ALICE MILLAR CHAPEL

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Important Announcement 

Wedding Reservations – Limited Availability (Fall 2026) 

Thank you for your interest in celebrating life’s special moments at Alice Millar Chapel. 

Due to upcoming restoration and facility improvement projects, we will have limited availability for weddings from June through November 2026. As a result, new wedding reservations are temporarily paused during this period. 

For questions or additional information, please contact us at spiritual.life@northwestern.edu. 

Thank you for your understanding. 

Weddings at Alice Millar & Jeanne Vail Chapels 

Celebrate a Wedding Ceremony to Remember at Northwestern University’s Alice Millar and Jeanne Vail Chapels 

Located in the heart of Evanston, just steps from Lake Michigan, the chapels offer timeless and meaningful settings for your special day. 

From the stunning stained-glass windows and historic architecture of Alice Millar Chapel to the cozy, intimate character of Jeanne Vail Chapel, each space provides a unique and elegant backdrop for your ceremony. Each celebration is unique, and our team is here to support you throughout the planning process with scheduling, logistics, and day-of coordination to help ensure a smooth and memorable experience. 

Once you’ve chosen your chapel, our staff will work with you to confirm details and prepare the space—so you can focus on celebrating this important milestone with your family and friends. 

Our Chapels 

Alice Millar Chapel 

Alice Millar Chapel offers a grand and distinctive setting for wedding ceremonies, accommodating up to 700 guests. Known for its stunning stained-glass windows and historic architecture, the Chapel is filled with vibrant, ever-changing light, creating a striking and memorable backdrop for your special day. 

Jeanne Vail Chapel 

Jeanne Vail Chapel provides a more intimate and traditional setting, accommodating approximately 125 guests. Connected to Alice Millar Chapel, this space offers a warm and inviting atmosphere—perfect for smaller, more personal ceremonies. 

Scheduling 

Wedding ceremonies are scheduled during the following times: 

Saturdays & Sundays 

• 12:00 PM (Chapel reserved 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM) 

• 3:00 PM (Chapel reserved 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM) 

• 6:00 PM (Chapel reserved 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM) 

Weekday reservations may be available on a limited basis. Please contact our office for more information. 

Each reservation is scheduled for a 2-hour time block, beginning 30 minutes prior to the ceremony start time. This allows time for preparation, the ceremony, and post-ceremony photography. All event activities—including vendor setup, photography, and soundchecks—take place within the reserved time window, so we encourage couples to plan accordingly. 

Additional time may be requested for an added fee, based on availability. Please note that extending your reservation may require booking an additional time block. University events take priority and may impact space availability. 

Availability may be limited during University holidays, break periods, and major campus events. 

Please note: Couples are responsible for providing their own officiant and coordinating any musicians or vendors for their ceremony, including any rehearsal arrangements. 

Payment & Fees 

A non-refundable $500 deposit is required to reserve your wedding date. The remaining balance is due 30 days prior to the event. 

Additional fees may apply for extended time, staffing, equipment rentals, or other services requested. Final reservation details and payment terms will be outlined in the official rental agreement. 

Insurance 

Event liability insurance is required for all wedding reservations. Additional information will be provided during the reservation process, and our team can assist with options if needed.  

Eligibility 

Wedding reservations are available to both affiliated and non-affiliated clients. 

Discounted rates are available to members of the Northwestern University community, including: 

• Current Northwestern students 

• Northwestern alumni 

• Children of alumni 

• Current Northwestern faculty, staff, or administrators 

• Members of the Northwestern University Board of Trustees (past or present) 

• Children of the above 

Documentation is required to confirm eligibility for discounted rates. Accepted forms include a Northwestern email address, a copy of a University diploma, or confirmation from the Office of Alumni Relations and Development. 

Agreement & Communication 

Submitting a deposit confirms your intent to reserve the chapel and proceed with the wedding planning process. Reservations are finalized upon receipt of a signed rental agreement and the required deposit, and full details and policies will be outlined in the agreement. 

Your primary point of contact will be the Religious & Spiritual Life team member assisting with your reservation. We are here to help guide you and are happy to answer any questions along the way. 

How to Book 

After reviewing the information on this page, please email spiritual.life@northwestern.edu with the following details: 

• Your name 

• Your partner’s name 

• Your Northwestern affiliation (if applicable) 

• Your preferred chapel (Alice Millar or Jeanne Vail) 

• Your preferred date and ceremony time (e.g., 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM, or 6:00 PM) 

A member of our team will follow up within 2–3 business days to assist with availability and next steps. If your requested date is available, it may be placed on a temporary hold while you complete the reservation process.