Boston University Marsh Chapel

Weddings at Marsh Chapel

Dear Interested Couple,

We are pleased that you are considering Marsh Chapel for your ceremony.

In submitting your request to have your wedding here, it is important to provide all information on the application form. If you cannot, please call with additional information as soon as you obtain it.

RESERVATIONS ARE NOT FINAL UNTIL THE COMPLETED FORMS AND FEE(S) ARE FILED AND CONFIRMED BY THE CHAPEL OFFICE IN WRITING. PLEASE, DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, MAKE ANY OTHER RESERVATIONS (BAND, RECEPTION HALL, ETC.) UNTIL YOU RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION LETTER FROM THE CHAPEL. We cannot "hold" dates without the application and payment. Nor can we call you if anyone else expresses interest in your wedding date. We receive hundreds of wedding inquiries every year and little notes and "penciled in" dates easily become confused. It is important that you return the application and a deposit of 50% of the Chapel fee at once in order for us to save the date that you have in mind. PLEASE CALL PRIOR TO SENDING IN YOUR APPLICATION TO CHECK IF THE DATE AND TIME ARE AVAILIBLE. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the enclosed information, please do not hesitate to call us, or, if we are not available, please leave a message with one of the Chapel staff.

As soon as your wedding date is confirmed, it is very important that you contact your officiant. Usually three or four meetings are required for adequate preparation for the ceremony. Please read the enclosed regulations carefully so that everything runs smoothly.

If you should have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact me at the Chapel. Good luck in your preparations!

Sincerely,

Heidi Freimanis

Elizabeth Fomby

Wedding Coordinators

MARSH CHAPEL

Daniel L. Marsh Chapel is located in the heart of Boston University's Charles River Campus, centered between the School of Theology and College of Arts and Sciences.

REGULATIONS FOR WEDDINGS

1. AVAILABILITY

Marsh Chapel is available for weddings primarily to members of the University community (students, faculty, staff, and alumni) and secondarily to those with no University affiliation. Roman Catholics intending to be married in the Chapel should refer to the enclosed set of requirements for Catholic weddings.

2. APPLICATION PROCESS

In order to reserve the Chapel for a wedding, the couple must complete the Wedding Application form and return it to the Chapel office along with the fee(s). Please provide us with all the information as requested on the forms, especially the important details (i.e. names and addresses of the couple, music, etc.). Reservations are not final until the completed forms and fee(s) are filed and confirmed in writing by the wedding coordinator. Do not make any firm plans until your reservation is confirmed in writing! Due to the large number of weddings and other services scheduled at the Chapel, it is important to obtain a final reservation as early as possible. The Chapel reserves the right to refuse a wedding application because of scheduling conflicts or other reasons at the discretion of the Dean of the Chapel. All questions and/or concerns should be addressed to the Wedding Coordinator.

3. LEGALITY

The couple must meet all the requirements of the Commonwealth and supply the officiating clergy with the Marriage License. It is wise to bring the license to the Chapel at the time of the rehearsal or earlier. If permitted by the Dean, officiating clergy who are not residents of Massachusetts need to contact the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, Commissions Section at (617) 727-2836, regarding requirements for out-of-state clergy who are conducting weddings in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Roman Catholics intending to be married in the Chapel should refer to the enclosed set of requirements for Catholic weddings.

4. CLERGY

All weddings in the Chapel must be of a religious nature; therefore, civil ceremonies involving a Justice of the Peace are not permitted. The Dean of the Chapel reserves the right to preside at weddings, except for Roman Catholic weddings arranged through the Newman Center. The Dean may assign another University Chaplain to preside if unavailable. Outside clergy are only permitted with the Dean’s permission, and must be approved before confirming the date of your wedding. The Dean of the Chapel, as well as the other University Chaplains, require appointments for pre-marital conversation once they commit themselves to conducting the ceremony. These meetings will begin once the commitment has been made. Remuneration is discussed in the section on Fees.

For Roman Catholic weddings, a confirmation by Marsh Chapel does not guarantee participation by Roman Catholic clergy. Arrangements (preparation and commitment by clergy) must be made separately and before the chapel is reserved.

5. MUSIC

Customarily, the University Organist or the Associate Organist plays for weddings. S/he is happy to consult on all music matters, instrumental and vocal, and may be reached through the Chapel office. There is a $350 fee ($100 deposit) for the organist's services. This fee includes one 1/2 hour consultation, and one musical rehearsal 1 hour prior to the start time of the wedding. If the music requested requires additional rehearsals or excessive preparation, there may be an additional fee of $50. This fee would also apply if the organist's services are desired at the wedding rehearsal. All fees must be negotiated and paid in full prior to the day of the wedding. All checks are to be made payable to Justin Blackwell. If you would like the organist to play for your wedding, please complete the Application Form for Chapel Organist and return it with the non-refundable deposit of $100.00 to the Chapel office. You are welcome to use your own organist, subject to the approval of the University Organist. In this instance, a $100 fee will be levied for the use of the organ and a $50 fee will be levied for the use of the grand piano. ELECTRIC GUITARS AND OTHER AMPLIFIED INSTRUMENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED.

