Fred W. Symmes Chapel aka "Pretty Place"

Every opportunity to photograph a wedding ceremony at Pretty Place Chapel is a cherished privilege! It honestly doesn't matter what the weather has in store for the day - it's always beautiful - rain or shine. The chapel provides a view of a serene backdrop which I enjoy admiring myself, and watching wedding guests experience it for the first time. It's truly jaw dropping and memorable for all in attendance. I feel a sense of peace at Pretty Place, and a thrill for every opportunity I'm given to photograph a wedding there. The lighting is a challenge that fuels creativity!

I photographed a micro wedding at this gorgeous chapel during the month March. It was heavenly and the perfect solution for couples who want to be outdoors, but are nervous about poor weather. The hues of blues were incredible! Instructions were clear for the wedding experience, the getting ready room was great for my bride, and everyone was very timely. Thank you for providing such an epic spot for my couple and their a portion of their day!

Our family had a wedding at Pretty Place Chapel in September 2023 for sunrise. Although some guests didn't understand why we would have a sunrise wedding, once there everyone was amazed at the view and expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to attend and witness the wedding and the amazing views. It was absolutely glorious and a once in a lifetime opportunity! We had a great experience working with Angie from the YMCA who helped us make it happen. If you want a wedding that's unique, divine and with spectacular views, I would highly recommend Pretty Place Chapel.

An absolute hidden treasure in the mountains! Breathtaking views with all glory to God 💕🙏🏽💕
Of all the places I have seen across the world, this one is top 10. Stunning view and pristinely kept. The day I went, I sat with eyes closed in prayer when suddenly angelic voices praised God with songs of worship. It was in a different language but I knew exactly which songs were being sung. How great is our God? What a gift from above! Blessings!

Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!! And so very PEACEFUL! Even when others are there. So very much worth the winding drive up the mountain. And for those who would like to know, YES there are portable potties available.

This place is just wonderful! Peaceful and rhe scenery is amazing. You may sit out for some time to enjoy the view, the quietness or to pray to God as well. Make sure you are bundled because it's cold.

Truly deserving of its name, "pretty place". We went on late fall and it was a little too cold and foggy at times. Despite that, it was a bit crowded. I suggest probably going in the spring or summer. The road up to the chapel is narrow and has a lot of sharp turns so be careful.

I went to Pretty Place 30 years ago on an 8th grade field trip to Camp Greenville. It is still as remarkable and beautiful to visit it as an adult.

We went to watch the sunrise on New Year's Eve. I was surprised at how many people were there. We arrived around 6:45am while it was still dark. It was VERY cold and windy, so if you go during that time, dress warmly, wear a hat, and take a blanket. 🙂 It was absolutely beautiful. Once the sun peeked over the horizon, it comes up pretty quickly, so if you want to fully see the sun rise, be there before it starts.

One minor thing. When we arrived it was very quiet, and people spoke in hushed tones, very respectful and reverent as in a church. Some people came after us that were playing and joking with no regard to the atmosphere. It was distracting and disappointing that they acted that way, but we did our best to tune them out and focus on the beauty of the moment.

Over the years Pretty Place has become one of our absolute favorites wedding ceremony venues! The beautiful chapel being set right on the mountain side with views for days has made it an iconic location to say I do or even just to visit. It truly is one of the most unique venues and amazing settings in the area.

Absolutely breathtaking! The views were incredible but the overall feeling of peace was so overwhelming.
We visited in early spring but the review didn't post at the time. The first visit was very foggy so we had to come back the next day for a full experience. It definitely lives up to the name of Pretty Place!

What an amazing place to visit.Drove out of our way to check this off our bucket list of places to visit.Amazing views! Thank you Jesus!

What an enchanted place to visit. This place was such a treat to my family, we traveled from Texas to visit this place. It was a little chilly but totally worth it. The fog on the way up the mountain was a little thick but we traveled safely. We said a prayer for our family and really came together up on that mountain. Amen.

Beautiful! We went in the middle of the day in December. Next time I will be sure to come when the trees have leaves or maybe during the fall foliage. I would also like to see the sun rise or sun set.

Definitely go online to make sure of viewing hours. It was quite busy this past Saturday. I definitely want to come back during the week, when it’s not so busy. to have more of a silent moment. we drove almost 8 hours to watch the sunrise for our 22nd anniversary. It is definitely a beautiful view.

This is truly a beautiful venue! The backdrop is simply breath taking. The views are amazing, especially during the fall months when the leaves are changing.

Stunning wedding venue!

My husband and I couldn’t have had a better experience with Pretty Place. The staff are kind and accommodating and the views speak for themselves! Thank you for making our wedding day an absolute dream. 🤍

There is something very surreal and inspirational when you sit in this chapel and stare out over the valleys below. There are several places to stop and sight see on the way up as well. Be patient. Most people are apparently unaware of the idea that they can stand somewhere other than right in the middle of the epic views.

One negative, there are virtually no opportunities to use a restroom on the way up, and all 4 porta-potties were literally full to the very top. Plan accordingly.

It's a lovely mountain chapel with really nice views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's a peaceful spot, great for some relaxation or enjoying the scenery. Worth a visit if you're in the area!

Beautiful. If I ever get a chance to go again it’ll be for sunrise and either late fall or summer!

Beautiful little spot to watch sunrise/sunset. I do not recommend going on weekends if you want to have a quiet environment. Went on a Saturday for sunrise and it was packed, mostly teenagers, who were being loud, which made the experience not as enjoyable. But if that’s the only day you have, make sure to arrive early (it opens at 6am) to get a parking spot.