Seating up to 800 guests, the chapel hosts liturgies, religious performances, ecumenical services and weddings. The annual celebratory baccalaureate mass for graduates is also held in the chapel each spring.
Weddings in the Mater Dei Chapel
Weddings in the Mater Dei Chapel are by exception, since the usual place for a Catholic wedding is your church. All couples using the Mater Dei Chapel must have special permission from their pastor.
To be married at the Mater Dei Chapel, either one or both parties should be a practicing Catholic, and fit one of the following categories:
- An alumni of the university
- A current student at the university
- A faculty or staff member of the university or their children
Weddings at the Mater Dei Chapel can be held during the penitential seasons of Advent and Lent. The usual times for weddings are during ordinary times, or during the Easter or Christmas season, but not on the Holy Days of the Triduum, Palm Sunday, Christmas or New Year's. The Archdiocese of Cincinnati requires a six-month preparation period for all marriages.
Cost
Mater Dei Chapel rental costs $625. A $375 deposit is required upon reservation. Cost includes use of the chapel for the ceremony, as well as for the rehearsal. The use of a bridal dressing room (based on availability) is included in the rental.
Contact Information
Please contact Peggy Welge at (513) 244-4949 to reserve the Mater Dei Chapel for weddings.
Additional guidelines
There is no food, drink or smoking permitted in the Chapel. The buildings of the University are also smoke-free environments.