6. SCHEDULING

Weddings may be scheduled to start at the following times:

• Weekdays: Between 9:00 am and 8:00 pm
• Saturdays: Between 9:00 am and 8:00 pm
• Sundays: 3:00 pm

Three hours (one hour before and two hours after the scheduled start-time) will be reserved for each wedding. Should you know of any reason you might need more time, please specify on your application. Rehearsals may be scheduled to begin between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 8:00 P.M. One hour will be reserved for the rehearsal. All dates and times are subject to approval.

University and religious events have priority over the scheduling of weddings and rehearsals. For instance, reservations are not made for Orientation/ Registration weekend in September, Homecoming/Parent weekend in October, and Alumni and Commencement weekend in May, as well as through Holy Week and the University winter intersession.

7. PUNCTUALITY

Due to the large number of weddings scheduled at the Chapel, punctuality is imperative. If your wedding or rehearsal is delayed more than 1/2 hour, the Chapel reserves the right to move your wedding party to Robinson Chapel, which is located on the lower level in the same building. EVERYONE in the wedding party must be in attendance at the scheduled start time. Please take into account Boston city traffic (i.e. rush hour, Boston Red Sox games).

8. BUILDING DECORUM

The location of the pews and/or altar may not be changed. Adhesive tape and tacks may not be used to hang pew markers or ribbons. Please inform your florist. Decorations shall be kept at a minimum in order to preserve the beauty of the Chapel. The Wedding Coordinator will be present during the rehearsal and the ceremony, and will be able to answer your questions.

Helpful Information:

1. The Chapel can provide a kneeler.
2. The Chapel can provide a unity candleholder. The wedding couple must provide the unity candles themselves.
3. The aisle length is 85 feet. The bridal couple or florist should supply a runner of 100 ft. if so desired. The width of the aisle is about 5 feet 4 inches. Low-quality runners are not recommended—the aisle is stone and cheap runners are treacherous.
4. There are 17 pews on each side of the Chapel.
5. The Main Chapel seats 400 people.
6. The Robinson Chapel (located in the basement of Marsh Chapel) seats 80 people.
7. There are rooms downstairs in which the wedding party may wait or dress prior to the Ceremony.
8. There is a handicapped lift for use by your guests in the Marsh Chapel. However, there is no convenient restroom on the main floor, and no access to the lower levels of the Chapel.

SMOKING IS FORBIDDEN THROUGHOUT THE CHAPEL BUILDING. RICE, BIRD-SEED AND CONFETTI MAY NOT BE THROWN IN THE CHAPEL, OR IN FRONT OF THE CHAPEL. A FINE OF $50 FOR CUSTODIAL SERVICES WILL BE LEVIED IF THIS REGULATION IS IGNORED. PLEASE INFORM YOUR GUESTS OF THESE RULES. DOVES MAY NOT BE RELEASED.

9. PICTURES

Flash pictures may not be taken in the Chapel during the actual ceremony; however, flash pictures are allowed during the processional and recessional. The only pictures permitted during the ceremony are non-flash pictures taken from the back of the Chapel or from the balcony, subject to the approval of the officiating clergy. Video-taping is permitted ONLY WITH THE EXPRESSED PERMISSION OF THE OFFICIATING CLERGY and following the same guidelines of decorum required for still photographs. Inform those working for you, as well as guests, of our rules so that all is clearly understood. Photographers who do not obey the wishes of the clergy may no longer be permitted to work at Chapel weddings.

10. RECEPTIONS

Facilities for a reception are not available in the Chapel, although other excellent campus facilities are available. Call the Castle, (617) 353-2934, or the University Reservations Office, (617) 353-2932 for further information.

11. PARKING

Wedding-day parking will be complimentary to you and your guests, upon availability, in the University parking facility behind the College of Arts and Sciences. If this lot should fill up, guests will be directed to alternate BU lots. Unfortunately we cannot arrange parking for the rehearsal, but there are metered spots and pay parking lots nearby. You will receive a map and parking instructions with your wedding confirmation letter.

ABSOLUTELY NO CARS OR LIMOUSINES MAY BE DRIVEN DIRECTLY ONTO MARSH PLAZA, WHICH IS IN FRONT OF THE CHAPEL, PER ORDER OF THE BOSTON UNIVERSITY POLICE.

12. FEES

Please note these Fees are effective as of October 1st 2008

Chapel Fee

This is determined by the couple's affiliation to the University. Checks for the Chapel fee should be made payable to Marsh Chapel. A deposit of at least 50% of the Chapel fee is required to reserve the Chapel or Robinson Chapel. You must provide a University ID number and send in proof (or you may have the appropriate office send proof) that you are a full-time student, alumni, faculty or staff before the Chapel can process your information. Full-time Students and Alumni may contact the Office of the University of Registrar at 617-353-2178. Faculty and Staff may contact the Office of Personal (617-353-2380). Please remember that is your responsibility to provide the Chapel with the proper verification of your status.

