The Chapel In Arizona That’s Located In The Most Unforgettable Setting
By Monica Spencer|Published January 11, 2017
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Monica Spencer
Author
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
Arizona has no shortage of spectacular views so it doesn’t take much for a building to be located in “the most unforgettable setting.” However, we think this little chapel in Apache Junction takes the cake when it comes to history and gorgeous scenery!
This is the Elvis Memorial Chapel, a part of the Superstition Mountain Museum.
Once a part of the Apacheland Movie Studio, the little chapel can be seen in quite a few western films and television shows. The movie ranch was built in 1969 to accommodate the spectacular view of the Superstition Mountains in the background and operated until 2004.
Two fires swept through the movie ranch, once in 1969 and again in 2004, yet the chapel remained untouched. The Apacheland movie ranch closed for good a few months after the second fire. The surviving buildings were disassembled and relocated to the Superstition Mountain Museum.
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It’s perhaps best known for its appearance in the 1969 film “Charro!,” which starred a rugged looking Elvis Presley.
The chapel was named in honor of Presley after it was relocated and the interior has a selection of Presley-related memorabilia inside. If you want to take a quick peek of the interior, check out this short video for a tour of the little chapel.
Pretty neat!
Not only does the chapel serve as a museum and mini shrine to The King of Rock but you can even get married here.
Can you think of a better view for your wedding photos?
The Elvis Memorial Chapel is part of the Superstition Mountain Museum. For visiting hours information or to reserve for weddings, check out their website, superstitionmountainmuseum.org.
