Concerts & Other Events

Offering beauty, class, and convenience, Marsh Chapel is perfect for many types of events.

Each year, our space is host to hundreds of events ranging from faculty concerts to religious life events like Zen Buddhist meditation gatherings or weekly bible study. We also host small university classes and meetings, large educational gatherings, and intimate luncheons for community leaders. Reach out to our office via phone (617-353-3560) or email (chapel@bu.edu) to discuss your space needs.

Types of events we do not allow:

• External worship services: We do not allow rental by churches or other religious organizations for their worship services.
• Filming Reservations not associated with Boston University initiatives.
• Events that do not align with Marsh Chapel’s values or disrespect the legacy or intended use of the building as a place of worship.

Questions regarding these policies should be directed to the Director of Marsh Chapel & Religious Life, Heidi Freimanis-Cordts. 

How to Schedule a Concert or Other Event:

If you are planning a wedding, student recital, or memorial service, please refer to the corresponding page.

1. Read this page and reach out to the Marsh Chapel & Religious Life office via phone or email with questions or concerns.
2. Browse our spaces to decide which space best fits your needs. We can make suggestions if you are unsure what type of space you need.
3. Submit the reservation request form.
4. Once submitted, your request will be reviewed by our staff. We will respond within 5 business days. If the dates or times requested on your form are unavailable, we will contact you via email with available alternatives.
5. Once a date and time is approved, an invoice will be issued to the organizing party or a designated person who will organize payment.
   1. Fees are based on event type, day of the reservation, and the organizing person, group, or department.
      1. Internal reservations for Boston University departments, faculty, or student groups can expect a fee of $200-$600/single-day event.
      2. Outside reservations from non-BU affiliated groups or individuals can expect a fee of $300-$1000.
   2. Fee structure is subject to change. Fee will not be changed once an invoice is issued.
6. Once received, your invoice must be paid by the due date on the invoice, usually 10 business days before your event.
7. Your reservation is confirmed once an invoice is issued.
8. Once confirmed, questions and concerns can be answered via phone or email.
9. Should you need to cancel your event, you must notify the chapel office no later than 10 business days before your event. Reservations not canceled more than 10 business days  before the event date will be required to pay the total amount due on their invoice.

General Guidelines for Events in Marsh Chapel

• All reservations must conclude and be cleaned up by 9:30 p.m.
• The chapel must be returned to its original state by the end of your reservation (chairs/stands put away, decorations removed, piano closed and covered, any furniture returned to its original arrangement, etc.)
• Rooms in the lower level of Marsh Chapel (Robinson Chapel, Thurman Room, Marsh Room) must be returned to their original state with chairs and tables returned to their racks and windows closed.
• Decorations may not be taped to the wood or stained glass windows. If you wish to hang posters, please use painters tape or non-adhesive methods. You may not hang posters advertising you event before your reservation begins.
  • We do not have a public bulletin board or screen on which you can advertise. Posters or other promotional materials will be discarded.
• Use of the Chapel’s Organ is available on a case by case basis with permission from our Associate Director of Music, Justin Blackwell (justintb@bu.edu).
• We do not have a staff that provides stage crew or A/V services. We have rudimentary audio and lighting systems that do not support complicated lighting or sound design. You may bring in your own equipment and professionals if desired. We do not contract these services for you, nor are they included in your rental fee.
• Please do not place instruments, cases, or other items on top of the piano, organ, or wooden altar table.
• Reservations that continue past their scheduled end time may be subject to late fines at the rate of $50 for every 15 minutes. If another event is scheduled immediately following your reservation time, your event may be interrupted and promptly concluded.

PLEASE NOTE: If any of these rules are broken, future performances and reservation requests from the individual or group will be denied.

Marsh Chapel reserves the right to cancel any reservation in the event of an emergency situation or university closure.