It is the church for the Vartdal parish which is part of the Søre Sunnmøre prosti (deanery) in the Diocese of Møre.

[1][2] Historically, the people of Vartdal were part of the Ulstein Church parish.

Knut L. Stokkeland was hired as the builder, and he scaled down the building somewhat from the original size based on the drawings.

Despite being essentially completed in fall of 1867, the church was not formally consecrated until 8 April 1877, which was the first Sunday after Easter.

A severe storm in March 1879 caused some damage to the new building which was repaired soon after.