University of Notre Dame Wedding Guide

For Notre Dame alumni, there is no venue on earth like campus. Marrying beneath the Golden Dome means your wedding film opens with the same skyline you saw as a student: the Basilica’s spire, the Dome catching the light, the Grotto’s candles. We are Chicago wedding videographers who have filmed multiple weddings at Notre Dame, and the 90-minute trip from the city is one of our favorites.

Notre Dame Wedding Films

Watch two real weddings we filmed on campus:

Tori & Bryan’s spring celebration with a donut cutting at South Dining Hall.

Kelsey & Pat’s game-day wedding with bagpipes and an Irish jig on the Dome steps.

The Ceremony

Most campus weddings take place at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, with the intimate historic Log Chapel as the smaller alternative. Basilica weddings are traditional Catholic ceremonies, and eligibility generally requires a Notre Dame connection, so confirm details with the Basilica’s wedding office early; dates book far in advance, especially in football season.

Photo & Video Locations

Campus is a film set. The processional walk alone passes the Main Building and the Golden Dome, and within a few minutes’ walk you have the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, the tree-lined paths around St. Mary’s and St. Joseph’s lakes, and Hesburgh Library’s famous mural. Some of our favorite footage came from traditions couples added themselves: a bagpiper leading guests across campus, and a full bridal party Irish jig on the Main Building steps.

Receptions

The two receptions we have filmed on campus were at the Morris Inn’s Smith Ballroom, steps from the Basilica and ideal for a walking procession, and the historic South Dining Hall, whose East Wing feels like a great hall from another century. Both photograph beautifully, and both keep the entire day on campus.

Filming Weddings at Notre Dame

We know the Basilica’s videography guidelines and work within them without sacrificing the film. We know where the light falls at the Grotto in late afternoon, how to time the Dome portraits around campus foot traffic, and that on a football Saturday your guests will want one eye on the game, which makes for wonderful candid footage. Travel from Chicago is easy for our team, and we treat Notre Dame as home turf.

FAQ

Who can get married at Notre Dame?

Basilica weddings generally require a connection to the university, such as being an alum, student, or staff member. Policies change, so verify with the Basilica wedding office when you begin planning.

How far is Notre Dame from Chicago?

About 95 miles, roughly a 90-minute to two-hour drive. We film there regularly and the travel is simple for our team.

Where do Notre Dame couples hold receptions?

The Morris Inn and South Dining Hall are the classic on-campus choices, with additional options around South Bend. We have filmed both and know their rooms well.

Who films weddings at Notre Dame?

We do, and we love the assignment. Check your date →