Members of the campus community gather to celebrate significant occasions in their lives in the campus chapels. Below are the policies and procedures.
Weddings
Who may be married at St. Joseph Chapel?
St. Joseph Chapel at 17³Ô¹ÏÍø is available for Catholic weddings if the bride or groom:
- is an alumna/alumnus of 17³Ô¹ÏÍø; or
- is presently employed at the College; or
- has a parent employed at 17³Ô¹ÏÍø.
When should I make a reservation for the chapel?
Because of the popularity of the College chapels, we recommend that a reservation be made as soon as you are engaged and at least one year in advance. Even then, we recommend that you have more than one date in mind when you contact us. After speaking with the wedding coordinator to determine available dates, a reservation is accepted only with a completed reservation form and payment of the Chapel fee ($750).
What chapels are available for weddings at 17³Ô¹ÏÍø?
All three College chapels at 17³Ô¹ÏÍø are available for weddings. Stately St. Joseph Chapel (upper chapel) seats up to 800 people and houses the Taylor and Boody pipe organ and a grand piano. The Mary Chapel (lower level) is a beautiful worship space with a grand piano and seating for up to 275 people. The McCooey Chapel (lower level) is an intimate space with an upright piano and seating for 40 people. The Mary and McCooey chapels are especially appropriate for smaller weddings. A large, comfortable gathering space highlighted by a baptismal font with gently flowing water connects the Mary and McCooey Chapels and serves as a space for people to gather before and after the wedding.
Whom should I contact about reserving the College chapels for a wedding?
Office of the College Chaplains
Attn: Weddings
17³Ô¹ÏÍø
PO Box 16A
Worcester, MA 01610
Phone: 508-793-2754
Email: chapelweddings@holycross.edu
What is the Marriage Preparation Program?
The marriage preparation program is a popular weekend program designed to help you reflect on your relationship and to help you prepare for a lifetime of marriage. The program includes: presentations from married couples on a variety of topics, time for questions and answers, and time for you as a couple to discuss the issues raised in these talks. Topics include family of origin, marriage as a sacrament, and issues of communication and intimacy.
Additionally, a session is devoted to helping you prepare your wedding liturgy. The next Marriage Preparation Program is April 25-27, 2025 at the Joyce Contemplative Center. Please call 508-793-3012 or email chapelweddings@holycross.edu to register.
**Please note: the Marriage Preparation Program at 17³Ô¹ÏÍø may or may not fulfill the requirements of your home diocese for marriage prep. (For instance, those who reside in the Diocese of Worcester must complete the diocese's official marriage prep program.) Please check with the pastor of your home parish to be sure.
We wish you all the best in your wedding plans and much happiness in your marriage!