Beyond the Garden Gate moves to Mountain Oaks Wedding Chapel

It's tea time at Mountain Oaks Wedding Chapel, which is the new home of Beyond the Garden Gate tea room and gifts.

"It fits right in with weddings and the building," chapel owner Sharron McCarthey said of the antebellum plantation-style former courthouse. She stressed that only the location has changed - owner Jackie Jones and all the fixings, including website and phone number, are still the same. "This is a Victorian tea room. British [tea rooms] are less formal."

photo Karen Petty, Jackie Jones and Sharron McCarthey, from left, prepare to bring Beyond the Garden Gate's tea services to Mountain Oaks Wedding Chapel.

A grand opening will be held during the normal tea service hours of 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 16. Several new menu items will likely be revealed at that time. As always, walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are strongly encouraged.

The new space allows for expanded services. One room alone seats up to 100 people. A large outdoor area can welcome at least 70 guests. Private bookings are available, and McCarthey noted the option of bridal party and shower tea sessions. She also mentioned the likelihood of benefit teas for cancer patients and research. Her sister, Karen Petty, who is in business with her, was recently diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer.

"I think tragedy is going to turn into something good to help somebody else," McCarthey said.

Since the separate wedding portion of the business is a full-service operation, a photographer can be on-site for any special occasion.

Photographer James Richardson, who's been sharing people's private moments at the chapel since it opened 11 years ago, couldn't begin to estimate how many weddings he's been a witness to, but he said it's a popular place. McCarthey said that while there are some openings, it's pretty much booked through December.

The facility has an upstairs chapel that can accommodate up to 150 guests and an outdoor area for up to 300, but McCarthey warned that a feasible backup plan is a good idea. Brides can bring their own flowers, cake and photographer, or get an all-inclusive deal using McCarthey's family's floral businesses, The Flower Shop in Ooltewah and Killian Daisy Florist on Highway 58.

"Once they book the building we try to discount everything as much as we can," she said.

Outside catering, however, is not allowed.

Upcoming Events