A jewel at the heart of Tucson’s rustic beauty.

Photo by Kimberly Larson

The San Pedro Chapel, which sits on a hillside overlooking the Old Fort Lowell Neighborhood, is both a neighborhood icon and a national treasure. It was built by residents of the neighborhood in 1932 and served as their principal place of worship for decades. Although no longer used for regular worship services, this beautiful building is the site of many weddings and other events, such as neighborhood gatherings, historic lectures, art exhibits and memorials.

“Once they see it, most people planning a wedding in Tucson are eager to reserve it for their special day,” said Kimberly Larson, the chapel rental coordinator. ”They love its beauty, historic charm, and the fact that it can be rented for far less than many other wedding venues in Tucson.” Completely restored, the historic Chapel provides seating for 64 guests. The exposed beam ceiling, rustic details, and charming artwork provide an elegant and authentic setting for virtually any event.

The Adobe House with a cozy corner fireplace is the perfect location for the bride’s dressing room, rehearsal dinners, buffet table set up, family gatherings, or small meetings.   A table that seats 16-18 is available for your use.  A separate support building provides a kitchen with refrigerator, dishwasher and prep area.

Unlike the typical wedding location, San Pedro Chapel can be rented for the entire day the ceremony takes place. Chapel rental includes tables and chairs, white linens and many decorations stored on site that can be used free of charge.

Gallery

 

Rent the Chapel

Rent the picturesque San Pedro Chapel for your next function! 

San Pedro is an ideal venue for baptisms, coming of age celebrations, intimate weddings, elopements, private parties, classes and seminars, workshops, memorials, anniversary celebrations and other neighborhood community events.  The Chapel easily accommodates 75 people. The Adobe House seats 16-18 people.  Events can occur between 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. with post event cleanup completed by 10 p.m.

The rental fee includes use of the Chapel, its grounds, ancillary buildings, tables and chairs and white linens.

An ideal location at an ideal price.

Our reasonable pricing, free parking and central location make San Pedro Chapel a great choice.

  • Wedding Ceremony      $ 1,400
  • Wedding & Dinner        $ 2,200
  • Elopement                     $   750*
  • Memorials                      $  600**
  • Adobe House Only        $  400**
  • Other Events                  Call for pricing

* Elopement pricing is Monday – Thursday only, up to three hours, no meal service, less than 20 people.

**A $150 surcharge will be added if the event includes the serving of food and beverages. Tables, chairs and linens are provided.

Contact us today by email or call (520) 318-0219 to learn more.  The San Pedro Chapel Event Coordinator will work with you to ensure your special event is perfect.

Chapel FAQs

What’s included in the rental?

– A full day rental (9 a.m. to 10 p.m.). There is no stress in having to work around someone else’s schedule.
– Full use of the San Pedro Chapel, Adobe House, Services Building and 3 1/2 acres of our beautiful natural setting.
– 20 3×6 tables          – white linens
– 100 folding chairs     – use of any donated decorations

We also try to provide a two-hour courtesy window the day before for interior decorating, rehearsals, etc. This is contingent on whether we have a committed rental for that day.

Can I bring my own food/use my own caterer?  Yes.  We provide a small kitchen equipped with refrigerator, sink, and microwave (no stove).  The Adobe House is available and ideal for setting up a buffet line. You and/or your caterer provide the food. You create the setup the way you want per your needs and costs.

What is your alcohol policy?   
Alcohol may be served by a licensed bartender.

Do you provide the officiant/pastor?
You must provide your own officiate. Couples being wed have had reverends, ministers, pastors, judges, shamans, healers and newly-licensed friends perform their nuptials.

Is the chapel non-denominational?   Yes, the chapel is non-denominational.

What is the seating capacity inside the San Pedro Chapel?  The Chapel pews seat up to 64 people.  Events may have up to 75 people in attendance.

Do you have AC/Heat?  Yes. The San Pedro Chapel, Adobe House and Services Building are temperature controlled.  You can adjust the thermostat to your comfort level.

Can I have music and a dance floor? For the courtesy of our neighbors, amplified music is not allowed outdoors.  Acoustic music is allowed, such as guitar, strings or soft background music (no horns).
Do you provide parking?  Yes.  There are three parking lots that can accommodate up to 55 cars.

When do we have to clean up and restore things to normal?   
At the end of your event, you are responsible for restoring the San Pedro Chapel to its original condition. Please allow time for clean-up.

Can my pet be in the wedding?    Yes. Well-mannered, four-legged family members are always welcome.

Can I use real candles?   Real candles may only be used inside the San Pedro Chapel and only on the altar. Otherwise, no open flame, either inside the Chapel or outside on the Chapel grounds, is permitted.
Electric or battery-operated flicker candles work well and create a very nice ambience.

Does the chapel provide soap, towels, toilet paper, trash cans, etc.?  Yes. These basic necessities are provided.

Are there any hidden costs? There are no hidden costs or surprise add-ons.  Please see the “Rent the Chapel” section for current rates.

Do you require event liability insurance? To protect the historic chapel and grounds and our clients and guests, we may ask you to obtain event liability insurance at a nominal cost from a provider that will be listed in your contract at signing.

Contact Us

Contact the San Pedro Chapel Event Coordinator today for more information.  She will work with you every step of the way to ensure your event is perfect and stress-free.

San Pedro Chapel Event Coordinator
info@sanpedrochapel.com
Mobile (520) 318-0219

History

A Rich History

In the early 1900’s, families from Sonora, Mexico began moving to the area they called “El Fuerte” which is now Tucson’s Old Fort Lowell Neighborhood.  Initially, they moved into the buildings of the decommissioned Fort Lowell.  As the community grew, adobe homes were built, along with a school, a store, a cemetery and a church.

San Pedro Chapel

The current San Pedro Chapel, dedicated in 1932, was built over the ruins of an older church that was destroyed in a tornado.  Both were constructed by the El Fuerte community.

The hill where the Chapel stands was once the center of El Fuerte. A cluster of houses stood here, served by a well on the northeast slope. In spring and summer, baseball games were played nearby.

San Pedro Chapel served its people until 1948. In 1993 the Old Fort Lowell Neighborhood Association, Inc. purchased the Chapel.  In 2004 the Old Fort Lowell Neighborhood Association began an historic preservation process to restore this piece of Tucson’s history.

La Capillita Sanctuary

This small sanctuary is a reconstruction of the earliest religious structure on this site. First erected in about 1915, La Capillita was served by a Carmelite father who rode out from Holy Family Parish in Tucson. For services, the community gathered in front of this tiny structure under the shade of mesquite trees while the priest stood inside.

In 1997, an archeological exploration revealed the original walls, the mud adobe foundation, and the packed dirt floor of the original sanctuary.  The sanctuary was restored with historic accuracy.