Sunrise Serenity at Pretty Place Chapel

If you trekked all the way to Fred W. Symmes Chapel expecting its famously unbeatable mountain views, arriving on a rainy, heavily foggy day will be a massive disappointment. Instead of a sweeping panorama, you are met with an impenetrable wall of white. However, if you can let go of the obsession with securing the perfect social media shot, the rain and fog actually give this place an entirely different atmosphere. As clearly shown in the photos, the cross stands isolated in the thick mist, replacing the usually expansive landscape with an intense, almost eerie sense of enclosure. Stripped of the frantic crowds fighting for photo angles, visitors simply surrendered to the weather. Everyone just sat quietly on the wooden pews, staring into the rolling fog and listening to the rain, which cultivated an unexpectedly cozy and peaceful isolation. Interestingly, even without the majestic backdrop, I still witnessed several couples getting engaged. While this back-to-back proposal routine felt a bit contrived and cliché, the moody, chilly atmosphere gave it a distinctly dramatic flair. Ultimately, the terrible weather absolutely ruins the chapel's signature viewpoint, but if you are willing to just sit back and zone out in the mist, it remains a uniquely comfortable experience.

One of the many gifts from God, We went last December when there was no one there and the silence that accompanies this place is serene, the view is very earthly and beautiful but being so close to the sky feels like being closer to God and for a moment I felt peace. This Chapel is a true testament to our faith and the love and care that is taken to maintain it.

We visited on a Friday around 8:30 and the drive was very steep and silly as promised. I get car sickness but since I was driving I had no problems at all. Upon reaching the first gate there was a propped up sign in the middle of the road saying the chapel was closed. However, I knew it wasn't and the big board to the left that showed the opening times for the day agreed with me. So we drove around the closed sign and went up anyway. There were at least 15 other people up there in the chapel and more came after us. So im not sure what happened there. It was breathtaking. Pictures do not even do it justice. What an amazing spot to feel gods presence! Highly recommended. Parking was plentiful when we went and easy in and out. There are porta potties if needed. There is also a handicapped ramp to get into the church if needed.

I photograph lots of surprise proposals here at pretty place and it’s always so beautiful. Sunrise can be a bit busy but I recommend seeing a sunrise here at least once in your life. Pretty place is always beautiful rain or shine. Always check the website to make sure they are open before making the trip here it does get booked quickly for weddings/bookings.

It was amazing! The grounds keeper/ security employee Michael was great! He couldn’t have been more helpful! We had drove 16 or so hours just to see this place and well we wouldn’t have seen it if it wasn’t for him. Thank u Michael for letting us experience this amazing place