Military Chaplains and Wedding Services

You’re getting married! Let the planning begin.

Things to think about

Consider the following as you plan your wedding ceremony:

• Eligibility — All active-duty and retired service members and their dependent children, and National Guard and reserve service members (while on active duty), are generally eligible to use their military installation’s chapel for wedding ceremonies. Contact your local installation’s chaplain office for specific requirements.
• Availability — Schedules for military chapels and chaplains can fill up fast, so be sure to plan ahead if you are interested in their services for your wedding. Some chaplains require an application, typically three months before your wedding date.
• Ceremony — Chaplains conduct ceremonies in accordance with the manner and form of the religious organization that endorses them. If the available chaplain isn’t of your faith, you can ask for a referral to a clergy member of your desired religion to perform the service.
• Premarital counseling — Many chaplains require premarital counseling before they will perform a marriage ceremony.
• Fees — Weddings conducted by a chaplain are free. Military chaplains are, in fact, prohibited from accepting monetary donations. However, you can donate to the chapel fund at the installation chapel.
• Marriage retreats — Consider taking part in a marriage retreat. Army Strong Bonds, the Marine Corps Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program, the Navy CREDO Marriage Enrichment and the Air Force MarriageCare retreats are chaplain-led programs designed to strengthen your relationship and help you maintain a strong marriage.

As with many aspects of military life, early planning and flexibility are the keys to celebrating the wedding ceremony of your dreams. Contact a chaplain at your installation, or find your chapel at MilitaryINSTALLATIONS under the program service “Chapels” to start planning your wedding now.