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 The Helen Hills Hills Chapel serves the functions of the religious and community service groups on the campus to the extent that their scheduled activities are a priority. When space and time allows, the building is also made available to members of the Smith College community and their immediate families. Eligible college community members include: alumnae, current students, faculty, and staff. Immediate family members are mother, father, sister, brother, and child.
To obtain information about use of the Chapel for a wedding or other events, call the Wedding Coordinator at 585-2750 between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Weddings are often tightly scheduled on a weekend. Wedding times are restricted to two hours. Times are 10 a.m., 2 p.m., or 5 p.m. on Saturdays. We cannot accommodate Friday or Sunday weddings during the academic year. Rehearsal times are restricted to one hour at 4 p.m., 5 p.m., or 6 p.m. on the Friday evening before the ceremony.
Your reservation begins 1/2 hour before the time of the ceremony and lasts for a total of 2 hours. As an example, if your wedding is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., your reservation is from 9:30-11:30 a.m., including photography session. Please be sure your photographer is aware of this time constraint in fairness to the custodial staff and the next bridal party.
Most questions regarding setup of the Chapel for your wedding can be discussed at the wedding rehearsal, however, if you would like to see what is available prior to that time, please call the Chapel Office and make arrangements to meet with the Wedding Coordinator or custodian in charge of your wedding. Generally, they are available Monday through Friday by appointment.
In addition to the sanctuary, the Bodman lounge and kitchen are available for receptions. Smoking is not allowed anywhere in the Chapel building.
The cost for the use of the building for a wedding is $575.00 (*). The fee includes: one hour for rehearsal and two hours for the wedding as well as the services of a custodian for both the rehearsal and the wedding.
(*) Fee is waived for currently enrolled Smith students only.
The charge for the use of the Bodman Lounge and kitchen for a reception is $100.00.
- Persons reserving the Chapel facility are responsible for making their own arrangements with clergy, an organist, or other musicians. Visiting clergy and musicians are always welcome. Please keep in mind the following:
- Only recognized clergy of established religious communities may conduct weddings in the sanctuary.
- Clergy who reside outside Massachusetts must meet legal requirements of the Commonwealth in order to conduct weddings within the state. Details may be obtained by calling the office of the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in Boston at (617) 727-7030.
- Current students and alumnae wishing to be married in the Roman Catholic tradition must comply with certain requirements of the Diocese of Springfield. The Catholic Chaplain will review the completed wedding application for approval.
- The College Organist, Grant Moss, who plays both organ and piano, is happy to participate at a wedding. He may be contacted at the Chapel (413) 585-2757, or at his home (413) 534-7730. Mr. Moss's fee is $250.00. Mr. Moss can provide names of local musicians and soloists as well.
- The matter of an honorarium for clergy is one that should be arranged directly with the participating clergy person.
- Seniors and Alumnae of Smith College may hold wedding receptions at the Smith College Alumnae House by calling Jonelle Dennis, (413) 585-2020. The Smith College Club is available for wedding receptions to community members and others; call Betse Curtis for information at (413) 585-2325.
- Gardens on the campus may be used for photo taking. For information and availability, contact the Office of College Events (413) 585-2162.
The Hellen Hills Hills Chapel is Smith College facility. Occasionally, art exhibits and other projects are displayed throughout the building. These exhibits and projects cannot be changed or removed during wedding rehearsals or ceremonies.
Floral decorations are restricted to the chancel and tables in the vestibule. Any bows or flowers must be attached to the pews by a bracket available through most florists. Candle light services are possible.
The use of flash cameras or floodlights during services is discouraged. Arrangements for video recording and photographs should be discussed with the Clergy officiating. No awnings may be erected outside the building. Use of rice, confetti, bird seed and flower petals is not permitted.
The Chapel has excellent acoustics and the use of the built-in sound system may not be necessary. Musicians will need to provide their own amplification. Please indicate your use of the sound system or microphones on the application form.
Some information that may help in planning:
The length of the aisle is 75 ft., 32 pews (16 per side), and the Chapel holds approximately 400 people on the main level.
The Chapel staff is happy to advise those planning weddings and other services. They may be reached at the following numbers:
The Rev. Dr. Leon Burrows, Protestant Chaplain, 585-2751
Dr. Elizabeth Carr, Roman Catholic Chaplain, 585-2752
Rabbi Bruce Bromberg Seltzer, Jewish Chaplain, 585-2755
Grant Moss, Organist, 585-3181
For reservations contact Maureen Raucher, Administrative Assistant 585-2754
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