Sibyl Temple

George Ward, former mayor of Birmingham, designed Sibyl Temple as a replica of the Temple of Sibyl in Tivoli, Italy, near Rome. It was the garden gazebo of his Vestavia estate for which the City is named. In his garden it was the entrance to a bird sanctuary and it was the scene of many colorful parties. Vestavia Hills Baptist Church purchased the property in 1958 and had the house demolished in 1971, but spared the Temple, donating it to the Vestavia Hills Garden Club.

In 1976, the Vestavia Hills Garden Club had Harbert Construction Corporation relocate Sibyl Temple from the former estate to the northern limit of Vestavia Hills at the crest of Shades Mountain. Placement of the Temple upon this highly visible precipice on U.S. Highway 31 established it as the symbol of the City. The Garden Club has maintained the Temple as a special project since then. The Temple appears in the official seal of Vestavia Hills.

In 1985, the Temple was added to the Alabama Register of Landmarks, and the sign bearing the State seal was installed to the site in 2008. In 2015, the City was awarded a grant from the Alabama Historical Association to assist with the restoration of the Temple.

Reserve Sibyl Temple

Sibyl Temple is one of Vestavia Hills’ top tourist attractions, and it is a sought-after location for weddings, photography, small gatherings and picnics, and is open to the public from 7 a.m. to sunset, except when reserved. Sibyl Temple has on-site parking, restrooms and picnic tables. (Due to the risk of frozen pipes, restrooms at Sibyl Temple are closed through the winter months, except during events.)

Site Fees*:

1-25 attendees: $200  |  If alcohol is served, there must be a police officer present. Event security officer is an additional $149 for 3 hours; each additional hour is $49 per hour.

26-74 attendees: $549 |  Fee includes 3 hours of police security (1 officer) at $149; each additional hour is $40 per hour.

75+ attendees: $649 |  Fee includes 3 hours of police security (2 officers) at $249; each additional hour is $40 per hour, per officer.

*City of Vestavia municipal employees are eligible for a $100 discount on Sibyl Temple rental fees.

Security Deposit: $150 |  A security deposit is required for all events held at the temple. Deposit check is held and will be returned following your event unless damages are incurred.

Table Rental: $10 per table  |  Total of 6 – 60” round tables and/or 1 – 6’ rectangular table available to rent.

White Wooden Chairs: $2 each  |  Total of 64 chairs available to rent.

  • Payment in-full is due a minimum of one month prior to scheduled event.
  • Sibyl Temple is open for events from 10am to 10pm. Due to limited space, a maximum number of 75 event guests is suggested.
  • Prior to your event, a Sibyl Temple Foundation volunteer will meet with you to address any questions or concerns, check the restroom facilities and install signs at the park entrance stating “Sibyl Temple Closed for Private Event.”
  • It is the responsibility of the renter to transport and set-up rented tables and/or chairs. The Sibyl Temple Foundation volunteer will direct you to the storage location prior to your event. Tables and chairs must be transported to and from the on-site storage facility with chairs neatly returned to their protective wraps after your event.
  • Decorations (tape, nails, etc.) are NOT ALLOWED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES anywhere on the temple, including temple columns.
  • The picnic area (with five picnic tables), lower gardens, patio area and restrooms are wheelchair accessible; however, the temple level can only be reached by stairs.
  • In the event of inclement weather your rental fee is refundable with 48-hour notice of cancellation, after which a $100 cancellation fee may apply.
  • Sibyl Temple is not closed to the public unless it has been rented for an event. Therefore, it is not recommended to host an event without renting the facility.
  • Any event serving alcohol must arrange for police security by contacting the Sibyl Temple Foundation.
  • For more information, contact Anne Moulton at annemoulton@bellsouth.net or 205.960.6062. You may also contact Sibyl Temple Foundation, 154 Montgomery Highway or P.O. Box 660645, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216.