Weddings at UST
CAMPUS MINISTRYWeddings at the University of Saint Thomas
Contact the Wedding Coordinator
651-962-6567 or ustweddings@stthomas.edu
Reserving the Chapel
Those eligible to reserve the chapel for weddings are: UST alumni, members of the current faculty or staff, and current students. To be married in the chapel, one or both of the engaged couple must be a practicing Catholic and registered at a parish. If a previous marriage is involved, official documentation of an annulment must be provided prior to securing a date for your wedding.
Weddings at The Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas are scheduled at the following times:
First weekend of September-Last weekend in May
- Saturdays @ 11:00 am and 3:00 pm
First weekend of June-last weekend in August
- Fridays @ 5:00 or 6:00 pm
- Saturdays @ 11:00 am and 3:00 pm
The chapel is reserved for a four hour time frame, including two and one half hours before your ceremony, one hour for the ceremony, and one half hour after the ceremony. For example, an 11:00 am wedding would have access to the chapel from 8:30 am until 12:30 pm.
No weddings are scheduled on the following days:
- July 4th holiday weekend
- Assumption of Mary (August 14/15)
- Labor Day weekend
- All Saints Day (Oct. 31/Nov.1)
- Thanksgiving Weekend
- Immaculate Conception (Dec 7/8)
- Christmas (Dec. 24/25)
- Christmas break*
- Solemnity of Mary (Jan. 1)
- Annunciation (March 25)
- Easter Break*
- Commencement weekends*
- Choir concert weekends*
- Various other Campus events dates*
*Consult academic calendar
The University can book weddings sixteen months prior to a desired date. If more than one couple is interested in a particular date and time, a lottery will be held.
Fees
Rental Fee
The Chapel Fee is $750, which includes a $50 non-refundable deposit, $200 damage deposit, and the coordinator's fee. The damage deposit will be refunded after the wedding dependent upon compliance of UST regulations. Please note that this fee only covers the usuage of the chapel for a four hour period. There is an extra fee for additional time if the chapel is available.
Organist Fee
An approved University staff organist/pianist is required for your wedding and will be assigned two to three months before your wedding. Their fee, which is determined by the American Guild of Organist, is $225 and is subject to increase.
Documents Needed for Marriage
The Campus Ministry office must receive all of the following church documents no later than six weeks before your wedding date:
- Pre-marriage investigation (FORM 1) and dispensation, where applicable
- Certificate of Completion from Engaged Retreat (see resources below)
- Current Baptismal Certificates
You must also obtain a civil marriage license from the state of Minnesota. More information can be found at the following county websites:
Hennepin County
Ramsey County
Washington County
Dakota County
Anoka County
No wedding can be performed unless the marriage license is presented.
Engaged Retreat Resources
The following list contains some retreat options available within the archdiocese:
Christian Marriage Ministries, Inc.
Catholic Engaged Experience
Engaged Encounter
Archdiocesan Program: Living God's Love
Preparing for Christian Marriage
Basilical of St. Mary - Marriage
Securing a Presider
Since we only have one priest on the Campus Ministry staff, we are unable to meet the many requests we receive for witnessing marriages. It is necessary for you to make arrangements with a Roman Catholic priest or deacon to preside at your wedding, preferably from your current or anticipated parish.
Location of Chapel/Parking
The Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas is located on Cleveland Ave. approximately two blocks north of Summit Ave., between Ashland and Laurel. All visitors are subject to the same parking rules as faculty, staff and students. Please be aware that the chapel is on a university campus where many events take place on weekends. Parking lots cannot be reserved for weddings. Parking is not permitted in fire lanes, handicapped, rideshare, restricted or reserved spaces without proper permits or authorization. For campus maps, directions, and parking information, click here.
Additional Information
Reception facilities are also available for both the rehearsal dinner and the wedding reception. Please call the UST Facilities Scheduling Department at 651-962-6670 for more information.
