Nestled in the woods atop Lookout Mountain of northern Alabama, Mentone Wedding Chapel is surrounded by ferns, forest and flowers. Reminiscent of traditional Appalachian churches of days past, it blends quaintness and elegance to create the perfect setting for a memorable wedding day. Stained glass windows filtering soft forest sunrays and soft organ music accent an ambiance for an atmosphere gentle and tender befitting a wedding ceremony.

Inside, its Cherry wood pews are decorated with bows that can be changed to any color desired. At the end of the aisle, a beautiful candelabra holding more than forty candles seems to wrap around the couple as they exchange vows. Large ferns also decorate the front of the chapel and hide the organist who plays the wedding march. The chapel will seat approximately forty guests.

Linda Patterson, owner of the chapel, said the idea for it began with a bell. While browsing at a trade day in Georgia one weekend, she came upon a bell and one might say she heard wedding bells. She decided the bell needed a purpose, so she built a chapel around that bell. Now it is the chapel wedding bell, for each time a couple gets married in the chapel, the bell rings as they exit the door.

Ms. Patterson not only provides the location for the ceremony, she can also provide the live music, all of the flowers, pictures, and even a reception, if a couple so desires. Outside receptions are arranged in the summer months only. She offers a nondenominational ceremony of your choosing. She also provides the minister, or the couple can invite one of their own to officiate.

Receptions: Following your ceremony facilities are available for an elegant or casual reception in the beautiful Preston House. Cathedral ceilings, a huge rock fireplace, beautiful table settings, balcony and windows to the trees this gives a wonderful atmosphere where memories are cherished.

Lodging: Honeymoon or holiday, Linda now offers The Rose Cottage and the Tree House Cottage for peaceful and private lodging. These accommodations atop Lookout Mountain are beautifully furnished with queen beds, romantic fireplaces and Jacuzzi tubs.

Special requests for the not-so traditional weddings are in her realm. For example, for one couple, upon deciding on an old-fashioned "shot gun" wedding, Ms. Patterson enlisted the help of the ranch hands from the neighboring dude ranch. The bride arrived by armed escorts on a stage coach and everyone was dressed in the Western attire of the olden days. For more elegant weddings, a chauffeured limousine for arrival and departure can be arranged.