TheKnot Reviews
Tybee Island Wedding ChapelAbsolutely breathtaking! The chapel was beautiful and the assistance from the staff was good from our first conversation to the day of the wedding. We were the first wedding and everything went off wonderfully. If you are looking for a beautiful venue, cozy setting, and destination this is it! Tybee is wonderful as well and guests hae options to stay in Savannah or on the Island.
stacyej Wedding: 4/2/2011
Our dream came true...When we started planning our wedding back in August, we had our budget for the venue. We looked at so many places but nothing fit into what we were looking for and what we could afford. Finally we stumbled to The Outdoor Inn on Tybee Island. It was a beach house that had event capabilities, the price was right and we would be able to have it for the whole weekend, which meant time for set up and clean up without the stress of doing it all on one day. The biggest problem about this was everything would be outside, how will we hold the ceremony and then the reception in the same location? This issue almost broke my wedding spirit down until one day we took another trip down to Tybee to try and see how the set up could work, and as we were slowing down to find a parking spot it was like if God had answered my prayers. Sitting just three houses down from The Outdoor Inn was the Tybee Island Chapel. It was still under construction but even then it was beautiful so immediately I got my hopes up. We parked and walked right over, some construction guys where there and gave us a little private tour and said it would be ready the first week of April, which of course I thought was just another sign it was meant to be because our wedding was set for April 23, 2011. After making some phone calls I was devastated to find out the price to have just the wedding ceremony was way over budget and we could not afford it. Time to work a deal, I called back ready to make a deal, since most brides plan weddings in one year and they where not even a wedding venue at the time, I assumed they would have no one booked that day. I was right so we worked out a crazy plan, to most brides would have probably stressed them to the make but I didn’t care I wanted the wedding of my dreams and I would do anything for it. Ten days before the wedding still no one was booked so they took my offer of what I could afford, because when owning a business you know that some money is better than none! They accepted and we were booked to have our wedding at The Tybee Island Chapel. The chapel was amazing, all the hard work that was put into it turned out great! It was so perfect we didn’t even have to decorate it, really there wasn’t much more that could have made it better than it already was. I got ready in the bridal suite with all my girls, and then my dad walked me through the double doors down the aisle to marry my best friend! Could have not asked for a better place to say “I Do!” It was perfect!!
Another very cool fact about the Tybee Island Chapel is that it was from the movie The Last Song with Miley Cyrus and we where only the fourth couple to get married there, so we are part of the begging of its history. I also got lots of cool points with my Jr. bridesmaids that got to go back to school and tell all their friends where they where that past Saturday!!
cassie2784 Wedding: 4/23/2011
The best location I could have asked forI should start by saying that Ray the wedding coordinator is AMAZING! I planned my wedding from out of town, and he went completely out of his way to send me measurements, pictures, and ask any and all questions I had. I knew just by looking at the chapel that it was THE place….but having Ray on your team makes the experience EVEN better! All the pictures turned out beautiful, but in that chapel, that is the only option! I would recommend this chapel to anyone and everyone! It was the perfect place to have a fairytale wedding!
jessgirl2222 Wedding: 7/22/2011
My Storybook RomanceI married my best friend, Joshua J. Smith, on August 20, 2011 at the Tybee Island Wedding Chapel! We married just eight days after their official Grand Opening with David Tutera as their honored guest! Raymond Anaya, the Chapel Director, is the most AMAZING person! We were invited to their V.I.P. Tent Party and Ray made us feel like celebrities! He introduced us to some really amazing people (designers, caterers, boutique owners, etc.) from Tybee and surrounding areas. We interviewed with Bunny Ware (Savannah Morning News Columnist –Spotted) and we’re pictured on the savannahnow.com webpage! The next day I met Stacye Jarrell (the driving force behind what is quickly making Tybee Island, Ga. known as the #1 destination wedding location! She saw the beauty and potential in a movie prop from the “Last Song” starring Miley Cyrus–which was based on a Nicholas Sparks novel), she introduced me to the builders who orchestrated the move and recreation of the structure in it’s new location! If you’re like me–planning your own big day–Ray will never make you feel like your questions are silly. Joshua proposed to me atop the Tybee Island Lighthouse on June 21, 2009 (we lovingly call Tybee “our island”–it has always been our escape from the monotony of working day in and day out). So it only made sense to marry on the island as well. Initially, we planned to marry on the beach and let the natural beauty of the ocean be our backdrop. Well, a lot can happen in two years… With Joshua’s grandmother and four mothers-to-be in attendance–we knew that a beach wedding, in August, would not be a wise choice for us. I visited the chapel first and immediately realized that Ray is the type of person you can easily befriend and feel confident that he will help make your dreams come true–no matter how big or small your budget may be. We would not have picked a different venue even if it had been gifted to us! We chose not to add any decorations for the ceremony and minimal for the reception–as the beauty of the structure shines through without embellishment. (But rest assured–should it be your choice–you can deck it out in grand style! The chapel will be amazing with or without additional decorations). I think when a girl dreams of her wedding day–she probably imagines her father escorting her to the man with which she will build a future, a family, and a home. I lost my father April 15, 2010–so this was one portion of the wedding dream that would not come to fruition. (I carried him in my heart that day and his presence was definitely there). Belinda Hall, of Photos by Belle (www.photosbybelle.com) was there to capture shots of my brother walking me down the aisle along with so many more special moments throughout the evening. Ray provided me with her contact information when he found out I still had not managed to secure a photographer. We chose to do a Cocktail Reception and the catering was amazing as well! You guessed it–the contact information for Delightful Catering (Alex & Yvonne Friedman — http://www.delightfulcatering.biz) was also provided by Ray. When I miscounted the number of linens needed for rental which would have caused the deejay’s table to go uncovered–Ray stepped in and used one of the chapel’s tablecloths to “cover those table legs.” (I did not find this out until a few days after the ceremony). Choose the Tybee Island Wedding Chapel for your special day! You will not be disappointed!
