Weddings at the Chapel

Weddings at the Chapel

Chapel Usage Guidelines

The following are guidelines for using the Chapel for your wedding ceremony. These regulations are dictated by State Law and University policy and are included in the Reservations Agreement. Any exceptions must be approved by the Reservations Office in advance.

General

• Alcohol is strictly prohibited anywhere on Memorial Chapel premises.
• Smoking is prohibited inside the Chapel building.
• Use of incense that would leave a lasting scent is prohibited.
• Animals are prohibited unless approved through the Reservations Office.
• Food and drink are allowed in the Lounge and Conference Room only.
• Fees for additional clean-up and repairs for damage to the building caused by renters, vendors or guests will be charged to the renter’s security deposit credit card with prior notification.

Chapel Access and Rental Times

Renters must not be on the Chapel premises before contracted rental start times or after contracted end times. All deliveries, set-up and clean-up must take place within contracted access times.

Ceremony start and end times must be followed as contracted unless other arrangements are made through the Reservations Office.

Due to time constraints, the number of guests is not to exceed 300 per time block reserved.

Due to time constraints, receiving lines are not permitted unless the renter has reserved two time blocks and/or had the receiving line approved through the Reservations Office.

Photography/Videography

To ensure that your wedding is a private affair and will not be disturbed by other parties, photographs/video are only to be taken inside and outside the Chapel reserved. Outdoor photography for a Main Chapel wedding must be done in front of the Main Chapel, and outdoor photography for a West Chapel wedding must been done in the West Chapel Garden, unless otherwise approved by the Reservations Office.

Decorations

Nothing is to be thrown or dropped anywhere inside or outside the building. This includes petals, rice, birdseed, etc. This policy also applies to silk petals and ceremonies that will be using an aisle runner. Time constraints do not allow for the additional clean up required. As an alternative, we suggest that a flower girl hand out single stems to individuals as she walks down the aisle.

State fire code prohibits the use of wax candles at Memorial Chapel. For this reason we provide you with beautiful brass candelabras or candlesticks with oil filled candles. These must be used on the altar table in the chancel of the Chapel. We also have a Unity Candle ensemble that can be reserved. With prior approval, an exception can be made if the couple prefers to bring their own wax Unity Candle ensemble or memorial candle. It also must be used on the altar table. No floor standing candles allowed.

Arches and chuppahs are not allowed unless renters have secured two timeslots for their wedding. Exceptions can be made for hand-held chuppahs with prior approval from the Reservations Office.

Aisle decorations must be secured with ribbon, elastic, or approved pew clips. Decorations may not be fastened in a manner that would damage the pews. Approved pew clips may be purchased through the Chapel Reservations Office.

Decorations beyond freestanding flower arrangements and aisle decorations must be approved by the Reservations Office to ensure time will allow for setup and takedown.

Glitter, flowers with shedding ferns, etc. are prohibited. These items make quite a mess and time constraints do not allow for the extra clean-up required.

Renters are responsible for the cleanup of all items, excluding property of Memorial Chapel.

Sound System

No Equipment is to be plugged into the Chapel Sound System besides the property of Memorial Chapel. Renters may, however, plug cords into Chapel outlets.

Musical Instruments

Access to the Chapel’s organs and pianos is included in both Main Chapel and West Chapel reservations. However, if you plan to use the Moller Pipe Organ in the Main Chapel, you are strongly encouraged to contract with one of the Chapel’s approved organists. If you would like to bring in your own organist, they must complete an audition and be approved by the Chapel staff. Please plan to schedule the audition at least six weeks before your event.

Anyone is welcomed to play the Main Chapel grand piano and West Chapel organ and piano.