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Image by Kate Crafton Photography
The John Keith Benton Chapel was constructed in the Christian liturgical tradition. The Chapel is available to all persons of all faiths, subject to University regulations. It is primarily a University chapel. Because of regular usage of the Chapel by students, faculty, and staff, the Chapel's use by parties unrelated to the University is not advisable. Whenever it is used, all parties are asked to respect its religious quality and to observe the following procedures and regulations.
Guidelines for Use of Benton Chapel:
- Review the WEDDING GUIDELINES and then print and sign a copy of the Wedding Guidelines.
- Complete the WEDDING REGISTRATION FORM and then print, complete, and sign the Wedding Registration.
- Mail both completed and signed registration and guidelines forms, along with payment, to the address listed on the forms.
How to Reserve the Chapel
All initial requests for the use of Benton Chapel are made to the Office of Religious Life 615-322-2457. Once a request to hold a specific date (only one date will be held per wedding party) has been received, the party has two weeks to complete the registration process. The wedding guidelines form and the registration form must be completed, signed, and returned along with your payment in the amount of $1,000. This will serve as your confirmation. This fee is non-refundable.
How to Reserve Divinity classrooms for dressing rooms
For a separate fee, Divinity School classrooms 138 & 139 may be reserved for use during the day of your service. These rooms are accessed through the chapel's narthex and are located on the first floor of the Divinity School. If you are interested in reserving both rooms the total is $144, or $72 for one of the rooms. This amount is in addition to the fee for reserving Benton Chapel.
When may weddings be held?
Due to housekeeping restrictions and the scheduling of technical services, availability may be limited. Weddings may be scheduled for Saturdays ONLY, and provided there is no conflict with normal University activities. Weddings will not be performed on the following days, which are reserved as holidays: New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, Easter, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. This applies also to rehearsals and to any preparations, which might be made for the wedding. Thus, for example, when activities are scheduled for the Chapel in the afternoons, a floral decorator who wishes to decorate for a wedding, which would be held later in the day, etc, must not interrupt them. Receptions cannot be accommodated.
Who may perform the ceremony?
Any officiant or clergyperson approved by the Director of Religious Life may perform the ceremony.
Who may play the organ for the ceremony?
The University Organist is responsible for the music. It will be couple's responsibility to contact the University Organist. The organist may work with you in selecting music emphasizing the religious nature of marriage and will contribute to the worshipful atmosphere of a service in the Chapel.
In the event the University Organist cannot play, arrangements for another organist may be made. If an organist other than the University Organist is desired, request for approval must be made to the University Organist at least 30 days in advance of the service.
The University Organist is Jonathan Setzer, and he may be reached at:
615-415-1735 (Cell)
setzerjc@yahoo.com
What music may be used for the ceremony?
In general, any music suitable for use in a worship service at the Chapel may be used at your wedding. You may use appropriate musical instruments, other than the organ, to enhance your service, if they are approved by the Director of Religious Life.
Sound System
These arrangements must be made directly with Brantley Sound Associates, Inc.. Brantley is the ONLY company authorized to work any sound amplification used in Benton Chapel. This is the couple's responsibility just as individual arrangements are made with caterers, florists, et.al. Failure to contact Brantley Sound Associates, Inc. may result in your wedding reservation being cancelled.
Brantley Sound Associates, Inc.
204 3rd Ave. South
Nashville, TN 37201
615.256.6260
Rules for Decoration:
- The florist shall notify and obtain approval from the Office of Schedules and Reservations regarding the time he/she expects to decorate.
- No article of furnishing shall be moved out of its place.
- No tacks, nails, pins, screws, or any other like object shall be driven into the walls, floor, or furnishings.
- No pots, vases, designs, flowers, candles, or decorative materials of any kind shall be placed on the communion table.
- When lighted candles are used, the holders must be protected by cups so that there will be no drippings on the floor or furnishings. Any damage done to the furniture or furnishings shall be repaired to the satisfaction of the Director of Religious Affairs. The person who contracts for the use of the Chapel shall be held responsible for any damage.
- The lighting can be arranged to suit the wishes of the wedding party. A
responsible person shall be appointed by Work Management for that purpose. Under no circumstances shall any member of the wedding party attempt to regulate the lighting.
Photographers
You and your clergyperson should discuss THE TAKING OF PICTURES during the ceremony. The movement of photographers can be a distraction to those who are officiating at the ceremony as well as to you and your guests.
Ushers may caution members of the congregation carrying cameras not to use them during the ceremony.
Notice:Any damage done to Benton Chapel shall be repaired to the satisfaction of the Director of Religious Life by the person or firm responsible at that time. The person or firm will be charged additionally for any repair needed.
PLEASE NOTE: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST OR STOLEN PROPERTY ASSOCIATED WITH USE OF THE CHAPEL.
In order to complete your registration, print and sign the WEDDING GUIDELINES form as well as complete the WEDDING REGISTRATION FORM.
Then return both, along with your payment, to:
Debra Flowers
Office of Religious Life
2417 West End Ave.
Nashville, TN 37240
322-2457
343-8355 fax
Religious Life
2417 West End Avenue
Nashville, TN 37240
Phone: 615-322-2457
Fax: 615-343-8355
Email:religiouslife@vanderbilt.edu
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