Roman Catholic Weddings

A confirmation by Marsh Chapel does not guarantee participation by Roman Catholic clergy. Arrangements of pre-marital preparation and commitment by Roman Catholic clergy to officiate must be made separately by the couple and before the chapel is reserved.

Archdiocesan Policy regarding the place of marriage

“The policy of the Archdiocese allows for marriages to be celebrated at a college chapel where there is a Campus Ministry and provided that one of the persons is a student or recent graduate of that college [within a maximum of 5 years of graduating]” (3/3/89 #6621 Pastoral Guidelines/Policies, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston).

The usual place of marriage is the parish church of the bride, or in the case of a non-Catholic bride, the parish church of the groom. While the Catholic Chaplaincy at BU is not a parish, Catholic marriages may take place at Marsh Chapel only when one or both of the parties is a current student or recent graduate of BU. The Catholic Chaplaincy exists within the boundaries of St. Cecilia Parish, 18 Belvidere St. Boston, MA 02115. Permission for each marriage must be obtained from the pastor of St. Cecilia and by the priest who will witness the marriage. Other questions regarding Roman Catholic weddings should be submitted to BU’s Newman Center at 617-353-3632 or the Chancery Office of the Archdiocese at 617-254-0100.

Arrangements for the use of Daniel L. Marsh Chapel

Arrangements must be made through Marsh Chapel after securing a commitment from the Roman Catholic priest or deacon who will be officiating at your wedding.

Arrangements for Officiating Clergy

Arrangements with the clergy are made independently of Chapel reservations. The date of the proposed marriage must be confirmed with the officiating clergy upon completion of necessary Catholic Church paperwork and other required preparation. Offerings you may wish to make to the clergy witnessing the marriage should be given directly to the clergy person.

When the clergy is the University’s Catholic Chaplain

An appointment with the Chaplain must be made at least six months in advance of the desired date of marriage. Baptismal certificates are required of all baptized parties. Roman Catholic parties must obtain an official copy of their baptismal record from the church of their baptism, issued within six months prior to the marriage. Attendance at a marriage preparation program is required. Schedules of these programs will be made available during the first meeting with the Chaplain. It is the responsibility of the couple to obtain a civil marriage license which should be presented to the Chaplain at the time of the wedding rehearsal.

When the clergy is not the University’s Catholic Chaplain

All necessary paperwork, the securing dispensations, and arrangements for marriage preparation programs are to be taken care of by the clergy who will be witnessing the marriage. The officiating clergy must obtain delegation from the pastor of St. Cecilia Parish and make arrangements to record the marriage and file the marriage papers there. Visiting clergy will need to bring their own vestments, communion vessels, bread, wine, and books. Please advise them of this necessity.