The Tiny House movement coming to age brings with it some interesting stories. It’s funny how everything old becomes new again if you wait long enough. There was a time when tiny chapels that would hold ten or twenty worshippers dotted the plains of this nation, now it seems the Tiny House movement has brought that back in the form of a tiny, mobile wedding chapel.
All the features of a traditional church in a much smaller space.
At 100 square feet, it’s the first of its kind for Virginia-based builder, Bil Malbon. The chapel is currently available for weddings and can accommodate the bride, groom and twenty of their closest friends.
Malbon, recently retired from a state government position, and is also an ordained minister. His retirement plans included the construction of a wedding chapel capable of handling up to 200 guests.
Sticker shock on the construction costs caused Malbon to do a reality check. When he ran across the site of a Tiny House enthusiast, he knew what he had to do.
A rear view of the chapel while under construction.
Since he had spent time studying to be an architect for two years, Malbon was not a complete beginner when it came to planning structures. He knew enough to get started and Goodrich Architecture supplied the rest. As a final step, he decided to attend a Tiny House building workshop with Boneyard Studios, where he got a chance to see the process in person.
The interior of the chapel is simple but traditional.
So, eight months of construction later, Malbon set out to bring love to the world, one couple at a time. His chapel is available for engagements, with various packages starting at $100. The chapel features a traditional “Little White Church” look, complete with vaulted ceiling, gothic windows and a steeple.
A couple getting married at the tiny chapel.
Wedding Wire has lots of (positive) reviews about the chapel, and more photos of the mobile matrimony machine in action!
