Policies / FAQ

We're now having over 600 events a year, so it's necessary to have policies in place that respect everyone's time reservations and keep the venue presentable.

There is NO CHARGE to have your wedding at Chapel Dulcinea.  But, we have been forced to add a $100 cancellation fee.  This will be collected at the time of your registration and refunded when you show up to have your wedding.

All refund checks will be made out to the person whose credit card was charged. If you don't show up at your scheduled time - or fail to stop in at the Welcome Center the day of your ceremony - and you forfeit the money.  Please DO NOT call us and say, "we were there but we forgot to pick up our check".

Saturdays & Sundays are reserved for OFFICIAL wedding ceremonies.  An official wedding is a ceremony that's recognized as legally binding by the state of Texas.  Official weddings may reserve Monday through Friday as well.

Wedding Renewals, Civil Ceremonies, Christenings and Memorials are welcome to schedule Monday through Friday.

Photo/Video Shoots are permitted to schedule Monday through Thursday only.  Refunds are not an option for Photo/Video shoots.

Date OR time changes and cancellations do NOT receive a refund.  This is not a rental fee, it's a cancellation fee. Reschedules are considered a cancellation of your original reservation. Make sure you're committed to your date and time before you make your reservation.

No-Shows will not be permitted future access to the Chapel.  Please call and let us know ASAP if you will not be using the Chapel.  Even though you won't get your $100 back, you'll still be able to book the Chapel at a future date should you choose.  No-Shows are added to our "block" list and will not be approved for any future reservations.

Bad Weather Policy.  To eliminate endless disagreements, we've had to take the simple position of NO REFUND of cancellation fee due to bad weather - only reschedules.   Sorry for the hard line, but judging the weather is very subjective and it's your decision if it's too wet or too cold - however, you're still required to call us.  "No Shows" will be put on our "block list".  If you want to control your environment, please consider the risk of temperamental weather before you register for our OUTDOOR chapel.

Bubbles, birdseed and real petals are permitted to be thrown at the Chapel.  However, you're required to sweep up whatever you drop.  It's imperative that you leave the Chapel, Bride's Room and Reception Pavilion clean and ready for the next event.  A $250 fee will be charged to anyone throwing rice, artificial flower petals or confetti.

Candles are permitted but limited to the front of the Chapel only.

No food or drinks are permitted in or around the Chapel.

No smoking except in the designated smoking area at the reception pavilion.

All guests are required to check-in the Welcome Center upon arrival.  If you are planning to have a large event, please provide your guest list to us in advance so we can help expedite the registration for your party.

No vehicle access to the Chapel.  Do not attempt to drive to the Chapel.  Yes - we've had it happen.  We do have a complimentary wheelchair for you to borrow, but if you or your guests are unable or unwilling to walk 200 yards on an outdoor trail, please consider another location.

Chapel Dulcinea is on private property.  Unruly guests can and will be evicted.
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We deeply regret having to be so inflexible, but in our first year of operation, Dulcinea experienced a 42 percent "no-show" rate.  This is particularly disturbing for we who remember dozens of other couples who were heartbroken when those time slots weren't available.   Thanks for understanding!
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Frequently Asked Questions

When can I visit the Chapel?
Who can use the chapel?
How many people can the Chapel accommodate?
Is there an alternate facility we can use in bad weather?
Can I have cake and/or a quick wedding toast in the Chapel?
Are there reception sites close by?
Can we reserve the Chapel for our rehearsal?
Can I schedule my bridal photo shoot at Chapel Dulcinea if I'm not getting married there?
Can we decorate the Chapel?
Can music be played at the Chapel?
Can we rent chairs for our ceremony?
Is there a place for brides to get ready?
Do the gas lights only come on when sponsored?
How do I get to the Chapel?
How much parking is there?
Do you have a list of nearby hotels for my family and friends?
Do you provide the officiant?
How do I reserve the Chapel?
Is there a catch to renting the chapel?
Can we ring the bell?
Can we rent a horse drawn carriage for our ceremony?

