University of Pittsburgh

Frequently Asked Questions

Topics

Eligibility

Can someone sponsor me for a wedding at Heinz Chapel?
No.  Only University of Pittsburgh students, alumni, faculty, staff, and members of their immediate families may reserve the chapel for their wedding ceremonies. Employees of the H.J. Heinz Company as well as members of any University-related board and members of their immediate families also may be married in the chapel.  Immediate family includes grandparents, parents, brothers, and sisters.
Is an uncle, aunt, or cousin considered immediate family?
No. An immediate family member would be a parent, grandparent, or sibling of the bride or groom.

Reserving a Date and Time

When do I call to reserve a wedding?

Reservations are taken on the first business day of the month for all weddings in that month of the following year. On that first business day, wedding reservations are by telephone only on a first-call, first-served basis beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Check our wedding calendar for available dates and times.

What information will I need when I make a reservation?
  • The names of the bride and groom
  • A mailing address for the bride
  • A mailing address for the groom
  • A home phone number and a work (or cellular) phone number for the bride
  • A home phone number and a work (or cellular) phone number for the groom
  • The University of Pittsburgh affiliation, including the year of graduation, attendance, or employment.
Can I come to the office on the first business day of the month to make my reservation?
No. Wedding reservations are by telephone only. The chapel office is closed to walk-in visitors on the first business day of every month.
How can I find out what dates and times are still available?
If you wish to learn the availability of dates and times for months that are already open check our wedding calendar before calling the chapel office. To make a reservation, call the chapel office Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Fees, Postponements, and Cancellations

How much does it cost to be married at Heinz Chapel?

The fee for a wedding at Heinz Chapel is $850.00.

May I reschedule my ceremony at Heinz Chapel?
Postponement of weddings is not permitted. If the wedding couple wish to change a confirmed wedding date, they must select a new date from available dates and times that are already opened. All requests to reschedule weddings must be submitted in writing. Request for a change of date received less than 180 days prior to the scheduled wedding will be charged a $100.00 service fee.
What if I have to cancel my wedding at Heinz Chapel?

All cancellations must be submitted in writing. Written cancellations received 180 days or more prior to the scheduled wedding date will be refunded $300.

Written cancellations received less than 180 days prior to the scheduled wedding date will result in forfeiture of all fees by the wedding couple.

Wedding Schedule

Are weddings held on Sundays at Heinz Chapel?
No. Weddings are scheduled on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only. Please consult the specific wedding times.
How much time do I have in the chapel for my ceremony?
One hour and 45 minutes. Each wedding couple receives access to the chapel 45 minutes prior to the ceremony for preparation and the seating of guests. One hour is designated for the ceremony and photography.
Can I start my ceremony early?
No. The florist, photographer, and chapel staff require the 45-minute access time for set-up. Adhering to the designated schedule ensures that each wedding receives its allotted time free of disruption.
Can I book two times if I want a longer ceremony or additional time for photographs?
Yes. If you would like more than one hour for your ceremony and photographs, this is possible if you reserve two wedding times (for example, 12:30 and 2:30) provided they are available when you call to schedule your ceremony. Payment is required for each time, so the cost would be doubled.
Is there rehearsal time scheduled for my wedding?
Each wedding has a 45-minute rehearsal at a designated time on the day prior to the wedding. Please consult the specific wedding times.

Decorations

If I have a unity candle, what do I have to bring?
The chapel can provide a holder for the unity candle and two side candles. If the wedding couple desire to use the holder, they are responsible for providing a unity candle with a base diameter of 2-3 inches.
Does Heinz Chapel provide an aisle runner?
No. Aisle runners must be provided by the wedding couple or florist.
Does Heinz Chapel provide candelabra?
No. Candelabra must be provided by the florist.

Music

Are there microphones in the chapel?
Yes. Microphones are available for the wedding couple, readers, and a vocalist.
Can I play recorded music at Heinz Chapel?
No. Recorded music is not permitted in Heinz Chapel.

The Wedding Day

What is the address of the chapel for the purpose of my invitation?
Heinz Memorial Chapel
University of Pittsburgh
Fifth and Bellefield Avenues
Pittsburgh, PA
How many people does Heinz Chapel seat?
The chapel seats approximately 400 people.
Are there clergy at the chapel who can perform my wedding?
No. Heinz Chapel is nondenominational, and no clergy are directly affiliated with the chapel. The wedding couple are responsible for securing the services of an authorized religious or civil officer.
Is there a room where the bride can prepare?
Yes. There is a designated dressing room in the lower level of the chapel in which the bride and her attendants may prepare prior to the ceremony.
Can I have a receiving line at Heinz Chapel?
No. Because of the limited time of one hour for ceremony and photography, receiving lines are not permitted in Heinz Chapel.
Can I take pictures of my wedding in Heinz Chapel?
Yes. Photography, within specific guidelines, is permitted before, during, and after wedding ceremonies at Heinz Chapel.

Parking

Can I arrange for parking at Heinz Chapel?
Yes. Although the University has no parking facilities adjacent to the chapel, arrangements for approximately 42 parking spaces on Bellefield Avenue may be made for a fee through the city of Pittsburgh. Contact Officer Donald Pasquarelli at 412-205-3556 two or three weeks prior to your ceremony.
Is handicap parking available at the chapel?
There are two handicapped parking spaces adjacent to the chapel on Bellefield Avenue. (Note: You must have the designated plate or hang tag to park in the spaces.)
Is the chapel handicap accessible?
A level, paved sidewalk leads from the two handicap parking spaces to an automatic door on the north side of the chapel (facing Fifth Avenue). An elevator provides access to the chapel and a handicap accessible restroom on the lower level.