Most of us girls, it’s one of our ultimate dreams, to get married in a century old cathedral or in a modern-day church or just in exclusive chapel. As early as our teenage years we already made our wedding plans starting from the wedding theme color, dresses, entourage, reception hall until the ceremonial venue. Thus, here are the Top 10 stunning churches in the Philippines, you can choose from for your dream wedding.
1. Basilica Minore de San Sebastian
Also known as San Sebatian Church, the Basilica Minore de San Sebastian is located in Pasaje del Carmen St., Quiapo, Manila and was completed in 1891. This stunning church is noted for its Neo-Gothic Revival architecture, and it is the only steel building church in the Philippines. It isn’t just the lone all-steel church in Asia, it is also the only prefabricated steel church in the world. The neo-gothic architecture of this church is decorated with paintings and colorful glass windows. Overall, the San Sebastian Church is a fine structure that resembles a giant jewel.
2. Parish of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Located in Daang Bakal Road, Antipolo, a hilly terrain in Rizal Province. The Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, is a modern Roman Catholic Church which was completed in 2013 by Dominic Galicia Architects. It is admired for its open-air style, surrounding lush garden, and an 18-metre cross hanging from the glass ceiling. The astounding and intricate open architecture of this parish is a beautiful venue for a fresh summer outdoor wedding and is also a peaceful haven for nature lovers.
3. Mt. Carmel Chapel
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Chapel Chapel du Tukon, also known as the Tukon chapel, is an Ivatan-inspired stone walled which can be found in the windy hills of Batanes. It was first established on May 3, 2008, at Sitio Tukon, Barangay Chanarian, Batanes. It’s a modern chapel built in the traditional style of a stone house, which is common in Batanes. Tukon Chapel sits humbly atop a foothill, an eye-catcher made of stone as though offered by its rich greenery and breathtaking sea view make for an intimate and refreshing mountaintop wedding.
4. Stella Maris Church
Stella Maris Chapel is a church located in Eco-Energy Park, Misibis Bay, Cagraray Island, Bacacay, Albay. True to its name, the Chapel served as “Star of the Sea” (Latin word “Stella Maris”) because it is situated on a hilltop overlooking the beautiful Gulf of Albay. In the Catholic-Christian tradition, Stella Maris is a title commonly attributed to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The chapel boasts of a scenic view of the Mayon Volcano. Its architectural design is very contemporary. Best for tropical wedding dreams.
5. Parish of Mary Immaculate Church
The Mary Immaculate Parish in Apollo III, Moonwalk Village, Talon V, Las Piñas City is also known as Nature Church because of its open-air structure and nature-inspired concept representing the ideas of Fr. Pierino Rogliardi and designed by Architect Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa. It stands under a canopy of mango trees and around thick tropical palms. The roof is made of 40,000 anahaw leaves and is considered the biggest in the Philippines. It is accented with 176 capiz dove-shaped lanterns hanging in the ceiling. The pews and kneelers are made from tree logs destroyed by the typhoon, while the floors are made of stones and pebbles. Perfect to be called a nature church, because of its landscape plants and flowers that will make you feel relaxed. Well suited for more intimate church weddings.
6. Callao Cave Chapel
The Callao Cave Chapel is situated inside one of the limestone caves located in the Barangays of Magdalo and Quibal in the municipality of Peñablanca, Cagayan province. The first chamber of the cave is the largest room like a cathedral-like that has been turned into a chapel by the local people. A rock formation serves as the altar of the chapel and halls directly illuminated by the sun during daylight coming from a rooftop opening. It is an ideal spot not only for praying but more so, if you want to stage a gothic-style wedding, exchanging wedding vows with your loved one while reverberating loud and clear off the cave’s chamber walls.
7. Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church
The Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church, also known as Guadalupe Church, is one of the oldest Renaissance-Baroque church built in 1599 and is located at 7440 Bernardino Street, Guadalupe Viejo, Makati City. It stands proud after surviving natural calamities and war. The restoring of this structure gave birth to a strange mix of architectural form hiding behind an old-world exterior. The façade shows the Neo-Romanesque-Gothic style. The vaulted ceiling is a little jarring when viewed with the rest of the church, but the white canopies over the narrow halls do bounce the light elegantly. Viewed from its front, it looks like a massive stone fortress with thick stone walls. The church looks best during weddings that is why it is considered one of the most popular wedding venues in the Metro.
8. San Bartolome Church
The 408-year-old San Bartolome Parish Church or known as Malabon Church, is located at Rizal Avenue, Malabon City. It is one of the oldest and most historical among all the Catholic Churches in the Philippines. The most striking feature of this church is its imposing Pantheon-like colonnade. Supporting the triangular pediment, it is flanked by three-story tall twin bell towers. Interiors include the Augustinian symbol inscribed above the main entrance and the unique pillared portico. Last August 2022, the National Museum of the Philippines declared Malabon Church as an “Important Cultural Heritage” as part of having exceptional cultural, artistic, and historical significance to the Philippines.
9. Ephrathah Glass Chapel
The Glass Chapel at Ephrathah Farms in Barangay Sariri, Badiangan, Iloilo, is built right in the middle of an amphitheatre. It is considered as one of the Philippines’ beautiful chapels. Its homely wooden make provides the ideal atmosphere for an intimate wedding celebration.
10. Caleruega Church
The Caleruega Church, also known as the Transfiguration Chapel, is located in Caylaway, Nasugbu, Batangas. This church was named after the birthplace of St. Dominic de Guzman. It features a hanging bridge, a koi pond, a man-made fountain, and various halls for intimate gatherings. The facade welcomes guests with its metal gate decorated with vine-like design. Once inside, you get to see large stained-glass windows that not only provide natural light but also give a radiant finish to the altar wall. Indeed, a stunning church settled on top of the highest hill surrounded by panoramic breathtaking views of greenery.
