Weddings

Welcome and Congratulations!

We are honored by your interest in celebrating your wedding at the University of Chicago’s Rockefeller Memorial Chapel and Joseph Bond Chapel.

Availability

Bookings for 2026 are now open! 

Our chapels host weddings from April through October. Ceremonies are held on Saturdays only, with time slots at 12 PM or 4 PM. Please note that we do not offer simplified or short-notice packages for smaller or impromptu ceremonies.

Bookings for 2027 will open April 2026. 

Renovations

As we celebrate the 100th anniversaries of Rockefeller and Bond Chapels, please note:

• Rockefeller Chapel is under renovation until July 18, 2026 and will resume hosting weddings after this date.
• Bond Chapel will begin renovation starting June 27, 2026 and will not be hosting weddings after that until further notice.

Chapel Conditions

Rockefeller Chapel seats up to 1,500 guests and is well-suited to both large and intimate ceremonies. Bond Chapel provides a more intimate setting with seating for up to 150 guests. Both chapels welcome ceremonies of any religious, cultural, or secular tradition. 

It is important to note that Bond and Rockefeller Chapels are not air conditioned. We do not have facilities for serving food at Rockefeller or Bond Chapels, and we do not permit wedding parties to bring alcohol on to the premises. 

Couples must provide their own officiant, who must be legally authorized to perform weddings in the State of Illinois. You are also responsible for obtaining a marriage license from Cook County; however, you do not need to present the license to chapel staff.

Eligibility

Due to demand we are only able to accept wedding requests from those who meet one or more of the following criteria:

• A current student, enrolled in a degree-granting program of study at the University of Chicago.
• A member of the staff or faculty at the University or the University Medical Center or a member of one of the University’s boards or visiting committees.
• Alumni of the University, including the Laboratory School.
• The child of one of the above.
• On a case-by-case basis: a member of our Sunday congregation, or related volunteer staff from area religious affiliates.

Venue Fees

The fee for Rockefeller Chapel for 2026 ceremonies is $4,100 and the fee for Bond Chapel will is $3,000. (2025 ceremonies: $3,700 at Rockefeller, $2,700 at Bond). A non-refundable deposit of $750, due within 10 days of booking, is required to reserve your date.

Payment Details

• Credit card link provided by your coordinator
• Check made payable to Rockefeller Chapel
• We are unable to accept cash payments

Remaining balance is due upon receipt of the final invoice, approximately 30 days prior to your ceremony via a separate University customer account. Acceptable balance payments include:

• ACH transfer
• Wire transfer
• Check

Mail checks to:

Rockefeller Chapel Office of the Dean
5850 S. Woodlawn Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637

What’s Included

Wedding fees are all-inclusive, and cover the following:

• A one-hour Friday rehearsal
• A three-hour Saturday ceremony window:
• 12 PM ceremonies: 10:45 AM – 1:45 PM
• 4 PM ceremonies: 2:45 PM – 5:45 PM
• All activities, including vendor load-in/out, photography, and musician soundchecks, must occur within this reservation window
• Use of up to two gathering rooms during the ceremony window
• Services of the University organist and carillonist
• Presence of a dedicated wedding coordinator at both the rehearsal and ceremony

The organist and carillonist do not attend the rehearsal.

How To Book

After reviewing the information on this page, please e-mail weddings@uchicago.edu with the following details:

• your name
• your partner’s name
• your University affiliation
• your preferred venue (Bond or Rockefeller Chapel) given renovation dates above
• desired date or general timeframe for your ceremony

Our coordinator will follow up within 2-3 business days to help you secure a date and time, which will be placed on a soft hold for up to 10 business days.

Deposit

To finalize your reservation, a non-refundable $750 deposit is required within the 10-day hold period. Payment can be made via a secure credit card link or mailed check, described above.

Agreement and Points of Contact

Completing a deposit for a ceremony at Rockefeller or Bond Chapels indicates your acceptance of the stipulations on this page. Your official point of contact is your coordinator; please do not contact other Chapel staff unless introduced by the coordinator.

Thank you for your interest in our spaces, and our best wishes once again!

Chapel Wedding FAQ

Accessibility 

Q: Are the chapels ADA accessible?

A: Yes.

