Welcome to the Bigelow Chapel

United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities welcomes you to the Bigelow Chapel. As an ecumenical seminary of the United Church of Christ, the Bigelow Chapel is our front door to the community, and we welcome people of all faiths and walks of life.

The Bigelow Chapel is a religious building offering both the seminary and wider community an exciting statement of God’s presence and mystery in the world. The chapel provides an intimate space for groups of 20-40 or can accommodate 200+ people for special events.

With award-winning architectural design by Joan Soranno and John Cook of Hammel, Green and Abrahamson, Inc., and construction by M.A. Mortenson Company, the design-build team constructed an innovative chapel structure that includes large, curvilinear, laminated wood panels set against glass wall openings and roof skylights that provide suffused light throughout the chapel. Textured pre-cast concrete sections complete the exterior walls. Twin towers at the south end contain a set of pealing chimes. Movable pew chairs provide a flexible venue for events for the seminary and the public.

A Beautiful and Unique Venue for Your Event

Walking through the Bigelow Chapel, you will notice it is a space like no other. The design is a delicate composition of floating planes of glass, cast stone walls, and a series of translucent curving wood panels that cast a warm glow inside the chapel and provide a tranquil environment for worship and prayer. The Bigelow Chapel is a sacred space, but it is also common ground. For this reason, it is available for rental for special events, including:

• Weddings and Holy Unions
• Family Celebrations
• Concerts, Performances, and Religious Drama
• Ecumenical and Interfaith Community Worship Services
• Workshops and Seminars
• Community Concerts or Programs
• Meditation Services
• Funerals or Memorial Services

The Perfect Spot for Your Wedding or Holy Union

The Bigelow Chapel provides a beautiful, inspirational, and intimate spot for your ceremony. The innovative design and beauty offer a sacred space where worship, ritual, and meditation are easily invited. The services and amenities we offer are designed to help make your “big day” something to remember.

The Following Apply to Ceremonies in the Bigelow Chapel:

•You are free to use your own officiant for the ceremony, or we can refer you to the seminary chaplain or other officiant.
• If United clergy are used, they can help you develop the order of worship for your service. United does not offer design or printing services.
• For weddings, a marriage license from the State of Minnesota and proof of premarital counseling are required.