General Information
The Pasquerilla Spiritual Center-Eisenhower Chapel has been the site of many beautiful ceremonies over the years. Services of all sizes, traditions, and faiths are welcome and can be accommodated in the large Worship Hall in the Spiritual Center or in a smaller, more intimate setting in the Eisenhower Chapel or Meditation Chapel. Our experienced and dedicated staff handles more than 70 ceremonies each year and is available to assist and guide you in the planning of your special day.
Same-Sex couples are welcome at The Pasquerilla Spiritual Center-Eisenhower Chapel for ceremonies of commitment. These ceremonies cannot be considered marriages because there is at present no provision in Pennsylvania law making same-sex unions legally binding. The Pennsylvania State University claims diversity as one of its core values. In that spirit, CERA affirms the full range of diverse faiths and provides space for each of these traditions and their particular practices.
Who may get married and/or have a commitment ceremony at the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center-Eisenhower Chapel?
- Penn State students and alumni
- Penn State employees and members of their immediate families
- Penn State employees and children of trustees
Reservations
To inquire about a ceremony, couples need to fill out this online Ceremony Request Form.
When planning to schedule a ceremony, couples should know that they:
- Can schedule a wedding 2 years in advance
- Will be assigned a wedding facilitator who will work with them during both the rehearsal and the wedding *** We provide our own Wedding Planner Facilitator who is used in our buildings.
- Must make their own arrangements for officiates, musicians, florists and photographers
- Will have access to the Chapel or Spiritual Center 1/2 hour before the scheduled time and 1/2 hour after the ceremony
Please note: Reservations are for 2-hour blocks of time. Access time is strictly enforced due to other events that may be scheduled after your ceremony. Participants who arrive prior to the scheduled access time may be denied access to the facility.
Rehearsals
On the day before the ceremony, one hour is scheduled for each rehearsal. A Wedding Facilitator will assist the couple with their special day by greeting the officiate and wedding party upon arrival, meeting with the photographer/videographer and the organist/pianist, and distributing flowers and coordinating the movements of the wedding party. The Facilitator will oversee the set-up for the ceremony, including flowers, candles, and other decorations, and signal the musician and coordinate the seating of the special guests, parents and/or guardians. The facilitator will also assist the wedding participants and families during the processional and ensure that all plans are carried out in a seamless, timely manner.
Since a variety of programs, events, and services occur in the facility, including rehearsals that run every hour, it is important that the couple, officiate, and individuals involved in the ceremony arrive on time. If a rehearsal begins late, the time allotted must be reduced by that amount. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us assist you in using your time and space within the facility as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Rental Fees
Eisenhower Chapel: $500.00 - A deposit of $250.00 is due 2 weeks from the date of contact.
Worship Hall: $900.00 - A deposit of $450.00 is due 2 weeks from the date of contact.
Your reservation will be tentatively reserved for 2 weeks until we receive the deposit. Payments are accepted by check or money order and made payable to CERA (The Center for Ethics and Religious Affairs).
Please note:
- Final payments are due ONE MONTH BEFORE the event
- ALL PAYMENTS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE
Organists
CERA provides a list of approved organists (PDF) from Penn State's School of Music and the State College community who may be scheduled to play for weddings and commitment ceremonies.
This list includes individuals who have been approved to play the organ in the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center-Eisenhower Chapel as well as approved pianists. Fees may vary and are the responsibility of the group requesting the organist/pianist.
Additional Information
Contact Dena Gazza, Wedding/Commitment Ceremony Coordinator via email or call 814-865-6549 with questions and/or to request an information packet.