7 Catholic Churches Near Almond Garden Tagaytay
For Catholic weddings, it is important to decide on the church first. Once the church is chosen and the date booked, then you can concentrate on the reception venue and other details for the wedding.
If you wish to get married in Tagaytay then it is always a good idea to reserve one year in advance. More so if your wedding falls on a weekend or during peak months like December or January. Better be safe and start looking 1 1/2 to 2 years earlier. Once you reserve your church, then you can relax and focus on the other things that need to be sorted.
As a guide to our brides-to-be, I have listed down some of the known churches in the vicinity of Almond Garden Tagaytay. I visited them myself so I can give a personal review of each church. I took some pictures too, which I have included below.
1. Transfiguration Chapel, Caleruega
Address: Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas
Size: Medium, very intimate
Distance from Almond Garden: 10.5 km
Travel time to Almond Garden: 25 minutes
Parking: It has designated parking for wedding guests
Contact details: +63 921 270 9890/+63 921 830 4226
Email: caleruega_philippines@yahoo.com
Office Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily
When we entered the gates, we were asked to pay a maintenance fee of 30 pesos per person. I thought, was this really necessary? But as we entered the expansive grounds, I had to scold myself as I realized just how beautifully kept the place is.
Caleruega is like a nature sanctuary. And as you walk through the pathways, you discover layers and layers of greens. Just beware of a lot of stairs.
There are several pockets of gardens where you can just rest and ponder.
And the view you get is just inspiring. In here, as you keep quiet, you can hear God talking to you.
The Transfiguration Chapel sits on top of the hilly terrain. The discolored and fainted red bricks lend a certain nostalgic feel.
The entrance of the chapel is a metal sculpture which called to me. It was a promise of what's inside.
The altar is simple and unassuming, but the stained glass with the transfigured Jesus Christ is just stunning. It reminded me of the stained glass windows in old European churches.
It is a medium-sized chapel with a capacity of about 150. The aisle is not that long but could still make for a memorable walk for the bride.
No wonder it is the most sought-after church. Any angle you take, and the photos come out lovely. The greens all around is just a wonderful reminder of God's creation and love.
2. Chapel on the Hill, Don Bosco
Address: Don Bosco Batulao, Brgy. Cahil, Calaca, Batangas
Size: Small, very intimate
Distance from Almond Garden: 8.9 km
Travel time to Almond Garden: 15 minutes
Parking: It has designated parking for wedding guests
Contact details: +63 917 524 7192 /+632 404 4327
Email: chapelonthehill@yahoo.com
batulaodonbosco@yahoo.com
Chapel on the Hill is just a few minutes away from Caleruega. It is small with a capacity of about 100. It is ideal for quiet and intimate weddings.
The glass walls enable a 180-degree view of the surrounding garden.
The floor made of rough stone reminds me of a medieval setting while the materials used in the interior such as wood and stone exudes warmth and tranquility.
As I was reflecting inside the chapel, I heard a very calming sound. I thought it was the wind, but it was actually coming from this wind chime.
The altar was simple made with local materials. Nothing was there to distract from prayer and contemplation.
Outside the chapel awaits this view of the mountains.
Chapel on the Hill is a good choice for couples who want to keep it quiet and intimate. The gardens, view and the simplicity all add to the beauty of the ceremony.
3. San Juan Nepomuceno, Alfonso
Address: Alfonso, Cavite
Size: Large
Distance from Almond Garden: 9.4 km
Travel time to Almond Garden: 20 minutes
Parking: It has designated parking for wedding guests
Contact details: +63 936 131 8368
Office Hours: Tue to Sat 8:00 am to 11:30 am, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm;
Sunday 8:00 am to 12:00 nn; Office is closed on Mondays
San Juan Nepomuceno was established as a parish on January 20, 1861. It is more than 150 years old.
When I was a student studying El Filibusterismo and Noli Me Tangere, this was the church that I would imagine while reading the novels.
The interior is spacious with a high ceiling. There's no doubt about capacity as this church is big.
When we visited, volunteers were cleaning the church in preparation for St. Therese and also for the Visita Iglesia. The spirit of bayanihan is so alive in this town of Alfonso.
