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.
Welcome to the Historic Mater Dei Chapel!
This stunningly inspiring space is the spiritual and communal centerpiece of our campus and is the setting for commissioning and pinning ceremonies, lecture programs, memorial observances, and worship services throughout the year. Mount students begin their university careers at a moving candle-lighting ceremony here, and conclude it with a Baccalaureate Mass just before commencement.
Over the past six decades, more than 470 couples have commenced married life by vowing their lives to one another in this sacred space. We invite you to tour the chapel at your leisure, paying special attention to the stained-glass windows, crucifix, stations of the cross, statuary, and other exquisite artwork. All of it was designed by six women—three Sisters of Charity and three undergraduate art students —in the late 1950s and early 60s, a time when women were all but absent from leadership roles in the professional worlds of architecture, art and design, let alone the creation of religious spaces.
Do not hesitate to ask questions of our student hosts and be sure to enjoy free refreshments in the Seton Lobby just down the hall.
Restore Mater Dei Chapel
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. For those interested in weddings and upcoming events in the Mater Dei Chapel, please proceed to www.msjchapel.com
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:
- 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 Atrium, Palm Sunday, Christmas, or New Year's. The Archdiocese of Cincinnati requires a six-month preparation period for all marriages.
Take a virtual tour of the Mater Dei Chapel and other facilities and equipment at Mount St. Joseph University.
Wedding Venue for Rent
Interested in hosting your next event in one of our facilities? Let us help you plan your next event! Find information below for our Mater Dei Chapel wedding venue for rent.
Catholic Wedding Venue for Rent
Seating up to 800 guests, the Mater Dei Chapel Catholic wedding venue for rent combines elegance and tradition with natural lighting. This unique space is available for:
- An alumna/alumnus of the University
- A current student at the University
- A faculty or staff member at of the University or their daughter/son.
| Cost to Rent | $100/hr, $500/day, $675/wedding + $300 damage deposit |
| Seated Capacity | 800 guests |
| Standing Capacity | No standing (SRO), against fire code |
| Accessibility Info | Level entrance from Seton Lot, level route to venue |
| Food Service | No Food or Drinks permitted in Chapel at any time |
| Parking | Free and abundant |
Contact:
For more information on renting this facility, please contact Katrina Kenton, Director of Auxiliary Services at Katrina.Kenton@msj.edu
Cost
Cost includes the 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.
Additional guidelines
There is no food, drink or smoking permitted in the Chapel. The buildings of the University are also smoke-free environments.
Contact Information
Click here to submit a wedding inquiry form.
For questions, contact:
Ellen Mayer, Administrative Assistant for Mission Ambassadors
513-244-4279
ellen.mayer@msj.edu