	Marsh	Robinson
Full-time Student	$500.00	$300.00
Alumni, Faculty or Staff	$800.00	$400.00
No University Affiliation	$1,200.00	$600.00

This fee includes reservation of the Chapel space for your rehearsal and wedding. You are permitted to use the Plaza and Albert Mall (BU Beach) for photos during your booking time. The fee also includes free parking for you and your guests on the day of your wedding; a wedding coordinator for your rehearsal and wedding; the use of the downstairs Thurman Room for the bridal party; and use of such liturgical supplies as a kneeler, cross, and candles, as requested. Other fees are outlined below.

Clergy Fee

The Clergy fee is $500, paid to the Dean or Chaplain.

Chapel Organist Fee

$350.00 (minimum $100.00 deposit). All checks for organist fees should be made payable to Justin Blackwell. Refunds are not available for Organist fees. For this reason, we encourage you to send only the non-refundable deposit. There will be a $50.00 fee for every fifteen-minute delay after the set start time (the time indicated on the wedding application).

Instrument Fee

If you choose not to use the University Organist but plan on using the instruments there will be a fee of $100.00 for the organ and/or $50.00 for the grand piano. These fees are due by the time of the rehearsal date.

Wedding Coordinator Fee

The fee for this required service is $100, payable before the rehearsal. The Wedding Coordinator handles all of the administrative aspects of your wedding. S/he processes and confirms all wedding/rehearsal correspondences, takes care of scheduling conflicts and handles any details specific to your wedding. The Wedding Coordinator will be on hand at both your rehearsal and wedding ceremony. S/he will be available to answer any questions you may have and help with any last minute details. S/he is also responsible for aiding in the processional, setting up the chapel (aside from that handled by your florist), and cleanup.

Cancellation Fee

In the event that you cancel your wedding reservation for any reason, a cancellation fee of $150 will be deducted from your fee refund.

13. WEDDING COORDINATOR

The Wedding Coordinator handles all of the administrative aspects of your wedding. S/he processes and confirms all wedding/rehearsal correspondences, takes care of scheduling conflicts and handles any details specific to your wedding.

You may contact the Wedding Coordinator by Chapel phone, mail, or e-mail. The e-mail address for Marsh Chapel is: weddings@bu.edu.

The Wedding Coordinator will be on hand at both your rehearsal and wedding ceremony. S/he will be available to answer any questions you may have and help with any last minute details. S/he is also responsible for aiding in the processional, setting up the chapel (aside from that handled by your florist), and cleanup.

14. CONFIRMATION AND CHANGES

Once the application has been processed and approved, you will be mailed a confirmation letter. Should there be any changes in the information you have provided, please notify the Wedding Coordinator of such action immediately. The Chapel cannot guarantee its ability to accommodate changes in time, date, or availability of clergy/organist.

FOR ROMAN CATHOLICS SEEKING TO BE MARRIED IN MARSH CHAPEL

I. Archdiocesan Policy regarding the place of marriage

"The policy of the Archdiocese allows for marriages to be celebrated at a college chapel where there is a Campus Ministry and provided that one of the persons is a student or recent graduate of that college [within a maximum of 3 years of graduating]" (3/3/89 #6621 Pastoral Guidelines/Policies, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston).

The usual place of marriage is the parish church of the bride, or in the case of a non-Catholic bride, the parish church of the groom. While the Catholic Chaplaincy at BU is not a parish, Catholic marriages may take place at Marsh Chapel only when one or both of the parties is a current student or recent graduate of BU. The Catholic Chaplaincy exists within the boundaries of St. Cecilia Parish, 30 St. Cecilia St. Permission for each marriage must be obtained from the pastor of St. Cecilia by the priest who will witness the marriage. Other questions regarding Roman Catholic weddings should be submitted to the Chancery Office of the Archdiocese at 617-254-0100.

II. Arrangements for the use of Daniel L. Marsh Chapel

Arrangements must be made through Marsh Chapel after securing a commitment from the priest or deacon who will be officiating at your wedding.

III. Arrangements for Officiating Clergy

Arrangements with the clergy are made independently of Chapel reservations. The date of the proposed marriage can be confirmed with the officiating clergy upon completion of necessary Catholic Church paperwork and other required preparation. Fees paid to Marsh Chapel are for the use of the Chapel and do not include any offering you may wish to make to the clergy witnessing the marriage.

IV. When the clergy is the University's Catholic Chaplain

An appointment with the Chaplain must be made at least six months in advance of the desired date of marriage. Baptismal certificates are required of all baptized parties. Roman Catholic parties must obtain an official copy of their baptismal record from the church of their baptism, issued within six months prior to the marriage. Attendance at a marriage preparation program is required. Schedules of these programs will be made available during the first meeting with the Chaplain. It is the responsibility of the couple to obtain a civil marriage license which should be presented to the Chaplain at the time of the wedding rehearsal.

V. When the clergy is not the University's Catholic Chaplain

There is no need to contact the Catholic Chaplain. All necessary paperwork, the securing dispensations, and arrangements for marriage preparation programs are to be taken care of by the clergy who will be witnessing the marriage. The officiating clergy must obtain delegation from the pastor of St. Cecilia Parish and make arrangements to record the marriage and file the marriage papers there. Visiting clergy will need to bring their own vestments, communion vessels, bread, wine, and books. Please advise them of this necessity.