• Venues
• Reservations
• Clergy
• Music
• Decorations
• Reception
• Fees
• Insurance
• Parking
• Food & Beverages
• Freq. Asked Questions

IMPORTANT: The Chapel is unavailable after the Commencement date in the May and will not be made available until the start of classes at the end of August!

Venues

• To view our venues – Venues Listing.pdf

Chapel History

Founded in 1958, the Rice Memorial Chapel is a symbol of the right and responsibility of the university to deal with spiritual values, and it serves thousands of worshippers from all faiths and backgrounds. Established as a non-denominational Chapel by a generous gift from Mr. and Mrs. J. Newton Rayzor, the Rice Chapel was dedicated on February 8, 1959, less than 2 years following the introduction of the residentail college system.  The architect of the Chapel was Harvin Moore. The Chapel’s design was inspired by the Church of Saint John of Laterano in Rome.  Located also in the Chapel is the classical Baroque organ of seventeen ranks and 1120 pipes, built by the Andover Organ Company of Methuen, Massachusetts.  The Chapel is open daily for interdenominational worship services. 

Reservations

The Bride or Groom must be a current Rice University student, current faculty/staff member, alumni, or the child of a current faculty/staff member or alumni, or formally sponsored by a current faculty/staff member at Rice University.  For pricing purposes student status for weddings expires on August 31^st following graduation.

The chapel rental fee includes up to 3 hours in the chapel on the day of the ceremony, and an optional one hour for a rehearsal on the evening prior to the wedding.  Any set-up, clean-up, or wedding pictures must be done during the ceremony hours.  Additonal hours are available at an additional cost.  A Chapel reservation will be confirmed only upon receipt of the deposit and a signed contract.  Dates and the reservation time must be confirmed no later than one month after the reservation is made.  Additional charges may apply.

Clergy

It is the responsibility of the event sponsor to make arrangements for clergy.

Music

Use of the chapel organ is restricted to authorized Rice University music instructors and students.  No exceptions will be granted.  The organist fee is an additional $200.   A tape deck and CD player are also available.  Information concerning other musical instruments can be obtained through the Shepherd School of Music at (713) 348-4854.

Decorations

It is your responsibility to give a copy of these regulations to your bridal consultant, florist, etc.

• No lighted candles on the ends of pews or on the carpeted areas. Only drip less, contained candles may be used.
• Plastic or other protection must be placed under and live plants.
• There is no storage available before or after the wedding; decorations must be removed as soon as the guests leave the Chapel.
• Tape, tacks, or nails may not be used to affix items to any surface in the Chapel.
• There may be no rice, rice bags, or confetti distributed on the premises. Birdseed may only be distributed outside of the Chapel. A minimum automatic $70.00 clean-up fee will be assessed if this policy is not upheld.
• The pulpit and lantern must not be moved.
• The wedding party is responsible for the return of the facilities to regular use in the same condition as received.  Costs incurred in extraordinary cleaning, or in the repair or replacement of any item damaged will be assumed by the wedding party. Additional clean-up charges may be assessed after the event, based on the extent of the clean up required at $35.00 per hour of service per custodian, with a minimum of $70.00.

Reception

Wedding receptions may be held in the Grand Hall, Farnsworth Pavilion, the Ray Courtyard or Brown Garden, or a combo of these.  If using the Ray Courtyard or Brown Garden, you will also need to book a rainsite. 

The Cohen House/Faculty Club is also another option on campus for your reception.  Go here  for details.

Fees

All fees are to be made payable to Rice University, except the $200 organist fee.  The Student Center must receive all the paperwork filled out ans signed, together with a $100.00 non-refundable deposit, which is applied towards the total, before the reservation can be confirmed.  Full payment must be made 30 days prior to the wedding date.  The chapel seats 126 without the use of extra chairs.  Up to 100 additional chairs may be added to the Chapel at no additional cost.

Insurance

Insurance is required for all events, and the insurance fee is $135.00.

Parking

Parking is available on any visitor lot, go here for details Visitor Parking.

The Student Center has parking validations for $8 each, available to anyone having an event in our building.

Food and Beverages

There is no food allowed in the chapel.

If you are eligible, and are interested in renting the chapel, please review the following documents. Email scevents@rice.edu if you have any questions.

Chapel Reservation Documents