Weddings at Muhlenberg
Whether your love story began at Muhlenberg or you’ve simply fallen in love with our historic buildings and picturesque campus, we invite you to consider us for your special day.
An Ideal Setting for Your Big Day
You may choose to host your ceremony in the historic Gideon F. Egner Chapel, a stunning example of “collegiate gothic” architecture with a grand interior that includes breathtaking stained glass windows and ornate wood and stone work.
Other locations on campus — including the state-of-the-art Fahy Commons for Public Engagement and Innovation, with its floor-to-ceiling windows and view of Cedar Beach Park — can be reserved for weddings as well.
You may also choose to have Muhlenberg host and cater your reception. With spaces that seat from 25 guests to up to 250, our campus has a reception location that suits your needs. Red Door Catering brings the sophistication of creative, inspired, and utterly delicious cuisine, along with seamless service and logistical expertise, to make your wedding day a truly joyous and memorable celebration.
Learn about our competitive pricing, discounts for Muhlenberg alumni, and how we can best accommodate your special occasion.
Egner Chapel Wedding FAQs
Which dates are available for weddings in the chapel?
Egner Chapel is the college’s primary worship center and, in addition to weddings, hosts services, academic ceremonies, concerts, and other events throughout the year. Please consult the chapel wedding calendar for available dates. Questions about scheduling at the chapel should be directed to the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life by emailing egnerchapel@muhlenberg.edu or calling 484-664-3121.
How long will the chapel be reserved for us on our wedding day?
Weddings are scheduled in two-and-a-half-hour time slots; set-up, the ceremony, pictures, and clean-up must take place within this time frame. We suggest that any receiving line be held at your reception where you and your guests will not feel rushed.
What is the chapel’s capacity? What are its dimensions?
- The chapel capacity is 428 guests.
- There are 28 pews on each side of the chapel.
- The length of the aisle is approximately 83 feet from the back pew to the chancel step.
What about parking and accommodations for people with disabilities?
- We will reserve five parking spots immediately outside the chapel for the wedding party.
- We are happy to make accommodations for those needing special assistance.
What is permitted in terms of decorations?
The couple may provide floral decorations, but note that the chapel’s liturgical appointments and altar colors should not be moved or adjusted. Bows or other decorations are allowed on the ends of the pews, providing they are attached with wire, string, or tape. There are 28 pews on each side of the chapel.
Candles will be provided for the altar and the two standing candelabras, which are a good place to decorate with flowers. You may use a wedding unity candle but must supply your own. Please arrange for someone to serve as acolyte. For safety reasons, candlelight weddings are prohibited. All decorations are to be removed from the chapel at the completion of the wedding ceremony.
Note: There is no scattering of flowers or confetti inside the chapel. Outdoors, bubbles and birdseed are permitted. Balloons are prohibited.
How do we reserve an officiant?
Couples are encouraged to invite the clergy from their own worship community to officiate at their wedding and provide the necessary premarital counseling. The college chaplain may also be available for officiating wedding ceremonies. Please contact the chaplain directly to arrange for this service at chaplain@muhlenberg.edu.
Please note that for those who wish to marry in the Roman Catholic Diocese, there is a specific process you must go through in order to be wed at a church outside of your home parish. We are excited to welcome you to Egner Memorial Chapel for your wedding, but please email Muhlenberg’s Allentown Diocese liaison, Magdalene Riggins, at mriggins@allentowndiocese.org.
What are our options for music?
If you are interested in an organist for your wedding, please contact our college organist, Drew Lutz-Long, at andrewlutz-long@muhlenberg.edu. Drew consults with couples concerning all music for the wedding and assists in determining the music to be used. The honorarium for the organist is $250. The college organist is preferred; however, Drew may also approve a visiting organist after consultation with the couple and the organist.
Who is eligible to be married in the chapel?
Those marrying are to be persons with a religious affiliation and/or persons for whom a wedding service conducted in the worship context of the chapel is religiously meaningful. Egner Memorial Chapel is an open and affirming space that welcomes couples of all gender identities and expressions.
What is needed in terms of insurance?
An insurance policy through TULIP or proof of other insurance coverage, is required to protect you and your wedding guests. Purchase of a TULIP policy must be done on-line at least 90 days before your wedding. For more information, contact events@muhlenberg.edu or 484-664-3810.
What is your alcohol policy for the chapel?
The use of alcohol in the chapel is permitted only for the sacrament of communion. All other alcohol is prohibited.
What is your cancellation policy?
In the event a requested date and time cannot be accommodated by Muhlenberg College, alternate scheduling will be discussed with the couple. In the event a confirmation is not granted, the full reservation fee will be refunded.
For confirmed weddings that are canceled six or more months prior to the event date, 50% of the total fee is refundable.
For confirmed weddings canceled less than six months prior to the event, the total fee is nonrefundable.
What is the pricing for a wedding in Egner Chapel?
Muhlenberg Affiliated: If at least one of the principals is a degree candidate, graduate, or the child or grandchild of a graduate; a current member of the Muhlenberg community (faculty, staff) or the child of such member; a member, past or present, of the Muhlenberg Board of Trustees or Board of Associates, or the child or grandchild of such a member, the total fee is $950.
Muhlenberg Unaffiliated: The total fee is $1,250.
Your reservation fee is due in full at the time of booking. Make checks payable to Muhlenberg College (subject line: weddings) and mail them to:
Muhlenberg College
Office of Religious and Spiritual Life
2400 Chew St.
Allentown, PA 18104
How do I apply to host my wedding at Egner Chapel?
Please use this application form. Contact egnerchapel@muhlenberg.edu or 484-664-3121 with any questions.
Other Event Space Reservations
All bookings for spaces on campus except Egner Chapel go through our director of conferences and external events using this external event application form. Host your ceremony, reception, rehearsal dinner, or bridal shower on campus!
Learn more about our spaces and policies from our conferences and external events web page.
Not finding what you need? Contact events@muhlenberg.edu or 484-664-3810.
Red Door Catering Wedding Reception FAQs
Find an overview of Red Door Catering’s services here. If you’re not finding the answer to your question, or if you’d prefer to speak to someone directly, please contact catering@muhlenberg.edu or 484-664-4030.
What kind of food options are available? What do they cost?
We offer buffet, served, and hors d’oeuvre menus at a variety of price points, plus add-ons for desserts, beverages, and specialty stations. Contact catering@muhlenberg.edu to receive the most up-to-date options with current pricing. A guest count below the 12-person minimum will incur an additional charge.
What if I need to make a change or cancel my event?
All changes to an event menu and guest count must be confirmed 10 business days prior to your event or through an event timeline agreed upon with Red Door Catering. Any event canceled or updated within three business days of execution may incur menu and/or staff modification and additional charges.
When are payments due, and how can I make them?
A 50% deposit is due four weeks prior to your event date. All catered functions must be secured by payment before the scheduled event date. Valid payment methods include checks (made payable to SODEXO) or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express).
Request a Muhlenberg Banner
Alumni can show their Muhlenberg spirit on their wedding day, whether they’re getting married on campus or not. Fill out this form and we’ll send you a banner for photos.