We believe that every wedding has its own personality and should be treated that way! We are dedicated to making sure your vision comes to life and are committed to meeting your needs with unparalleled service. We hope the following information will answer some of your questions as you plan this important occasion. Let our experienced, professional planners assist with making your wedding a success.
Rental venue options include Skinner Memorial Chapel, Cowling Arboretum, Weitz Center For Creativity, and Severance Great Hall. Other spaces can be considered. All spaces are typically reserved from Friday at 3 p.m. until Sunday at 12 p.m. However, we are flexible and can discuss alternatives to those dates and times to accommodate your needs.
Because the college’s facilities are used extensively during the academic year, weddings are scheduled only for the summer months or winter break. Only one large catered event per weekend can be held on campus, and availability of facilities is subject to construction and maintenance projects, summer academic programs, and other college events. Arrangements for ministers, musicians, florist, tents, outdoor bathrooms (if necessary), and photographer are the responsibility of the wedding party. We strongly encourage hiring a licensed wedding planner for the day of the rehearsal, ceremony and reception.
Venue Information
Skinner Memorial Chapel
Skinner Memorial Chapel is the heart of religious and spiritual life at Carleton and one of the most prominent buildings on campus. Extensive renovations to the chapel took place in the summer of 2015, including adding air conditioning, new heating, lighting, sound system, and projection capabilities.
During the summer of 2019, the interior stone was cleaned and repaired, new pews were built and installed, and a hearing assistance loop was placed under the flooring in the sanctuary.
Skinner Memorial Chapel can accommodate 950 guests.
Severance Great Hall
Severance Great Hall was built in 1928 as a large event venue on the west side of campus. Severance Great Hall is connected to the Sayles-Hill Campus Center. Severance Great Hall was designed to mimic Harvard University’s Gothic design at the time.
The interiors were changed many times over the years, however, the Gothic interior design details remain unchanged. The alcove is particularly beautiful as the area is framed by pillars and set off by windows on three sides. Air conditioning has helped preserve the beauty.
Weitz Center For Creativity
Weitz Center for Creativity was built on the site of the former Northfield Middle School, the construction of the Weitz incorporated many architectural elements from the original building.
The College took great care in selecting an architect with expertise in adapting old buildings to new purposes. The building exterior on the Union Street side remains largely unchanged, turning a familiar face to the Northfield community.
On the inside, creative repurposing helps the space retain its historic character, showcasing the high ceilings, old woodwork and doors, and slate blackboards from the original middle school classrooms.
The Class of 1980 Commons is air conditioned and includes basic microphones and sound equipment.
Cowling Arboretum
The Cowling Arboretum, or the “Arb”, consists of approximately 800 acres of land adjacent to the College and was created under the leadership of President Donald J. Cowling and Professor Harvey E. Stork in the 1920s.
As an outdoor venue, weather plays a critical factor. A tent can be rented and erected near the Monument Hill location. Please note that tables, chairs, and any equipment rentals are not provided by the college and must be ordered by the wedding party through an outside vendor. The college will make every effort possible to have restrooms available, however, if this is not available, the wedding party will need to rent portable restrooms.
Parking will be available at the Recreation Center.
Catering & Alcohol
Bon Appétit Catering provides all catering on the Carleton campus. Table cloths can be requested with any catering order. Other tables, such as gift tables, can be provided upon request at no additional charge.
Menu choices and costs can be obtained by contacting the catering manager at catering@carleton.edu. or calling 507-222-4229.
Alcohol is permitted at wedding events on campus, but all alcoholic beverages must be confined to the reception venue. Bon Appétit Catering provides all alcohol and servers for the venue bar. This will be an additional cost for the food purchase.
Parking
Guest parking is permitted at any unrestricted area on campus as well as on adjacent city streets. Parking is not usually an issue during academic breaks. More information about visitor parking.
Guest Lodging
Rooms in the Alumni Guest House are available for wedding parties to rent. To ensure space for your guests, we suggest booking a block of rooms at a local hotel in advance of your event. We would be pleased to provide you with a list of Northfield area hotels and motels.
Venue Rental Fees
You can view venue rental fees below. Skinner Memorial Chapel is FREE for alumni of Carleton College. A $150.00 deposit will secure the reservation. The deposit is refundable if notice of cancellation is given three months prior to the wedding date. The balance will be expected to be paid one month prior to the wedding date. No backup rain location is granted at Carleton College.
Our rental fee packages include basic set-up/clean-up, basic public address system, and event/venue signage.
| SPACE | CARLETON COMMUNITY MEMBERS* | NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS | ALL OTHERS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skinner Memorial Chapel | $1,500.00 | $1,500.00 | $2,000.00 |
| Weitz Center Class of 1980 Commons | $1,500.00 | $1,500.00 | $2,000.00 |
| Severance Great Hall | $1,500.00 | $1,500.00 | $2,000.00 |
| Carleton’s Japanese Garden | $500.00 | $500.00 | $700.00 |
| Alumni Guest House Grounds | $500.00 | $500.00 | $700.00 |
*Carleton Community Members are defined as: Current Faculty/Staff, Emeriti Faculty, or Alumni.
Scheduling Your Wedding
Contact the Events Coordinator scheduling@carleton.edu or call 507-222-4465 to inquire about date availability.