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Wedding Information and Guidelines

  1. The main chapel will seat approximately 350 people comfortably.
  2. There are 18 pews on right side and 19 pews on the left side of the main chapel.
  3. The main chapel has central air conditioning.
  4. ALL catering on campus is to be done by Sodexo Catering.
  5. Receptions can be held inside the Chapel in Dirlam Lounge (capacity 50). Larger on-campus venues include Great Hall, Hubbell Hall and the Black Box Theatre which you can see here, or contact the Office of Conferences and Special Events for more information. There are numerous off-campus venues in the area as well.
  6. To use Dirlam Lounge during a wedding, there is a $50.00 fee. The kitchen is not to be used unless you talk to Smith Chapel staff beforehand.
  7. Two dressing rooms will be available on the wedding day: one in the women’s lounge/restroom, the other in a spare classroom.
  8. Birdseed, confetti, etc. can be thrown but must be cleaned up afterward. Rice is NOT permitted. Bubbles are acceptable.
  9. Rehearsal time is one and one half hours.
  10. The chapel is open for five (5) hours on the day of the wedding. The wedding party will have three (3) hours prior to the scheduled wedding time for set-up and pictures. If additional time is needed, there will be a fee of $50.00 per hour, paid in advance.
  11. All rehearsals and weddings need to proceed on time. Starting late will not extend your time, due to other scheduled events.
  12. The purpose of the wedding assistant is for hospitality, open doors, to turn on lights, set up sound system, provide access to telephones and other details as needed.
  13. Couples are asked to provide their own clergy; Smith Chapel does not provide clergy members. A list of clergy can be provided if needed. Premarital counseling is advised.
  14. Weddings cancelled more than six months before the reserved date will receive a partial refund of the prepaid fee. NO REFUNDS will be granted for weddings cancelled less than six months prior to the scheduled date. A written request is required for all cancellations and date changes.
  15. The Chapel Staff can provide a list of suggested musicians, but it is the responsibility of the wedding party to arrange for musicians.
  16. Smith Chapel is equipped with soundboard capabilities. Our system can handle multiple microphones, mp3/iPad/iPod playlists, CDs and live musicians.
  17. NO alcohol is permitted within Smith Memorial Chapel, no exceptions. If you would like wine to be a part of your wedding ceremony for religious reasons (i.e. Holy Communion, Eucharist, etc.), this must be arranged through Smith Chapel staff AND the officiant.
  18. Smith Chapel DOES NOT have a street address. We suggest that you simply write “Smith Chapel on Simpson College Campus” or “At the corner of Buxton and Clinton” on your invitations.
  19. For candle and candelabra rentals please see the candle brochure. All candles must be rented through Smith Chapel, including unity candles.
  20. A water fountain and restrooms are located downstairs. A single-occupant bathroom is located on the main level of the chapel for guests that cannot use stairs.
  21. Wedding parties cannot come into the chapel before their scheduled time unless they pay for an extra hour. Wedding decorations must be set up during the three hours before the wedding, and it is the responsibility of the wedding party to take down any decorations during the hour after the wedding.