MissBirdie Wedding: 8/20/2011
BEST CHOICE WE'VE EVER MADEWe planned our whole wedding (8/28/2011) from across the country with the help of Ray Anaya (chapel director) and it was BEAUTIFUL. We had never even been to Tybee Island before and Ray, along with the chapel staff, made the process easy. No question is too foolish or gets left unanswered with these guys! By the time we finally met Ray, it was like I’d known him my whole life. And the chapel is ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS. You could leave it plain, with no added decor, and still have a picture-perfect event.
TO BRIDES/GROOMS ON A BUDGET: We were on a small budget and had a DIY (do it yourself) wedding- Ray was so understanding and didn’t hesitate to help us find less expensive options & ideas. Yet, we never felt like we were treated any less due to our small budget! We are forever greatful…
We also stayed the following week for our honeymoon and rented a cottage with Ocean Front Cottage, LLC and fell in love with the island! The cottage was so cute and had all necessary amenities and MORE.
I can’t help but feel like I haven’t thanked Ray and the Tybee Island Wedding Chapel staff enough! They helped plan EVERY aspect of our wedding, & even took the time to give us advice for non-related events like the rehearsal dinner or “things-to-do” on our honeymoon.
To anyone looking for a wedding venue in the Tybee Island/Savannah, GA area- end your search now. If you go with the Tybee Island Wedding Chapel you will have no regrets!
JEliacin Wedding: 8/28/2011
Dream Wedding 9/9/11My now husband and I had just moved to Savannah when I started planning the wedding, myself from overseas, my husband from upstate New York. The first time we met Ray Anya he was amazingly helpful. He went above and beyond and made the whole lead up and the big day so stress free. Ray was always available and gave great recommendations and even did some research for other vendors for me.
I loved the fact we could have the wedding and reception here especially as my family and friends came from overseas and didn’t know the area and my husbands family and friends were from out of state. The Tybee Island Wedding Crew handle all the setup and my on the day coordinator found them to be amazingly helpful.Thanks so much Ray and team.
Belinda and Seth
butters396 Wedding: 9/9/2011
My fall Tybee WeddingI got married on 11/26 at Tybee Island Wedding Chapel. The wedding was a small intmate wedding. We had our cocktail hour on the porch of TIWC and the brunch reception inside. Ray was knowledgeable about local venders, was helpful and helping me express my ideas, and always responded to emails. He was a pleasure to work with. The facility is gorgeous. My pictures have a classic look to them.
Kimberly28804 Wedding: 11/26/2011
Fabulous February WeddingI first spotted The Tybee Island Wedding Chapel when driving to the beach after I first moved to Savannah in April. I immediately wanted to find out more about this beautiful chapel. After meeting with Ray and seeing the inside of the chapel I knew this was the place that I wanted to marry my best friend at and even more that I wanted my friends and family that traveled from 8 hours away to see when they came to Savannah for the wedding. I knew we had to book it immediately because the Grand Opening was coming up and David Tutera would be there and when people saw this place I knew they would share the same love of this Chapel that I did/do. So we booked it and on February 4th I married my best friend in this amazing Chapel. I could not have asked for a better venue, I could not have asked for better food, decor, flowers, planner….but the great thing about this place is that it is so beautiful itself you really do not want to take away from its beauty but you want to enhance and it and we were able to do exactly that.
This is THE PLACE for any bride to have the most special day! The chapel makes you feel so romantic and beautiful, as weird as that may sound. The lighting in the chapel is amazing, the wood, the pews, the chandeliers and windows, gosh I could go on!
Lastly, the staff and in particular Ray, that many other reviewers have raved about…they are great! Any of the staff that I met with were fabulous. Ray is amazing, answers any questions you may have, any fears you may have he makes you feel better and he even calmed my extremely nervous Groom, that would have probably rather eloped….so thankful for Ray!
