Marsh Chapel Reservations

Boston University is honored to have received from past generations and generosities the gifts of Marsh Chapel and Marsh Plaza. Worship services, weddings, memorials, and spiritual gatherings, as well as significant annual university  events are held in Marsh Chapel. These events take priority over all other requests. Students, faculty, staff, and all others  are expected to honor the historical, architectural, symbolic, and spiritual significance and centrality of Marsh Chapel and Marsh Plaza on Boston University’s campus when considering the nature and context of any proposed event or use of the space.

Looking to book BU Beach/Alpert Mall?

 All reservations for the BU Beach/Alpert Mall are made through the Events and Conferences Office.

Our Spaces:

Marsh Plaza (Outside): All requests for use of Marsh Plaza must be made through 25Live. BU student groups and University departments are permitted to reserve the Plaza, pending routine approval.  Groups utilizing the Plaza are expected follow the Chapel’s standard guidelines (see below) as well as all Boston city policies and BU-specific policies regarding outdoor events. 25Live Requests are reviewed on a weekly basis. Please allow at least two weeks for your request to be processed.

Marsh Chapel Sanctuary, Thurman Room, Robinson Chapel, and/or Marsh Room: Please submit all other reservation requests or inquiries to our office using our Reservations Form.

The Reservations Form can be used to request the following types of reservations:

  • Recurring Religious Life gatherings (BU Affiliated)
  • One-time Religious Life gatherings (BU Affiliated)
  • Student Degree Recitals
  • Faculty/Staff Concerts
  • Student Org Concerts or Performances
  • Community Concerts
  • Wedding Inquiries (Ceremonies only)
  • Misc. requests for meetings, classes, or small events

Any use of space in the Chapel must be requested in advance and is subject to approval from the Dean of Marsh Chapel and/or the Director of the Chapel. Use of space within Marsh Chapel is generally restricted to Student Organizations registered  with the Student Activities Office and Boston University Departments. No approval is final until written confirmation is received from the Chapel. All approvals are subject to change or cancellation by the Chapel in case of urgent need. Space Requests require approximately two weeks for processing. The Chapel will not be held responsible for any publicity or other arrangements made by a group before final approval of an event’s space is granted. Please see the table below for fees associated with chapel use.

Standard Chapel Space-Use Guidelines

1. Reservations may begin no earlier than 8:00AM

2. Reservations must conclude by 9:00PM

3. Overnight reservations are NEVER permitted.

4. The Chapel must be respected as a space of Sacred Worship and historical importance. Therefore, items/decor may not be attached to any of the wood carvings, stained glass windows, or the original doors of the chapel. If decorations need to be used, please speak with the chapel Staff Coordinator or Director to seek permission.

5. Tape, adhesive, paint, and chalk may not be used on any surface of Marsh Plaza, including the stone and steps to the chapel and the King Statue. Groups or individuals violating this rule may be approached by BU administrators or BUPD and ordered to remove decor or other items from the Plaza, regardless of reservation status.

6. Food and beverages may not be sold or consumed in the main chapel (main floor worship space).

7. Food and beverages are permitted in the lower level of the chapel but must be consumed or securely closed before entering the sanctuary.

8. Events requiring amplified sound must notify Chapel staff of this need upon reserving the space. Amplified sound is never permitted on Marsh Plaza while classes are in session.

9. A Chapel staff member must be present for the duration of all events unless special permission is granted by the Chapel Director and/or the Dean of the Chapel.

10. Fees associated with Event reservations are to be paid in full in cash or by check at least 7 days in advance of the event. Reservations which are not paid in full before this deadline may be subject to cancellation.

11. Marsh Chapel reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any reservation in the event of a national or university-wide emergency including but not limited to: severe weather, campus lockdown, pandemic, or university crisis/tragedy which requires the involvement and/or use of Marsh Chapel.

12. Boston University Departments, Students, Student Organizations, or Faculty/Staff people should submit an “As-Is” Facilities request upon confirming the reservation to ensure that the building is returned to its original state.

13. As a rule, fraternity initiations, student film projects, sleepovers, and outside vendors are not permitted at Marsh Chapel.

For questions regarding any of these guidelines or to inquire about receiving special permissions, please email chapel@bu.edu.

Fees

For information regarding Weddings at Marsh Chapel and for a full outline of fees associated with Wedding Reservations, please refer to our Weddings at Marsh webpage.

BU Student Recitals
With Income
Without Income
Organ degree recitals / concerts
$50.00
Free
Non-organ degree recitals / concerts
$100.00
$100.00
Lectures / dramatic presentations
$100.00
$100.00

 

BU Student Orgs or Musical Groups
With Income
Without Income
Group recitals / concerts $300.00 $200.00
Lectures / dramatic presentations $300.00 $200.00

 

BU Departments, Faculty, or Staff Events
With Income
Without Income
Concerts
$600.00
$300.00
Graduations / ceremonies
$600.00
$300.00
Lectures / dramatic presentations
$600.00
$300.00

 

Non-Affliated Groups or Individuals*
With Income
Without Income
Concerts
$2500.00
$1000.00
Lectures / dramatic presentations
$2500.00
$1000.00

*Non-affiliated requests are handled on a case by case basis and require approval from the Chapel Director.

Fees for any event not listed here will be set by the Dean of the Chapel.

Groups expecting income from admission, tickets, or film/sound recordings, etc. made at the Chapel must indicate this on their Event Agreement, and are subject to the fee category “with income”. Groups charging no admission, planning no sales of recordings, etc. or religious or non-profit groups accepting donations are subject to the fee category “no income”.  Please note:  Marsh Chapel is not able to provide Stage Crew personnel or a green room space, but chairs and music stands without lights are available for use.

Please reach out to our Staff Coordinator (617)353-3560 to discuss your event’s specific needs.