Frequently Asked Questions



When can I visit the Chapel?
You're welcome to visit the Chapel on your own at any time - 7 days a week from 8AM to 8PM. Just check the calendar to see when weddings are scheduled so you don't interrupt a ceremony. Be sure to register at the Welcome Center immediately upon arrival so that you are not guilty of criminal trespass. Our security policies require us to know who is on campus at all times. We have three time slots for reservations available daily:

                                          9am to 11am   -   1pm to 3pm   -   6pm to 8pm

Who can use the chapel?
Any two people who wish to make a life-commitment to each other are welcome to use Chapel Dulcinea. But due to heavy demand and limited time slots, only OFFICIAL Wedding Ceremonies are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. Wedding renewals (recitation of vows by those already married) and other civil ceremonies are welcome to schedule Monday through Friday. Photo and video shoots can schedule Monday through Thursday.

How many people can the Chapel accommodate?
Seating under the roof can accommodate 12 people. Standing-room-only capacity under the main roof can accommodate a total of 30 to 35 people with another 60 to 65 able to view the wedding from the extended patio area. A much larger crowd can watch from outside the patio area. But let's be clear about this: Dulcinea is a small chapel.

Is there an alternate facility we can use in bad weather?
No. But we do allow you to reschedule in the event of bad weather.  Sorry - no refunds, just a free reschedule.

Can I have cake and/or a quick wedding toast in the Chapel?  No.  Food and drink are not allowed in the Chapel.  The Canadian Diamond Pavilion is located a short distance away and is available at no charge for small receptions. This elegant pavilion was funded by Spence Diamonds of Canada to give newlyweds a quiet place for a wedding toast with wine or champagne, and a small cake-cutting ceremony. It is available only to couples who reserve Chapel Dulcinea and is limited to the same 2-hour window that you have reserved to use the Chapel. 

Do not mistake the Canadian Diamond Pavilion for a party pavilion.  The small size of the pavilion (20' X 20') limits the use to small receptions.  There are no tables and chairs but you may rent these from the Welcome Center. Because of its proximity to Chapel Dulcinea and nearby homes, we do not allow loud music at the pavilion.

No food is allowed except wedding cakes. It's very important for you to leave the facility clean, so please bring your own trash bags and a broom. DO NOT leave drinks, food crumbs or trash in the pavilion. All rowdy guests will be evicted from the property. So don't let your friends get drunk.  If you want to have a wedding reception with food and dancing, you will need to use a different facility.

Are there reception sites close by?
There are 4 reception sites in the near vicinity. Listed in order of proximity to the chapel, the nearest are Tuscan Hall, Salt Lick, Creekside Pavilion and Kali-Kate.  In exchange for parking privileges, Chapel Dulcinea has agreed to schedule AN ADDITIONAL WEDDING on sold-out dates for couples renting Tuscan Hall for their reception.  Call the Welcome Center for details.

 Can we reserve the Chapel for our rehearsal?
No, but you're welcome to have a rehearsal anytime the chapel is not being used - 7 days a week from 8AM to 8PM. Just check the calendar to see when weddings are scheduled so you don't interrupt a ceremony. The times most often available are early week - Monday morning through noon Thursday - but please check the calendar to be sure. If you get there and find that someone else is already using the chapel for their rehearsal, we hope you'll be gracious and wait patiently until they're done. Please limit your rehearsal time to no more than 30 minutes.

Can I schedule my bridal photo shoot at Chapel Dulcinea if I'm not getting married there? 
Yes. You can now schedule your photo shoot at Chapel Dulcinea Monday through Thursday, however, the $100 fee is not refundable. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are reserved for weddings.  Simply select Photo/Video Shoot under Event Type. You are allowed to use the Bridal Room one hour prior to your time slot. A professional photographer is not required.

