Going to the Chapel: The Ins & Outs of a Naval Academy Wedding

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Any Mid can tell you the Naval Academy has lots of rules, so is it any surprise that a wedding at the USNA Chapel involves a few stipulations, too? While military code will not dictate how short your guests cut their hair, the Naval Academy Business Services Division will influence your planning, from the vendors permitted on the Yard to the length of your ceremony. Here are our best tips for planning a celebration at this Beaux-Arts beauty.

Before you get your hopes up, make sure you make the cut.  Use of the Chapel for weddings is limited to non-married Naval Academy alumni, military staff and faculty members, active-duty members of the military assigned to Naval Support Activity Annapolis, and active-duty military personnel living in the vicinity who regularly attend Chapel services. Did you jump through that hoop? Then you better call your priest or pastor; the next step is to complete pre-marital counseling and the NABSD will expect a verifiable certificate of completion.

Be flexible with your date. Those seeking to get married at the Academy must fill out a USNA wedding application. Requests for a specific date and time can be submitted at any point, but availability is not confirmed until 12 months prior to the requested date. Jen Nyland, principal planner and co-owner of 2hands Studios, says that because of this restriction, many of her Naval Academy clients will actually book their offsite reception first, so they don’t lose out on popular venues. Also to note: a new policy allows the Academy to host weddings on the same day as home football games, which were previously restricted.

Hire approved vendors. All onsite vendors must come from the NABSD’s official list, which includes 25 photographers, 8 videographers, 5 planners, and 4 florists. Got your heart set on an unauthorized photographer you discovered on Instagram? There are workarounds, Nyland says. Consider hiring two photographers, such as a Naval Academy business partner for the ceremony and your dream vendor for the offsite reception. Off-list florists can be used as long as brides and their party bring in the bouquets themselves. And, of course, there is a big positive that comes with fewer (and fabulous) vendor options: fewer decisions to make!

Understand that time at the Chapel is limited. The main Chapel runs a tight ship, hosting up to 7 weddings per day. Each ceremony is allotted 30 minutes from start to sword salute (or an hour in the case of a Catholic mass), which means there is minimal time for pre-ceremony decorating and post-ceremony portraits. That said, beautiful settings for additional photos abound, from the garden at Farragut House, the superintendent’s residence, to Bancroft Hall. Just make sure you submit the individual permits in advance! Which reminds us…

Expect some extra paperwork. Because the Naval Academy is a military installation, the NABSD has to follow government protocol and consider the safety of those who live and work on the Yard. As a result, there are more forms to complete than at your average wedding venue. But that’s no reason to feel overwhelmed, says NABSD event manager Brenda Stone. “Our department is very structured and we guide couples along the way the entire year.” Approved wedding planners are helpful, too, in navigating unique processes. “I work really hard to foster relationships on the Academy grounds, so I know when procedures change,” Cyndi Hicks of Chicks Design explains. While extra paperwork can feel like a pain, the payoff comes with a ceremony that is run with razor sharp precision.

Prep your guests. Out-of-town and civilian guests will appreciate specific instructions about how to access the Yard, such as a reminder to carry a valid photo ID (driver’s license or passport) to drive on or enter the pedestrian gate.

Relish this historic venue. Built in 1908, the Brigade of Midshipman Chapel is a stunning example of neoclassical architecture. “Guests are absolutely wowed by it,” Nyland says. “It’s so unexpected, like a cathedral in Europe or New York City.” From the 22-foot bronze doors — designed in 1909 by a relatively unknown female sculptor — to the four Tiffany stained-glass windows and the world’s largest drawknob organ, there is much to see and admire. Encourage your guests to book a historical walking tour or GEM electric vehicle tour to learn more! The NABSD will even customize the experience to highlight a couple’s favorite parts of campus.

Know your celebration directly supports the Brigade. Proceeds from every event go toward the Midshipmen Welfare Fund, which funds intramural sports, academic clubs, music groups, and other student activities on the Yard. 

Photographer: Christa Rae Photography; Planner: Chicks Design; Bride’s gown: Lillian West (designer) + Fleurish LA (shop) Hair + makeup: Lauren Abagale Bridal; Florals: Flower Follies