Evelyn Chapel Access Policies
Officiants
Weddings may be performed by officiants who are ordained and in good standing within
his or her denomination. Visiting clergy must provide their own vestments and any
other liturgically related items (i.e., chalice and paten for communion). Be sure
to contact your clergyperson soon, as there are meetings which many clergy require
beginning months before your wedding. The University does not currently have a Chaplain
or officiant available; each couple will need to provide their own officiant.
Legality
The couple must meet all the requirements of the State of Illinois and supply the
officiant with the Marriage License. It is the officiant's responsibility to make
sure that all appropriate information is completed and sent to the County Clerk's
office.
Schedule
University events have priority over the scheduling of ceremonies and rehearsals;
however, once confirmed, a wedding will not be "bumped" because of a university event.
Given our academic calendar, there will be blackout dates each year for Orientation,
Homecoming, and Commencement.
No more than two wedding ceremonies will be scheduled per day. Each couple is allotted three hours of chapel time to complete their ceremony, take photos, and attend to other needs. If additional time is required, it can be booked for a prorated fee. Any extra time must be reserved in advance to prevent conflicts with other events. Using the chapel outside of scheduled times will incur additional fees and is subject to availability.
Chapel staff recommends starting the ceremony no later than 90 minutes into the scheduled time slot to allow sufficient time for guest dismissal, final photos, and cleanup before the end of the three-hour period.
A one-hour rehearsal will be scheduled, typically between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
the day before the ceremony, based on the chapel ceremony package chosen. Officiants
are expected to attend the rehearsal. The IWU Venue Coordinator will also be present
to assist with the rehearsal and address any questions.
Cancellation Fee
In the event that you cancel your wedding reservation for any reason, you will be
refunded your Chapel fee, minus a $200 cancellation fee, up to six weeks before the
scheduled ceremony. Once within six weeks of the ceremony, no refund will be given.
Confirmations and Changes
Once the application has been processed and approved, you will be emailed a contract
to sign. After signing the contract, you may mail or drop off your deposit check to
the Conference Services Office. Once this has been received, your wedding is fully
booked. Should there be any changes in the information you have provided, please notify
the Conference Services Office. Once your wedding is scheduled and confirmed, changes
will be considered, but cannot be guaranteed.
Building Decorum
The location of the pews may not be changed. The set up of the Chancel (i.e., altar area) may be changed; the standard setup of the Chancel contains the altar, lectern, and piano (if needed). A detailed list of items that may be placed on the stage can be provided to the couple. The space is relatively small, so we ask all parties to plan accordingly.
Adhesive tape and tacks may not be used to hang pew markers or ribbons. Please inform
your florist. No markings of any kind are allowed on the Chancel area. Items suspended
in any way from the balcony must be approved in advance. Please reach out to us at
weddings@iwu.edu if you have any questions regarding decorations!
Helpful information
- The Chapel seats approximately 215 people.
- The Chapel includes 14 rows of pews and chairs in the balcony.
- The length of the aisle is approximately 45 feet by 3.5 feet.
- The Chapel can provide kneelers.
- Two small and two large flower pedestals are available.
- There is a room downstairs in which the party may wait or dress.
- The Chapel is handicapped accessible.
- The Chapel has air conditioning.
- There is one bathroom in the lower level and one bathroom in the upper level.
- Drugs and alcohol are prohibited throughout the Chapel building and on all outdoor property of Illinois Wesleyan University. Guests to the Chapel bringing these items inside will be asked to leave.
- Rice, bird seed, confetti, etc. may not be thrown in, or in front of, the Chapel.
- Real flower petals are not allowed to be thrown down the aisle. If artificial petals are thrown, the wedding party is responsible for collecting these before they depart the Chapel.
- Enclosed candles may be used in the Sanctuary (no open flames).
- The Chapel is equipped with an organ and a piano, and a University Musician will be provided to play, depending on the ceremony package chosen. Outside musicians are permitted, though use of the organ requires prior approval.
- The Chapel is not wired for sound; the Sanctuary was built acoustically to not require
a sound system.
Pictures
Photos in the Sanctuary should be completed thirty minutes before the ceremony begins. However, pictures may be taken outside and in other areas of Evelyn Chapel during this time. Any flash photography or videography during the wedding ceremony is only permitted with consent from the Officiant.
Under no circumstance are photographers, wedding party, or guests allowed on the catwalk underneath the cross. This is a safety hazard and is prohibited.
Please note that Illinois Wesleyan University does not allow the use of drones on
our campus.
Parking
Ceremony day parking is complimentary for you and your guests. Depending on availability,
the University parking areas behind the Chapel and the Welcome Center may be used.
Additional Information
Evelyn Chapel is not responsible for any items that are lost, stolen, left behind, or damaged. For the safety of your personal belongings, you may request to lock them in the Ceremony Coordinator's office. Please note that this is a college campus, and the Chapel is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. during the academic year.
