It is located in the village of Vernes along the Trondheimsleia in the north part of the municipality, about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) southwest of Vassbygda.

It is the main church for the Agdenes parish which is part of the Orkdal prosti (deanery) in the Diocese of Nidaros.

[1][2] According to the Soga om Magnussønene (the saga of the sons of Magnus) in the Heimskringla, the first Agdenes Church was built by King Øystein during the early 12th century (probably before the year 1123).

The King who built the church also constructed a fortress wall surrounding the area and a harbor along the fjord.

During the 13th century, King Håkon Håkonsson had repairs carried out on the church.