Rockefeller Chapel: ADA-accessible restrooms and dressing rooms are available via a lift in the south lobby (for guests only). The entrance from the Lexington Lot has a ramp and dedicated parking spaces for step free access. 

Bond Chapel: Bond Chapel restrooms and dressing rooms are located in the adjoining Swift Hall and are fully accessible. There is no vehicular access to Bond within the quadrangles. Guests should enter via the Classics Archway at 1010 E. 59th Street, which has a ramp and directional signage.

Parking

Q: Where can guests park?

A: Rockefeller Chapel: Street parking, the Midway Plaisance, and the Lexington Lot at 5835 S. University Avenue (open evenings/weekends). A ramp from the Lexington Lot leads to the southwest entrance.

Bond Chapel: Parking is available on 59th Street and the Midway Plaisance. There is no vehicular access to Bond within the quadrangles. Guests should enter via the Classics Archway at 1010 E. 59th Street, which has a ramp and directional signage.

Site Visits

Q: Can I tour the chapel before booking?
A: Yes, we accommodate initial tours of the chapel, which can be scheduled with our wedding coordinator. After booking, up to two additional site visits can be arranged for your Music Meeting and Rehearsal. Additional visits beyond these are not available, but you’re welcome to visit on your own during regular public hours for a self-guided tour.

Photography

Q: Can we have professional photos taken at the Chapel?

A: Yes, but only for University-affiliated parties with paid event reservations. Posed or costumed photography and the use of drones are not permitted on University property.

Receptions

Q: Can we host a reception at Rockefeller or Bond Chapel?

A: No, receptions are not permitted at either Chapel. Reception spaces will need to be booked independently. Here are on campus and local partners we recommend. 

On-campus options: Quadrangle Club, International House, Logan Center for the Arts, Smart Museum, Rubenstein Forum, Ida Noyes Hall (summer only).

Off-campus options: The Sophy, The Study, Hyatt Place.

Music and Technology

Q: Who plays the organ and carillon?

A: Only the University organist and carillonist (or their designees) may use these instruments. They will work with you to select ceremony music and are included in the booking fee.

Q: Can we opt out of organ or carillon music?
A: Yes, you may choose not to use either the organ or carillon. However, the wedding fee is all-inclusive and remains the same even if you opt out of these services.

Q: Is the music customizable?
A: Yes. The University organist and carillonist will work with you to create a customized repertoire that fits your preferences and the tone of your ceremony.

Q: Can we bring our own musicians?

A: Yes, you may invite additional live musicians (singers, instrumentalists). Pre-recorded music is not allowed. You may opt out of organ/carillon music, but no discount is provided.

Q: Is sound amplification provided?

A: Yes. Basic wireless microphones are provided for:

• The officiant
• One reader
• One solo vocalist or instrumentalist (if applicable)

 We do not provide ensemble or area microphones.

Q: Can we record the ceremony?

A: Yes. Unobtrusive video recording is allowed. However, we do not provide sound feeds. Equipment should be discreet and non-disruptive.

Q: Is Wi-Fi available for vendors?

A: Yes. The University Guest Wireless Network is available to your wedding party and vendors. Wired connections are not available, and vendors should bring a hotspot if needed.

Décor & Setup

Q: Can we decorate with flowers or candles?

A: Yes, with the following guidelines:

Floral arrangements may be placed in the chancel area only.

• Delivery must occur within your reservation window—no early drop-offs
• No flowers or petals may be placed or thrown in the aisles
• Ceremony candles are allowed only if placed in wax-catching holders
• Only freestanding floral or décor elements are allowed. All setup and teardown must take place within your 3-hour reservation
• Ladders may not be used
• Nothing may rest on or attach to historic woodwork

Q: Are aisle runners allowed?

A: No. Aisle runners are not permitted.

Q: Can guests throw petals or other items?

A: Yes, with restrictions:

• Allowed outside only: bubbles, birdseed, and flower petals
• Not allowed: rice, confetti, or balloons

Q: Can we bring printed programs for guests?
A: Yes! Couples may provide their own printed ceremony programs, which can be distributed by ushers or placed at the entrance. Please email a digital version to weddings@uchicago.edu between 14 and 7 days prior to your wedding, so we can support local preparation and archive your ceremony in our records.