The Woods Chapel

Address:	525 Leaf St, Long Lake, MN 55356, USA
Phone:	+1 612-718-0414
Site:	thewoodschapel.com
Rating:	3

Location

Photos 82

Reviews 10

Christina Rich

The Woods Chapel is absolutely beautiful! It made for some incredible wedding photos. Unfortunately, thats the only good thing I can say about it. The management is frustrating to work with and seem to be constantly finding ways to nickel and dime you. My wedding was January 7 and the coordinator was on vacation for Christmas and New Years and wasnt back until a few days before the wedding. I understand that everyone needs vacation but it would have been helpful if the coordinator had delegated her role to someone else so I could have someone to answer my questions. The day of the rehearsal, the coordinator came up and told me I still owed them $500. First of all, that was a lie. Second of all, you should ask for payment prior to the day before the wedding. We asked if we could use the piano (that was already in the chapel) and the coordinator told us thatd be an extra $50. The piano was already there! So we had to bring in our own keyboard to save $50. I couldnt believe it. They have a rule that all our stuff had to be out of the bridal cottage before the ceremony, so right before the ceremony my bridesmaids had to put all their stuff in their cars. This is a really inconvenient rule and seems unnecessary. At the reception, all the guests had their coats on because it was freezing. My maid of honor asked if they could turn up the heat and the coordinator refused. I was really disappointed in the Woods. I also sent them an email a year later (I know, it was late) letting them know ways they could improve their business. I truly tried to tell them this in a way that was constructive and respectful. I never got a response. I think its absolutely unacceptable how they run their business and really hope they make some changes after reading some of these reviews as its such a gorgeous venue!

Keri Johnson

The venue and wedding were beautiful, so it’s unfortunate that I have to report this cautionary tale. The owner was at times wonderful and accommodating and at times acted totally erratic and very unprofessional. Make sure the wedding party and all guests know how serious she is about the alcohol policy. The bride and groom were charged a $350 fine because two groomsman opened beers on the party bus as we were about the leave. Because the party bus was technically on the property, the fine stood. It’s such a shame because we were so close to leaving and the groomsman were just trying to escape the mosquitoes until the rest of us got on the bus. The owner physically got on the bus to check if people were drinking, threw a fit and chewed out the bus driver all while the bride and groom were taking last minute pictures nearby. Her behavior at the end was embarrassing, irrational and lacked professionalism. I hope she does something worthwhile with all the outrageous fines she likely collects. Her expectation of the bride and groom being responsible for the behavior of hundreds of guests 100% of the time is unreasonable. I was stunned to observe this woman lack the ability to take a deep breath, calm down, understand what qualifies as a problem and give out a warning vs. an excessive fine.

Katie Patterson

We had a terrible experience here. The venue is pretty, but the coordinator, Tracey, was pretty rude to the bride and groom. The bridal party brought a 6-pack to the cottage. They did not know it was an alcohol free area. However, Tracey saw the brides sister holding one of the bottles, and she tore it out of her hand! She then went around the entire room accusing the party of having more alcohol. She had brought something for the bride, but instead of giving it to the bride, she threw it down and snapped toward her, "This was for you." The bride nearly cried. It was awful. I could not believe she did this right before the bride was about to walk down the aisle. Even if she was just upset by the 6-pack, she could have handled the situation in a more professional manner. She was just so rude to the bride. I could not believe it. So unfortunate, and that was not the only rude incident that happened. The Bride and Groom did not get their full security deposit back, which it looks there were similar reviews of deposits being withheld. The location is nice, but I would not recommend it to anyone. It is NOT worth the hassle.

Krissy DeVries

The Woods Chapel was not at all what I expected, being a bridemaid in a wedding. First off the grounds needed work, guest setting area was over grown, and the fountain did not work. Secondly the coordinator was absolutely unorganized and rude. The rehersal was short, and done in the chapel due to rain. On the wedding day she never once told us were we needed to stand on the outside stage. Also, the music went off during the ceremony. Thirdly the officant was unprepared and preformed a so-so ceramony. Was not up to par with the venue. After all this it was a gorgeous venue, but the management was rude and unprepared. Good Luck to you, if this is the venue you choose.

Julia Sand

Five minutes ago I had my mind set on having my ceremony here even though its way out of budget for us. I called Tracy hoping she could work with me just a little bit, but she barely gave me the time of day. I respect firm prices, and had she been more kind, I would have found a way to make it work on our end. However, it was made very clear in our 2 minute conversation that she cared only about money. If youre in the wedding industry, please at least pretend to care about your potential clients - first impressions are everything.

Kent Halvorson

Dishonest and unorganized, this company had many problems on the wedding day one of the selling points of the venue was the the fountian and that didnt work! After all was said and done this company withheald part of the damage deposit because a guest was spotted having a beer in the parking lot after the service was over. The wedding party had no control over this. Finally the officiant was unprepared and sub par.

Jeannine Marie Photography

Tracey is so great to work with! She has weddings at the Woods Chapel down to a science! The chapel is adorable and the getting ready cottage is perfect for the bridal party! The gardens and grounds are beautifully maintained all year round! If youre looking for an intimate outdoor or indoor ceremony with picturesque settings, I would recommend this Twin Cities venue!

Robert Johnson

I love the space here. It is amazing and the bride cottage is so cute and would be great for pictures. The coordinator is a nightmare here. Out of all the venues I have been to she was the worst one to deal with and I have found the same information on lots of brides on different blogs sites and reviews sites which is making me not choose this venue.

Jolissa Skow

The Woods Chapel was the perfect spot to get married for me this past September. Its very well taken care of, Tracy was there on my wedding day helping immensely, and I got many compliments on the location. My photography is absolutely gorgeous. The bridal cottage and grounds feel like being in a beautiful woods-themed fairy tale! Highly recommend it.

Madison Larson

A beautiful outdoor venue with an equally stunning chapel. Would highly recommend if youre looking for a hassle-free ceremony site!