Wedding Information - Using and Locating - The Chapel of St. Ignatius

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Who can be married at Seattle University?

As a general principle, marriages are to be celebrated in the home parish or church of either of the parties to be married. (Code of Canon Law, Canon 1115) Where pastoral need makes it desirable for the wedding to be celebrated in a university chapel, such weddings for Seattle University community members will be permitted. Seattle University community members include current students, alumni, faculty, staff, Trustees and Regents, current and emeriti.

Children of Seattle University community members should celebrate their marriages in their home parish or church.

Where may a wedding take place at Seattle University?

Roman Catholic weddings may be celebrated in the Chapel of St. Ignatius or Campion Main Chapel. Christian weddings and other religiously based weddings may take place in the Campion Chapel.

When may weddings take place at Seattle University?

Saturday is the usual day for weddings to be celebrated. They are never celebrated on Sundays. Also, the Church discourages the celebration of weddings during the season of Lent.

Do Catholic weddings always take place during Mass?

No, weddings can take place either during the celebration of Mass or during a Liturgy of the Word. Normally, weddings are celebrated during Mass only when both parties are of the Catholic faith.

Are people who have been married before able to be married in the Catholic Church?

Normally speaking, the answer to this question is no. That is because the Catholic Church regards marriage as a permanent commitment. However, because there are exceptions and extenuating circumstances in this whole area, you would be well advised to discuss it as soon as possible with the pastoral minister for weddings.

Is some sort of preparation needed for couples wishing to be married?

Yes. Since marriage in the Catholic Church is a sacrament and a commitment for life, one of the ways we value and honor it is by taking time to help couples prepare. Several options are available and they will be explained to you by Campus Ministry, or by your minister. Normally, marriage preparation consists in a Retreat (weekend), an all-day workshop, or sessions with a trained counselor.

Does Seattle University have policies regarding the content of the wedding service, the music to be used, etc.?

Yes. For Roman Catholic weddings the content of the service is set forth in the Churchs Ritual Book for weddings. However, the couple being married is encouraged to plan the wedding service by choosing the Scripture readings. Seattle University also has standards and policies regarding the music to be used at a wedding. These are set forth in some detail in the Wedding Policies and Procedures which is given to all engaged couples. Weddings celebrated in other traditions or rites must be valid according to those rites.

How does one arrange to get a wedding on the calendar?

Please contact the Pastoral Minister for weddings after a priest, minister, or deacon has agreed to officiate at your wedding. (Kathy Collins 206-296-5585).

Is there a fee involved for a Seattle University wedding?

Yes. The chapel stipend for your wedding helps defray the costs of the services of personnel and utilities. It is the sign of ongoing stewardship in faith to the church community of time, talent, and treasure.

Fee Schedule for Weddings

The Chapel of St. Ignatius Current Student - $400 Faculty & Staff - $400 Alumni, Trustees, Regents - $600

If you want to be married at Seattle University...

Please contact Kathy Collins, Pastoral Minister for Weddings at 206-296-5585 to request an appointment.