Tufts University Chaplaincy Wedding Policies
Tufts University Chaplaincy
Wedding Policies
Goddard Chapel and Tufts Interfaith Center (IFC)
As of 7.23.17
Spaces
Goddard Chapel
3 The Green
Medford, MA 02155
Seating capacity: 300 people
Not air-conditioned; standing fans available
Tufts Interfaith Center (IFC)
58 Winthrop Street
Medford, MA 02155
Seating capacity: 96 people
Air-conditioned
Reservation Process
- Complete the Space Reservation Request Form
- Can call with further questions at 617-627-3427 or by email chaplaincy@tufts.edu
- Wait for a reply within 2-3 business days
Reservation requests are not confirmed until, within 30 days of the original request, the rental fee payment is deposited and a signed Reservation Request Form is returned to the requesting party. Please make the rental fee check payable to “Trustees of Tufts College” with “Friends of Goddard Chapel” in the memo line, and mail it with the completed Reservation Request Form to: Tufts University Chaplaincy, Goddard Chapel, 3 The Green, Medford, MA 02155.
Wedding ceremonies must be scheduled 6 weeks in advance and tentative reservations are cancelled if not confirmed within 30 days. Refunds are only granted if the reservation is cancelled more than 30 days prior to the date.
Rental Fee
Minimum total reservation times for weddings are five hours to allow for an ample two-hour window for a rehearsal and three hours on the day of the ceremony (i.e., one hour before the ceremony time for opening and setup, one hour for the ceremony itself, and one hour following the ceremony for cleanup and closing), plus administrative time. If additional time is needed, please contact the Chaplaincy Coordinator so that time can be arranged and fees adjusted accordingly.
Ceremonies at the IFC may require additional Facilities fees for setup and breakdown.
Student Staff Presence
The Administrative Coordinator will assign a student worker for the wedding reservation who will open and close the building, provide advice related to the building and policies, and be present for the events.
Celebrants
The Tufts University Chaplain or their designee celebrates weddings in Goddard Chapel and the IFC. Couples may consult with the University Chaplain regarding celebrants. If the couple would like to request their own celebrant, they should contact the University Chaplain. Celebrants are provided a separate stipend by the couple. Celebrants must be present to lead rehearsals and must provide their own vestments and equipment.
Music
The Tufts University Chaplaincy Music Director or their designee provides music for weddings in Goddard Chapel and the IFC. Couples may consult with the Music Director regarding a ceremony musician. If the couple would like to request their own musician, they should contact the Music Director. Musicians are paid a separate stipend by the couple. Goddard Chapel contains an organ, piano, and carillon (tower bell system).
Flowers and Decorations
Care must be taken with flowers, decorations, and equipment not to impact the buildings. Tape may not be used and confetti, rice, etc. is not allowed in or around the buildings. Any cleaning or damage costs will incur additional fees.
No decorations are allowed on the exterior of the buildings. No storage is available in the buildings.
In Goddard Chapel, most couples order a flower arrangement for in front of or on the communion table and in front of the pulpit/lectern, and occasionally for the niche. For pew endings, only clips are allowed and candles are not allowed. The pews are divided by a center aisle 4.5 feet wide and approximately 50 feet long. Couples desiring a runner should order a 50-foot runner.
Several liturgical items are available for use in Goddard Chapel: a brass cross; a brass crucifix; altar candles; a unity candle stand; and two, 2-foot high white flower pedestals. The chapel has a microphone system with a microphone on a cord. The student worker can arrange for their use.
Automobile Access and Parking
Automobile access and parking are arranged with the Tufts University Police Department (TUPD), usually in consultation with the University Chaplaincy. TUPD can consult with couples regarding the vehicles of the wedding party and accessibility needs. Directions to campus are available on the University Chaplaincy website.
Receptions
Receptions are not held on campus.
Unavailable Dates and Campus Conditions
The University Chaplaincy makes every effort to accommodate dates requested, subject to the availability of student sextons, but there are certain unavailable dates due to University activities (e.g., Labor Day weekend, Homecoming weekend, Parents’ weekend, Thanksgiving weekend, Winter Recess, Spring Recess, Commencement weekend, and Memorial Day weekend). In addition, the summer is often a time when there is campus construction. Also, because the campus’ primary use is for student purposes, student activities may limit the availability or impact the look of spaces at certain times. University activities may also cause unexpected noise.
Photography and Videography
There are no special policies limiting photography or videography in good taste for wedding ceremonies except those of individual celebrants.
Tufts Magazine Announcements
Tufts alumni who would like to have their wedding announced in Tufts Magazine may email: classnotes@tufts.edu.