Wedding Ceremonies

The Knowles Memorial Chapel may be reserved for wedding ceremonies.

 If you are interested in having your wedding at another venue on Rollins campus please see our wedding guidelines for areas other than Knowles Chapel.

History of the Knowles Memorial Chapel

Rollins College motto "Fiat Lux" is a phrase from the opening lines of the book of Genesis: "Let there be light." The motto is concretized through the imposing entrance to the chapel, which was the generous gift of Frances Knowles Warren in memory of her father Francis Bangs Knowles. Francis Knowles was one of the several ardent men and women of the Congregational Church whose vision for the first college in the State of Florida resulted in Rollins College in 1885. Francis Knowles was one of the founders and original trustees of Rollins College. Construction of the chapel was begun in March 1931 and it was dedicated March 19, 1932. At that time it was located in the center of the campus. The architect of the chapel was the famous ecclesiastical architect, Ralph Adams Cram, of the firm of Cram and Ferguson of Boston. Cram also designed the Church of St. John the Divine in New York City and the chapel on the campus of the University of Notre Dame.

Rules for Use of the Chapel for Weddings

Eligibility:

To use the chapel for a wedding, either the bride or groom must be:
(1)  a graduate of the college, either undergraduate or graduate schools; or
(2)  a son or daughter of a graduate; or
(3)  a full-time student at Rollins in any one of its degree-granting programs.

Officiants:

The Dean of the Chapel is responsible for all chapel services and usually officiates at Protestant weddings. However, ordained ministers, priests, or rabbis in good standing in their religious communities are welcome to officiate. The person performing the ceremony is responsible for conducting the rehearsal. A notary or judge is not permitted to perform wedding ceremonies in this Chapel.

Contact:

Joanne Granberry

Wedding Receptions