Overall I could not have asked for a better experience…as soon as I returned from honeymooning I have heard nothing but “Oh my goodness, that chapel is beautiful”…and it is and I was lucky enough to experience it myself!
boocey30 Wedding: 2/4/2012
At last! Our perfect wedding 3/10/12Whew! I will begin by saying that my husband and I started out by setting our date for 3/24 (his strategically planned date) and that it was to be a small back yard affair. We wanted shorts, flip flops, bbq and beer. Then we started thinking about the extra work it would require on our part (we have 3 boys between the two of us), weather what-ifs and the ever expanding guest list.
Browsing venues I came across the Tybee Wedding Chapel. It was right after their Grand Opening and believe it or not I did not know this was THE chapel used in the Miley Cyrus filmed based on the novel. In fact, I did not connect the two until after my first visit and I had read the book, seen the movie and have lived here all of my life! Anyway, It was love at first sight for me. Just one of those “when you know..you just know” moments. I also felt immediately comfortable with Ray. After some really tough haggling (whining) on my part, we changed the date and booked the Chapel.
The Chapel itself is simply beautiful. I stress this because I consider myself a simple, casual, no frills kind of girl. The wood, the lighting and the accoustics give the building an authentic old southern church feel. We were a little concerned at first because our guest list went from 120 to 160. They have fully enclosed the downstairs room and it is beautiful! Everything worked out perfect. We had our ceremony in the chapel. The cocktail hour was held immediately after and was held outside on the deck, below in the courtyard and underneath. We had Melvin Dean with Steel the Show entertain the guests playing the steel drums, and open bar and passed hors d’oeuvres. The chapel staffed set up the chpel into a cocktail buffett stations and had plenty of room for the Dj and dance floor (which was packed all night). The reception was inside and out and worked out perfectly.
Ray, Ray, Ray!! From the first day we met until the day after (and still) he has been fabulous! He has answered my one million calls and questions, met us out there numerous times and accommodated our every request. I could go on and on about him. I love ya Ray! I would and will most definitely recommend the Tybee Wedding Chapel for any future bride.
Love,
Ashley & Brad Young
Amorgan26 Wedding: 3/10/2012
Girl Meets ChapelAs my mother and I were driving onto Tybee Island, GA in May 2011, I asked her what this pretty little chapel was on the side of the road. She gave me a little bit of the history she had read in the paper. I told her then “I will get married there one day!” I headed back to California where I currently live and not a month later, I was engaged. I immediately set-up a flight to head back to Savannah, GA, where I met with Ray, the chapel director. The moment I stepped on the beautiful hardwood floors, I saw how beautiful the chapel really was. With minimum decoration, dim lights, and a song playing softly, the chapel was STUNNING in raw form. As my favorite song played, which Ray had no idea was my favorite song (Meant to be?!), My eyes welled up because I knew I had found the place of my dreams. The chapel was my first and only venue that I went to and I was immediately smitten!
My date was set for March 24th and we got right to business! Throughout the seven months of planning a wedding long-distance, I would bother Ray with countless emails, he would entertain my vendors on multiple occasions, and he would check in with me to make sure I was doing ok or if I needed anything… all with a smile. If I had any issues, I would ask him and literally have a reply within two hours! (Regardless of the three-hour time difference!) You will never work with a director more wonderful, as organized, or as personable as Ray.
I arrived from California only three days before my wedding because I was so confident in Ray and all of my vendors. When I arrived for rehearsal, the doors were open and everything was ready to go. No waiting around!!
On the wedding day, I arrived just as it started to POUR rain. We set up inside the bridal room (Which is magnificent…side note!) and finished getting ready. If we were hot, the air went on. If we were cold, the air went off. Ray even swept the leaves off the patio himself during a dry spell of no rain!! Of course, it rained up until about one minute before I walked in, which I thought would be an issue, but the chapel’s crew were completely on top of it that it did not even phase the guests. I cannot express the feeling I felt as the double doors swung open and I stepped through the doors to catch my first glimpse of my handsome new “hubs”. The ceremony was nothing short of perfect. After the ceremony, our guests were ushered on the patio for light refreshments while we were getting photos done and dinner was being prepared. The dinner reception, which we held in the new portion downstairs, was gorgeous. It looked so elegant with plenty of space for my 100 guests to get up and mingle as well.
The final portion of our evening was spent upstairs for dancing and cake! All of our guests were smiling and having the best time. Each person we spoke to told us how beautiful the chapel was and how the evening just flowed from one place to the next (even with the light rain!).
I wish I could go on and on about this amazing venue. I hope my review has helped at least one bride make a very difficult decision…because every bride deserves to tell her groom, just as I did when I left the most important day of my life behind “That was the most magical day of my life.”…And that is what the chapel and its wonderful staff mean to me. Thank you all, from the bottom of my husband’s heart and mine, for the most beautiful wedding that not even my dreams knew were possible.
ABG225 Wedding: 3/24/2012
