Weddings in the Chapel

Weddings at Sacred Heart University

Weddings in the Chapel are available to alumni, current students, faculty and employees of Sacred Heart University, from June 1 through August 15 annually.

The following is a checklist as you prepare:

  • Contact the Wedding Coordinator at weddings@sacredheart.edu at least one year prior to your desired date to confirm availability of the Chapel. The fee to reserve the Chapel is $1,000.
  • In order to reserve a wedding at the Chapel, ensure that you have secured a priest or deacon in good standing to preside at your celebration. The University is unable to provide a priest or deacon for Chapel weddings.
  • Once the date has been cleared by the Wedding Coordinator, download the marriage registration form and return within 30 days to the Wedding Coordinator at weddings@sacredheart.edu, along with the non-refundable Chapel fee.
  • Contact Matt Cimino at ciminom5@sacredheart.edu to arrange for your music and discuss appropriate fees. Matt will assist you in making appropriate musical selections and in coordinating with musicians and vocalists.
  • In accordance with marriage norms, your local pastor will need to provide a letter of permission for the wedding to take place in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit. That letter is to include the full names of both parties, the date of the wedding and an assurance that marriage preparation is being provided through the local parish.
  • A letter of good standing for the celebrating priest or deacon must be provided at least six months in advance of the wedding date. That letter of good standing can come from the local Bishop, Chancery or Religious Superior for the priest or deacon. Please mail original document to:

    Wedding Coordinator
    Office of Campus Ministry
    Sacred Heart University
    5151 Park Avenue
    Fairfield, CT 06825

  • In your local preparation, complete the following:
    • A Pre-Nuptial Investigation (PMI) with your local parish
    • Provide Freedom to Marry forms as provided by your local Diocese
  • Within six months prior to the wedding date, Catholic participants need to obtain a recent annotated Baptismal certificate from the parish where they were baptized. This certificate should include any notations on receiving other sacraments. For non-Catholic Christians, submit a copy of your baptismal certificate.
  • The Priest or Deacon witnessing your marriage is responsible for acquiring any needed dispensations.
  • You will need to complete a Marriage Preparation (Pre-Cana) program. The certificate of completion must be included with other marriage documentation being gathered.
  • All completed materials must be submitted at least two months prior to the date of the wedding.
  • You will need to obtain a marriage license from the Town of Fairfield Town Clerk. Their website and requirements can be found online.
  • The Wedding Coordinator will be on site with you at your rehearsal and during your wedding ceremony to assist with any issues that may arise.
  • All weddings that take place in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit are recorded at St. Andrew Parish, 395 Anton Street, Bridgeport, CT.