Reservations
Our Building | Weddings | Memorial Services | Available Space | Reservations
Our Building
Set into the banks along the Genesee River, the Chapel is
distinguished by its elegant stained glass dome. Inside, the classic wood and brick
Sanctuary accommodates up to 500 guests, however
the wooden
arched seating design allows for an intimate feel whether your guest number
is large or small. The specially designed contemporary teakwood pipe organ
is the focal point of this simple sanctuary setting.
The river level room accommodates 180 guests for large meetings, and retreats. The comfortable Commons Room with over-stuffed couches and chairs is located on the mid-level and will accommodate 30 guests for meetings, bridal & baby showers.
Weddings
The first day that you start your life together should be extra ordinary. The Interfaith Chapel at the University of Rochester is the ideal place for just such beginnings. In fact, it has become a favorite tradition of alumni to return to the Chapel for their weddings. They, along with members of the greater Rochester community, have found the Chapel to be the perfect site for their wedding celebrations.
An Event Coordinator will meet with you a month before your wedding to help coordinate the details for the service. She will also help with the choreography of the wedding rehearsal so that you can relax and have fun. On the day of the wedding, she and the wedding assistant will oversee the coordination of all aspects of the ceremony including the processional and recessional.
Our Organist will also help you to choose music from a wide variety of traditions and styles. On the day of the event, they work closely with the coordinator to ensure that the ceremony is smooth and efficient.
The Bride’s Room is located on the River Level and provides a comfortable space for you and your attendants to get ready before the ceremony. A room for the groom and the best man is conveniently located at the back of the Chapel and allows for a few moments of relaxation before the service.
Photo opportunities are available along the river or on the steps to the Eastman Quad with the picturesque Rush Rhees Library as a backdrop.
Weddings are held on Saturdays in the Chapel. Occasionally, we do have them on Sundays in the month of June, July, and August. The Chapel sanctuary is available to the Rochester community, alumni, faculty, staff and students.
- Wedding Reservation Fee: $575.00
- A $175.00 non-refundable deposit will guarentee your reservation.
Christopher Petit, Organist- Currently a doctoral student at the Eastman School of Music, Chris received his Master's degree in organ performance and literature with David Higgs. He is the director of music at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Pittsford, NY, and is the organist and pianist for the University of Rochester's Protestant Community Chapel.
Memorial Services
Memorial services are held in the Interfaith Chapel for anyone within the University community as well as for the outside community. Services can be held any day of the week depending on availability. We are able to provide the family with a quiet space to gather before the service as well as space with a view of the river for a reception afterwards.
During regular business hours the staff at the Chapel will be available to help you prepare for the service. If the service is held at another time, the Chapel will make a coordinator available to assist you and answer any questions.
Available Space
The Chapel offers a variety of space. The Main Sanctuary seats up to 500 people, has accessible seating, and an infrared assistive listening device system. It features a full size screen for slides and movies, a piano, an organ, and a microphone system.
The Middle/Office Level houses the chaplains work space and a kitchen, as well as the Commons Rooms and a small sized Conference Room. The Commons Room has a piano and cozy comfortable couches. Both rooms overlook the river and make elegant sites for lectures, talks, receptions and meetings. Also on the Office Level is a Meditation/Prayer Room.
On the Lower/River Level is a large hall with a catering kitchen. This space accomodates 300 people and is used for dinners, training, concerts and services. There is also an accessible bathroom adjacent to this space. Most rooms are set up for computer and phone hook-up.
Reservations
To make reservations or for more information about the Chapel for a wedding, memorial service or any other event, please contact our reservationist:
- Phone: (585) 275-4321
- Fax: (585) 276-0203
- TTY: (585) 506-0204