McDonough Chapel Wedding Policies/Guidelines

Who Can Get Married at McDonough Chapel?

Weddings are normally to be celebrated in parish churches. It is an exception when the Sacrament of Marriage is celebrated in a chapel. Permission for the exception must be explicitly granted by the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Through the Mercy Ministry Center, Saint Xavier University is willing to request such permission on behalf of currently enrolled, degree-seeking students, graduates, full-time staff or full-time faculty of the University.

McDonough Chapel is a Roman Catholic chapel, and as such, all weddings scheduled for celebration must be a Catholic liturgy or ceremony in accordance with Catholic Canon Law.

Wedding Fee

The fee for a wedding in the McDonough Chapel is $500 and includes the use of McDonough Chapel for the wedding and rehearsal. This includes a non-refundable $250 deposit.

This fee does not include other fees and stipends, such as those for clergy and musicians, and others.

Scheduling

Desired dates can be requested up to one year in advance of the proposed wedding.

McDonough Chapel will not be available for weddings on the following dates:

• Any Sunday of the year
• Liturgical Feasts/Holy Days
• University special events or closings
• Homecoming weekend
• Thanksgiving weekend
• Commencement weekends
• Christmas Break,Triduum/Easter weekend
• Fourth of July holiday weekend

Wedding Preparation

Couples must provide their own priest or deacon to officiate at the wedding. It is the responsibility of this person to obtain the appropriate paperwork and documents to prepare the couple for marriage according to all Archdiocese of Chicago policies.

Couples must obtain the written permission of their parish pastor for permission to marry in McDonough Chapel.

Couples need to make arrangements for any musical accompaniment to perform at the wedding ceremony.

McDonough Chapel is completely accessible, including the sanctuary area. It seats 200 people.

Saint Xavier University requires that the sacred and liturgical environment of McDonough Chapel be maintained at all times. This includes the seasonal liturgical environments, such as the configuration of chairs, banners and other liturgical appointments. Also, all parts of any celebration in the Chapel, including readings and music, should be sacred and prayerful in nature.

The University reserves the right to make all final decisions pertaining to the wedding ceremony and use of McDonough Chapel.