Overview

The Mariners Memorial Chapel is a National Memorial honoring men of the Merchant Marines who gave their lives at sea during World Wars I and II in the defense of their country. Permission to use the Chapel for weddings will be granted on a priority basis. It should be remembered that this privilege rests on the assumption that rules for the proper preservation and religious respect of this Memorial will be carefully observed.

Denominational Requirements

• Protestant
• Catholic
• Jewish

Forms and Guides

The Mariners Memorial Chapel Wedding Information Guide (see below) will answer most questions of what the do’s and don’ts are for weddings at the chapel.  Please read through the guide and if you have any questions please feel free to reach out to the chaplain’s office at 516-726-5709 during normal working hours for further guidance. 

As well, we have listed the necessary forms required to be filled out for reservation of the chapel and for weddings.  There might be more depending on the type of wedding to be performed and those can be obtained during the initial contact for reservation with the chapel.

• USMMA Catholic Chaplain Letter Addressing Wedding Requirements rev. 3/1/2024
• USMMA Catholic Priest Master Prep Checklist - AMS
• USMMA Mariners Chapel Wedding Information Guide
• USMMA Facilities Request Form – Fillable
• USMMA Wedding Application - Fillable

Time Availability

The normal times for weddings on weekends are:

• Friday - 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM
• Saturday - 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM
• Sunday - 3:00 PM

Requests for other wedding times will be considered individually by the Command Chaplain in accordance with staff availability.

Eligibility

Use of the Mariners Memorial Chapel will be determined as follows:

• Priority I - Graduating Midshipmen
• Priority II - Alumni and Academy personnel and their children
• Priority III - Active or Retired Merchant Mariners and their children
• Priority IV - Active Duty Military

Usage Fees

Depending upon the ceremony conducted, certain maintenance fees may be imposed. Please contact us directly concerning your particular needs. Government ethics laws preclude payment of fees or personal donations to Academy chaplains and staff. Clergy stole fees (for civilian clergy) are negotiated directly with the clergyperson.

Initial Contact with the Chapel

The bride or groom should make contact as early as possible (at least 6 months in advance) with the Chapel Manager at (516) 726-5709. No other persons, family or friends, may make arrangements unless written arrangements have been made in advance. No weddings will be scheduled more than a year in advance. No other social arrangements should be made prior to a signed contract with the Chapel with final approval from the Academy.