The University of the Incarnate Word is happy to share
Our Lady’s Chapel with you on this special occasion.
The following policies and procedures will allow you to uphold the dignity of the Sacrament of Matrimony,
care for our sacred space and preserve its beauty.

Eligibility

Our Lady’s Chapel is available for private use by the following individuals (Documentation may be required to confirm the status of the individual.):

• Current students and employees of the University, St. Anthony Catholic High School, and Incarnate Word High School, and their immediate family members*
• Alumni of the University, St. Anthony Catholic High School, and Incarnate Word High School and their immediate family members*
• Members of the University’s permanent worshipping community and their immediate family members*

Note: The current student, employee, or alumni is considered the responsible party.

(*An immediate family member is defined as spouse, parent, son, or daughter.)

Required Documentation

(NOTE: It is highly recommended that the couple to be married begin the process of gathering the required documentation at least six (6) months prior to the wedding. Documentation must be provided to the Director of Campus Ministry one (1) month prior to the wedding. Failure to provide required documentation may result in a cancellation of the Chapel reservation.)

CATHOLIC WEDDING CEREMONY:

• Our Lady’s Chapel is not a parish; therefore, the person requesting a Catholic wedding ceremony in the Chapel is responsible for engaging a Catholic priest or deacon to officiate the wedding ceremony.
• It is necessary for the person requesting a Catholic wedding ceremony in the Chapel to be a registered parishioner of a Catholic church and obtain a letter of permission from the parish pastor allowing her/him to receive the sacrament of matrimony outside the parish boundaries before the Chapel contract can be signed and the Chapel secured.
• Documentation from the presiding priest or deacon is to be furnished Director of Campus Ministry one (1) month prior to the ceremony indicating that the couple has been properly prepared for marriage in accordance with the policies and procedures for marriage in the Archdiocese of San Antonio. (This includes, but is not limited to: FOCCUS Program & Pre-Nuptial Information (lead by priest); Pre-Cana Program; Engagement Encounter; Introduction to Natural Family Planning & obtaining appropriate documentation of sacraments.) This documentation may be in the form of a letter from the priest or deacon.
• The presiding Catholic priest or deacon will need to obtain a letter of delegation from the Pastor of St. Peter, Prince of the Apostle Church in order to perform a Catholic wedding ceremony at Our Lady’s Chapel. Documentation of this permission is to be furnished to the Director of Campus Ministry one (1) month prior to the ceremony.

NON-CATHOLIC WEDDING CEREMONY:

In order to meet the needs of all those who worship at the University, non-Catholic weddings are permitted— provided the following requirements are met:

• A letter, composed by the couple to be married, indicating why they would like to be married in Our Lady’s Chapel and what it would mean to them, must be furnished to the Director of Campus Ministry.
• It is necessary that the person requesting a non-Catholic wedding ceremony to be an active and involved member of a faith community. A formal letter from the minister of their faith community, documenting membership and involvement must be furnished to the Director of Campus Ministry.
• A letter from the minister officiating at the wedding ceremony, documenting that he/she is officiating and that the couple has been prepared for marriage, must be furnished to the Director of Campus Ministry.
• An account of the service—complete text of the ceremony– as conducted in the couples faith community must be furnished to the Director of Campus Ministry.
• Once the above documentation is received by the Director of Campus Ministry it will be forwarded to the Archdiocese of San Antonio for approval. Once approval is obtained for a non-Catholic wedding, the Chapel Contract can be signed and the Chapel secured.

Overview of Guidelines for Wedding Ceremonies

(NOTE: Complete guidelines are found in the "Rules of Use and Conduct for the Use of Our Lady’s Chapel” which will be reviewed and signed at the time of securing the contract.)

• FOOD, BEVERAGES, & ALCOHOL: Food and beverages (other than bottled water) are not permitted at any time in the Chapel vestibule, sacristies, or bride’s room. Alcohol is strictly prohibited. If alcohol is observed, violators will be immediately escorted from the premises.
• SECURITY: University Campus Police are required for all functions using the Chapel. University Campus Police will be furnished by the University of the Incarnate Word at Lessee's expense. The Lessee is responsible for arranging for security through the University Police Department. A minimum of one (1) guard is required per every 100 people expected. Documentation must be provided at the time of contract signing indicating that enough guards will be secured for their event.
• FIRE AND SAFETY: No smoking is permitted whatsoever inside University buildings - including restrooms. Smoke and/or Fog Machines are not permitted. Running is not permitted in any of the buildings.

• MUSICIAN, ORGAN & PIANO: The University does not provide musicians for wedding ceremonies. Musicians must be engaged by the wedding party. Music in a liturgical setting has theological and pastoral significance and must be sacred in nature. Popular music is more appropriate for the reception. The musician engaged for the wedding ceremony is required to contact the Liturgical Music Coordinator for the University at least one (1) month prior to the wedding.
• The University Liturgical Music Coordinator may grant permission for use of the pipe organ in the Chapel provided the organist is qualified to use the organ. A piano is also available, but the pianist must be engaged by the wedding party.

FEES

Deposit (non-refundable) payable at signing of contract $100
Facility Fee payable one (1) month prior to ceremony $300 + cost of security
Damage Deposit (refundable) payable one(1) month prior to ceremony $200

Important Phone Numbers

Director of Campus Ministry 210-829-2736
University Campus Police 210-829-6030

Information updated: July 24, 2006