College Relations

Thank you for your interest in Carleton College as a possible site for your wedding. The following important information will help you understand the facilities and services available to you as you plan your special day. We look forward to working with you.

Bookings are now being considered for the 2008 season. Available dates at this time are:

Chapel and Great Hall:
July 5 and July 12, 2008; and

Great Hall only available November 29, and December 13, 2008.

Bookings for the 2009 season will begin on Monday, June 23, 2008, at 8 a.m. - Leighton 414.

To help schedule your event, make arrangements, or if you have any questions, please contact:

Melissa Thomas, Special Events Associate and Administrative Assistant for College Relations
Office of College Relations
Leighton Hall 414
(507) 222-4309
mthomas@acs.carleton.edu

Facilities Use

Because the college’s facilities are used extensively during the academic year, weddings are scheduled only for the summer months or winter break. Only one wedding per weekend can be held on campus, and availability of facilities is subject to construction and maintenance projects, summer academic programs, and other college events.

Skinner Memorial Chapel

The chapel will accommodate seating for up to 900 people. There are 18 rows of pews in the main sanctuary and 4 rows each in the east and west wings. There are restrooms on the main level in the front lobby as well as on the lower level. Dressing rooms are available in the lower level. The chapel is not air conditioned. Freestanding pedestal fans are available to be placed around the perimeter of the room.

The chapel is accessible to physically challenged individuals by means of a ramp at the northwest entrance, entering the sanctuary from the stage side. The restrooms in the chapel lobby are accessible; however, due to the weight of the doors individuals in wheelchairs may require assistance.

You are welcome to use the chapel piano and organ. We would be happy to make arrangements for your organist to be in contact with the college organist if there are any questions. The piano is tuned on a regular basis; arrangements for special tuning would be the responsibility of the wedding party. If your musicians would like to rehearse in the chapel prior to the wedding, please call us to reserve a time.

There are six pre-set light setting options for the chapel. Basic microphones and sound equipment will be provided for the wedding ceremony.

You may bring in any floral arrangements you desire. Any flowers left at the conclusion of the ceremony will be considered abandoned and will be discarded. You may scatter flower petals in the aisle and throw rice or bird seed outdoors. Bubbles, a Carleton tradition, can be blown from the balcony or in the lobby.

The following chapel furnishings are available for your use:

· Pulpit or lectern for speaker or vocalist.
· Center steps to access stage – 36” high (6 steps 6” each), 56” wide, 60” long.
· Square platform for the center floor, covered in brown carpet – 4’ x 6’, 6” high.
· 2 oak candelabras that use 10 one-inch candles.
· 2 kneeling benches.
· 1 small table that works well for a unity candle – 22” x 22” x 34” high.
· 1 large round table and 1 rectangular table in the lobby.
· The banners in the sanctuary are permanent fixtures and cannot be removed.

Arrangements for ministers, musicians, florist, and photographer are the responsibility of the wedding party.

Reception Space in Sayles-Hill Great Space

Great Space is accessible to physically challenged individuals by means of a ramp at the front entrance of Sayles-Hill. The double wooden doors at the north end of the patio will accommodate oversized wheelchairs. Restrooms are located on the upper and lower levels, accessible with the elevator located across from the p.o. box area.

Both 8’ round tables and 8’ rectangle tables are available, accommodating 8 chairs per table. The maximum seating capacity is 224 (28 tables) on the main floor and 56 (7 tables) on the balcony. Lighting in Great Space cannot be adjusted. Basic microphones and sound equipment can be provided. Great Space is air conditioned.

Reception Space in Severance Great Hall

Great Hall is accessible to physically challenged individuals by means of a ramp at the front entrance of Sayles-Hill. The double wooden doors at the north end of the patio will accommodate oversized wheelchairs.

Both 8’ round tables and 8’ rectangle tables are available, accommodating 8 chairs per table. The maximum seating capacity is 200 (25 tables), which allows space for buffet tables. If a head table is used, the room is more comfortably arranged with only 21 tables for guests.

Great Hall is air conditioned. In addition, the French doors on the north side and windows on the east and south sides can be opened for air flow. Freestanding pedestal fans are available to be placed around the perimeter of the room.

The wall sconce lights can be dimmed. Basic microphones and sound equipment can be provided. The grand piano is available and can be moved as long as it remains within the room. The piano is tuned on a regular basis; arrangements for special tuning would be the responsibility of the wedding party.

Catering

Sodexho Campus Services (i.e., Carleton Dining Services) provides all catering on the Carleton College campus. Menu choices and costs can be obtained by contacting the catering manager at (507) 222-5430.

Alcohol

Beer, wine, and champagne are permitted at events on campus, but all alcoholic beverages must be confined to the reception room. Because Carleton Dining Services does not have a liquor license, the caterers can uncork bottles and place them on tables but are not permitted to serve any alcohol. The wedding party is responsible for purchase and delivery of alcoholic beverages, as well as for securing bartenders, monitoring consumption, and all related liability.

Parking

Guest parking is permitted in any unrestricted area on campus and on the adjacent city streets (watch posted city regulations). Parking is usually not a problem during breaks as compared to the academic terms. However, with a large number of guests arriving for a single event, not everyone will be able to park immediately next to Skinner Chapel or to Severance Great Hall and Sayles-Hill Great Space.

Guest Lodging

Rooms are not available on campus for wedding guests. We would be pleased to provide you with a list of Northfield hotels and motels. Be sure to book a block of rooms for your guests early.

Facility Rental Fees

The fee for use of Skinner Memorial Chapel is $350 for Carleton alumni/ae, faculty, and staff and $400 for all others. Included in the fee is the use of facilities for the rehearsal and the wedding, set up and clean up, basic sound system, and the services of a student assistant. A $150 deposit will secure the reservation. (The deposit is refundable if notice of cancellation is given three months prior to the wedding date.) The balance will be expected one month prior to the wedding date.

The fee for use of Severance Great Hall or Sayles-Hill Great Space is $350 for Carleton alumni/ae, faculty, and staff and $400 for all others. Included in the fee is the use of facilities for reception, set up and clean up, basic sound system, and the services of a student assistant. A $150 deposit will secure the reservation. (The deposit is refundable if notice of cancellation is given three months prior to the wedding date.) The balance will be expected one month prior to the wedding date.

Scheduling Your Wedding

Call the Carleton Office of College Relations to inquire about date availability. A deposit is required to secure a particular date.

A “Hold Harmless Agreement” and “Wedding Reservation Information” sheet will be sent to you approximately six months prior to your wedding. These forms should be completed and returned as quickly as possible.

We recommend that you schedule a visit to view the wedding site and review your arrangements with us at least one month prior to the wedding.