Wedding Day attire. Anyone on the property in violation of these policies will be asked to leave immediately.
Prom, Quinceanera, and Graduation photos are not permitted on the property.
For professional photography/videography appointments and permit, please contact the Wedding & Special Events Office (310) 377-1650 ext. 1 (Monday – Thursday 9am-12pm or 1:30pm-4pm) Wayfarers Chapel is strictly a NO DRONE ZONE!
Movie, Television & Commercial Use
The Wayfarers Chapel has appeared in many movies, music videos, and television shows. Film and photography site location managers are welcome to visit and explore the use of the Chapel and grounds for film, television and commercial use. For more information about the use of the Chapel and ground for filming, please see our Filming at the Chapel page.
Community Events & Services
Wayfarers Chapel invites you to participate in the various worship services and community events offered throughout the year. Special events include concerts, lectures, workshops, and classes. Special worship services are New Year’s Renewal service, Palm Sunday Pageant, Easter Sunrise service, Easter services, Marriage Renewal service, Blessing of the Animals service, Raising of the Advent Wreath service, Carols & Candles service, and Christmas Eve services. Tickets to special events, if required, can be purchased at the Visitors Center (310) 377-1650 Ext. 2.
Awards
The Wayfarers Chapel was designed as a place where wayfarers could stop to rest, meditate, and give thanks to God. Many thousands of wayfarers visit the Chapel each year to experience its beauty. Whether you are local or from across the globe, the Chapel is a wonderful spot to pull off the road and enjoy the beauty of creation. We have received the “Travelers’ Choice Award” (previously the “Certificate of Excellence”) from Tripadvisor each year since 2014 and we are number one on their list of things to do in Rancho Palos Verdes.
2014, 2015, 2016, 2017,
2018, 2019, 2020
Wayfarers Chapel is supported by you and wayfarers like you. If the Chapel holds meaning for you and you would like to see it survive as you know and love it for yourself and future wayfarers–spiritual seekers, architecture and history enthusiasts, wedding couples, locals and tourists alike, then we need your help.
To make a donation online, please visit our Online Giving page.