Can we decorate the Chapel?
We do allow you to decorate with lightweight ribbons, flowers and decorations as long as there are no attachments to the walls using tacks, nails, staples or other things that might leave a mark. Likewise, there are to be no attachments made to the gaslights or their supply lines.  

A $250. fine will be charged to anyone throwing rice, artificial petals or confetti.

Can music be played at the Chapel?Yes. We have an electric outlet available for you to plug in portable music and we also allow live music such as guitarists, mariachis, harpists and violinists. But no loud bands.
 

Can we rent chairs for our ceremony?
Yes! The Welcome Center has a large number of classic, white wedding chairs available to rent for $4 each. This price includes the set-up and removal of the chairs. You're also welcome to bring your own chairs but they must be removed immediately following your wedding. It is important to note that there is NO VEHICLE ACCESS TO THE CHAPEL, so you'll be carrying these chairs from the nearest parking lot. We've found that most ceremonies last only 15 to 20 minutes, so chairs aren't an absolute necessity.

Is there a place for brides to get ready?
Yes! The Paul and Jean Compton Bride's Room can be found at the Welcome Center near the Chapel Dulcinea parking lot. The green door is the men's restroom. The red door is the lady's restroom. And the ivory door is the Bride's Room. You can use the Bride's Room one hour prior to your time slot.  It's important that you leave the Bride's Room clean and ready for the next Bride.
 
Do the gaslights only come on when sponsored?
No.  They are programmed to come on at sunset and turn off around 10pm everyday.  If you want to sign up to sponsor the gaslights, just give us $12 and the name of the person you want to honor and we'll place their name in the sign near the Chapel on their special day.  This is a big help in offsetting the gaslight expenses.

How do I get to the Chapel?
Click here for directions.

How much parking is there?
The Chapel Dulcinea parking lot will accommodate about 20 cars. If your wedding exceeds the parking capacity of the Chapel Dulcinea lot, you are free to park in the adjoining parking lot of Tuscan Hall. In exchange for these parking privileges, Chapel Dulcinea has agreed to schedule AN ADDITIONAL WEDDING on sold-out dates for couples renting Tuscan Hall for their reception.  

Do you have a list of nearby hotels for my family and friends?
The list of hotels most frequently recommended by our students and visitors to our school can be found at WizardAcademy.org 

Do you provide the officiant?  No.  You are responsible for making arrangements with a minister.  We have a list of Service Providers that have contributed to help support Chapel Dulcinea that includes ministers and judges as well as photographers, caterers, florists and musicians.  However, you do not have to use one of our service providers, you're free to use anyone you choose.

How do I reserve the Chapel?
Reservations are scheduled online, by phone or in the Welcome Center. Your reservation will be confirmed when we receive your payment confirmation.  You can view our available dates on the calendar.  You are allowed only one active reservation. No multiple booking of dates will be allowed.  There is no charge for using the chapel, but you will forfeit your $100 cancellation fee and have to post another $100 each time you change your reservation. 

Is there a catch to reserving the chapel?
The chapel is free. Honest. We just need to collect a $100 cancellation fee at the time of your reservation. To get your money back, all you have to do is show up on the day of your wedding and check in at the Welcome Center. A check will be waiting for you. Don't show up at the appointed time – or fail to check in at the Welcome Center – and you forfeit the money. 

Can we ring the bell?  Yes - Our one request is that you and your spouse ring the bell in the bell tower at the conclusion of your vows, thus signifying that another couple has been married in Chapel Dulcinea!

Can we rent a horse drawn carriage for our ceremony?  No.  Since the Chapel is located on the edge of a cliff, I'm sure you understand the liability.

Pass It Forward!

It's important that you know we never hint for donations or put people on a mailing list or place donation boxes in conspicuous places or anything tacky like that. This website is the only place where donations are ever mentioned. And we mention it here only because the question is occasionally asked.  If you'd like to help give the gift of Wedding Chapel Dulcinea to lovers on their special day, please use the address at the bottom of the page. You'll make our day. We'll dance around the room. You have no idea how rare you are.