Clergy for Weddings

It is the responsibility of the couple to arrange for an officiant. Clergy and Justices of the Peace, licensed to officiate in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, are welcome to conduct weddings in Abbey Chapel.

The Chaplains of the College may also be available to officiate. Should you desire their services, please consult with them personally. They each require a series of conferences of preparation for marriage prior to the ceremony. Please make their arrangements and discuss any fees well in advance of your wedding date.

Only those persons authorized by the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to officiate weddings may do so. Non-resident clergy have to obtain authorization to solemnize a marriage in this state. Details may be obtained by calling the office of the Secretary the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in Boston at (617) 727-7030.

Persons wishing to be married in the Roman Catholic tradition must comply with certain requirements of the Diocese of Springfield. The completed wedding application will be reviewed by the Catholic Priest at Mount Holyoke College for approval.

If either party has been previously married please notify the officiant at the first contact. In many cases, permission must be obtained from religious bodies well in advance of the wedding.

The marriage license obtained at any town or city hall in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts should be given to the officiant at the rehearsal.