•SfM and TLS point clouds can be used for 3D modelling of heritage sites.•TLS point clouds are more accurate than SfM point clouds.•3D vector models are more versatile than 3D mesh models for heritage documentation.•3D vector models should be combined with elements of 3D mesh models.•Any point cloud can be a base for a 3D reality mesh model. Technological development of remote sensing and computer graphic techniques resulted in various methods of documenting heritage sites. This paper presents validation of point clouds produced using different measurement techniques: SfM (based on images taken with a hand-held digital camera and from a UAV) and TLS and its products – a textured 3D vector model and a reality mesh. The study area is the ruins of the Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel in Zagórz, Poland. The obtained results allowed for formulating general conclusions regarding the usage of particular methods for documenting heritage sites, achievable measurement accuracies and data quality. Possible further applications of produced models in VR and BIM were discussed. Based on the analyses, the research also proposes workflow for inventory of heritage sites, which may become useful during documentation surveys and modelling planning.