The aisle is long and could make for a dramatic bridal walk.
This beautiful stained glass acts as a backdrop to the choir balcony.
The walls and architecture of this church is indeed dated but somehow I felt welcome inside. The gray stone walls, ornate altar, and the history that this church has gone through gives a snapshot of how it was many years ago.
4. Our Lady of Lourdes, Tagaytay
Address: Aguinaldo Highway, Silang Crossing West, Tagaytay
Size: Large
Distance from Almond Garden: 15 km
Travel time to Almond Garden: 26 minutes
Parking: It has designated parking for wedding guests
Contact details: +63 46 4130758 or +63 46 4132468
Email: ollptagaytayofficial@gmail.com
Office Hours: Tue to Sun 8:00 am to 12:00 nn, 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm; Office is closed on Mondays
It was my first time in Our Lady of Lourdes Church and I was struck by the spacious interior and ornate details. The beautiful altar is the first to call your attention as you enter.
The ceiling is high and gives a feeling of open space.
There are gold embellishments in the details setting the tone for a big grand wedding.
I imagine it's going to be a beautiful walk down the aisle.
Our Lady of Lourdes Church is a beautiful church to say your vows. The only challenge is that it is right in the middle of a very busy area beside the malls. So just have a lot of buffer for travel time.
5. St. Benedict Parish Church, Silang, Cavite
Address: Westgrove Heights, Silang, Cavite
Size: Large
Distance from Almond Garden: 37.8 km (via Aguinaldo Highway)
Travel time to Almond Garden: 60 minutes
Parking: It has designated parking
Contact details: +63 46 511 1005/ +63 927 962 8682
Office Hours: Tuesday 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Wednesday to Saturday 9:00 am to 12:00 nn / 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Sunday 9:00 am to 12:00 nn/ 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
St. Benedict Parish Church has a modern, clean and simple design. The garden surrounding it is fresh, green and picturesque.
Although it is farther than the other churches above, more and more couples are opting to get married in St. Benedict because it feels less commercialized, more private and more quiet than the popular Caleruega. This means no hassles with vendors and "paid parking" attendants.
The archway gives a good entrance for the bride.
The aisle is long and the ceiling is high. Arches define the interior of the church. The altar is simple and modern, but leaves an impression.
6. St. John Bosco Parish Church
Address: Laguna Boulevard, Don Jose, Sta. Rosa Laguna
Size: Large
Distance from Almond Garden: 36.2 km (via Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay)
Travel time to Almond Garden: 60 minutes
Parking: It has designated parking
Contact details: +63 49 541 1134
Office Hours: 8:00 am to 12:00 nn; 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
St. John Bosco Parish Church is in the same vicinity as St. Benedict. It is also surrounded by gardens.
The parking spaces are ample and the church is big enough for 500 guests.
The interior of the church is simple and its accent is the mural behind the altar.
The aisle is long and the ceiling is high. But it could use a little more natural light, perhaps.
7. San Antonio de Padua Church
Address: Pook, Silang, Cavite
Size: Large
Distance from Almond Garden: 31 km
Travel time to Almond Garden: 70 minutes
Parking: It has designated parking
Contact details: +63 46 414 1891
Office Hours: Tue to Sat 8:00 am to 12:00 nn; 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Sunday 8:00 am to 11:30 am (half day)
Closed on Mondays
San Antonio de Padua is a beautiful and private church hidden in the residential part of Pook, Silang, Cavite. Going up to Tagaytay via the Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay road, you will turn right at a small street which I wouldn't even have seen if not for Waze helping me out.
Then you drive along a busy residential/commercial street. As you enter the premises on the left side, it's a surprise actually to see that the church grounds is spacious and full of greenery. It's like a hidden gem.
When I arrived, there was a wedding and the bride was about to enter. Inside, it was also beautiful. The long aisle was adorned with flowers and drapes.
The altar had intricate carvings and the ceiling was painted with images of Jesus, Mary and the saints.
And so I have here seven possible churches for your wedding. Try to visit them and see which ones call out to you or make you feel warm and happy inside.
Until my next blog!