25 Insanely Beautiful College Chapels

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Whether you met your fiancé in Psych 101 or you’re just a diehard fan of your beloved alma mater, going back to school for your wedding can be as meaningful as it gets. We rounded up twenty-five jaw-dropping campus chapels — some exclusive to alumni of that college and some not, and some that welcome all religions and some that limit ceremonies to one faith — that are as gorgeous as they are significant. Did we miss your university’s amazing chapel? Let us know in the comments!

Photo: InSiteGainesville.com
1 of 25

Baughman Center at the University of Florida

Contrary to rumors, this extremely coveted ceremony space is not booked five years in advance -- the chapel only accepts reservations a year out as a matter of policy. And though it only fits 96 people, the Baughman Center is nothing less than a showstopper. Plus, anyone can get married here.
Photo: Places2Explore.com
2 of 25

Stanford Memorial Church at Stanford University

All faiths are welcome at the incredible Stanford Memorial Church -- as long as you're affiliated with the university somehow. Built in 1899, it's the stunning mosaics and arched doorways that make this chapel so beautiful.
Photo: TheYoungrens.com
3 of 25

The Immaculata Parish at the University of San Diego

You don't have to be a USD alum to wed at this gorgeous chapel (though you do have to be a baptized Catholic). It's said that the perfect time for a ceremony is 6:30, when the setting sun, plus some candles, will give the room a soft glow.
Celebrated-Events.com
4 of 25

Basilica of the Sacred Heart at the University of Notre Dame

The Basilica has been a gem on Notre Dame's campus since its construction in the late 1800s. Only students, alumni and faculty can wed here, and naturally, the church doesn't accept wedding dates on any Notre Dame football weekends.
5 of 25

Cadet Chapel at the U.S. Air Force Academy

Made of aluminum, steel and glass shaped like a pyramid stretching toward the sky, the Cadet Chapel is unlike any other sanctuary on this list -- or that we've ever seen.
Photo: ArtofLove.com
6 of 25

University Chapel at Princeton University

Just like you'd have to apply to study at Princeton, you'll have to submit an application to wed at University Chapel, which includes writing about how you're connected to the university (you should be a student, alum or staff member) and why you'd like to marry at the chapel. But the space is so gorgeous -- so let's hope the acceptance rate for the church is a bit higher than it is for the school.
Photo: New Yorkled on Flickr
7 of 25

Battell Chapel at Yale University

All faiths (but only Yale affiliates) are welcome to wed at this awe-inspiring chapel. Its history at Yale reaches back into the 1700s, and that age shows beautifully in the stunning old-world architecture.
Photo: RedBlank.com
8 of 25

Perkins Chapel at Southern Methodist University

We love the quaint Southern charm of Perkins Chapel. The beautiful Georgian architecture makes it hugely attractive for weddings of SMU alumni and community members -- we hear the wait list is years long.
Photo: Alumni.LUC.edu
9 of 25

Madonna Della Strada Chapel at Loyola University

After the Archdiocese of Chicago approves your bid to get hitched here (you've got to be associated with Loyola), you can start planning your ceremony inside the amazing 70-year-old Art Deco-style chapel.
Photo: WayneYuan.com
10 of 25

St. Paul's Chapel at Columbia University

Anyone can wed at this enormous chapel (it has room for up to 450 guests). Couples say "I do" beneath the 90-foot dome, surrounded by intricate Roman brick and terra-cotta and exquisite stained glass.
Photo: Classical-Scene.com
11 of 25

The Memorial Church at Harvard University

The aptly named Memorial Church houses tributes to soldiers who fought in World War I and II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. The crisp white paint and classic architecture makes it perfect for weddings -- but only for Harvard affiliates.
Photo: Tom Walker on 500px.com
12 of 25

St. Ignatius Church at the University of San Francisco

This gorgeous Catholic church is a San Francisco landmark. We can't get enough of the Baroque-esque design complete with Corinthian columns, arches and coffered half-dome that's as stunning a ceremony backdrop as any.
Photo: msabeln on Flickr
13 of 25

Provincial House Chapel at the University of Missouri at St. Louis

Almost 100 years old, the Provincial House Chapel is not only gorgeous but also incredibly unique -- just look at that vaulted wooden ceiling.
Photo: CaptainKimo.com
14 of 25

Duke Chapel at Duke University

To be eligible to wed here, you have to be a Duke student, alum, a child or grandchild of an alum or a staff member. It's crafted in neo-Gothic style out of North Carolina volcanic stone -- yeah, you read that right!
Photo: Commons.Wikipedia.com
15 of 25

Bowdoin College Chapel at Bowdoin College

Though it's decorated with biblical murals, this chapel welcomes non-denominational ceremonies. And who wouldn't want to wed here? The intimate sanctuary seems spacious and, dare we say it -- heavenly -- thanks to the blue and white paint.
Photo: SLUConnection.com
16 of 25

St. Francis Xavier College Church at St. Louis University

This circa-1841 Catholic church is beautiful and convenient: there's a ballroom attached for wedding receptions so you won't even have to leave the building.
Photo: EricaRoseBlog.com
17 of 25

Alice Millar Chapel at Northwestern University

Only Northwestern affiliates have the privilege of marrying at Alice Millar Chapel, where monumental stained glass windows on all four walls of the sanctuary fill the room with dappled, multicolor light.
Photo: CaptivatingImagery.com
18 of 25

Chapel of the Holy Spirit at Duquesune University

The people who can wed here is a small crowd -- only Catholic students, alumni and staff of the small Pennsylvania university are eligible. The lucky few are treated to an awesome domed ceiling and spectacular natural light.
Photo: EccentricConservative.BlogSpot.com
19 of 25

United States Naval Academy Chapel

Only Naval Academy alumni can exchange vows under that domed roof -- and a military sword ceremony often follows.
Photo: SHU.edu
20 of 25

Chapel of the Immaculate Conception at Seton Hall University

This alumni-only chapel, which is considered the heart of Seton Hall's campus, was dedicated in 1870.
Photo: Free-Photos.biz
21 of 25

Thompson Memorial Chapel at Williams College

More than 100 years old, this majestic chapel is only open to Williams College affiliates.
Photo: TheYoungrens.com
22 of 25

Stauffer Chapel at Pepperdine University

Depending on how you look at it, the stunning stained glass wall of Stauffer Chapel looks like Vincent Van Gogh's "Starry Night" or an imitation of the Malibu sky that lies just outside.
Photo: BRChickery on Flickr
23 of 25

Vassar Chapel at Vassar College

Vassar Chapel is home to the college's Catholic, Episcopal, Jewish and other congregations. Meryl Streep (Vassar class of 1971), Jesse Jackson, Tom Hanks and Billy Joel have made appearances beneath that vaulted ceiling.
Photo: avjake on SmugMug
24 of 25

Sage Chapel at Cornell University

Dimly lit and cavernous, century-old Sage Chapel can host your romantic wedding ceremony of any religion -- if you've got a connection to Cornell.
Photo: The University of Rochester on Flickr
25 of 25

Interfaith Chapel at the University of Rochester

We're mesmerized by the rainbow stained glass of this riverside chapel.

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08/17/12, , Comments:29
About the author:

From: Seattle, Washington Favorite celebrity wedding: Jackie O. and JFK Veil or no veil: Veil, but a simple one One thing I would never leave home without: A magazine or book in my bag Piece I look forward to every week: Prettiest Thing in Our Office This Week My Planner: Check out my favorite photos and dresses read more