Q. Where can the wedding party and guests park?
A. The wedding party can reserve a few spaces behind Rutledge Chapel. To get permission for parking in this area, arrangements must be made with Vehicle Management - 777-4316.

Guests can park on the lower levels of the Pendleton parking garage, at the corner of Bull and Pendleton, where there are metered spaces. Meters are not checked on weekends.

If there are handicapped or elderly who cannot walk the distance from Pendleton Garage, the driver can bring them to the back of the chapel where there is a ramp. The driver can let them out and then park the car in Pendleton Garage.

If anyone parks on the streets anywhere, that is city parking and the meters will be enforced.

Q. Is there handicap access to Rutledge Chapel?
A. Yes, behind the chapel. Drive up to the back parking area; there is a ramp going to the door on the right. It will lead into the front of the chapel.

Q. How do we get the gates to the horseshoe opened to drive a carriage up to the front of the chapel?
A. You have to get special permission at the time you make your reservations for the chapel .

Q. Can we drive a limo, towncar, or other vehicle up to the front of the chapel?
A. No. Because of the original brick paving stones in the Horseshoe, only a horse-drawn carriage is permitted to drive up to the front of the chapel.

Q. What address do we put on the invitations for the Chapel?
A. Since the Chapel is at the far end of the Historic USC Horseshoe, the street address is not helpful for finding the Chapel or for finding parking (see question above about parking). See this link for detailed directions you can include with your invitation: Rutledge Chapel Directions

Q. Can we have a reception on the horseshoe?
A. Contact McCutchen House(777-7919), which is located on the north side of the horseshoe for receptions.

Q. Can we have a reception at the Russell House ballroom?
A. No. The Russell House does not do wedding receptions. Contact McCutchen House (777-7919) on the horseshoe for receptions

Q. Is there a restroom in the chapel?
A. Yes; at the front of the chapel there is a door to the left of the dais which leads to a small vestibule. On the left from the vestibule is the restroom.

Q. Is there a dressing room in the chapel?
A. Yes; at the front of the chapel the door on the left leads to a small vestibule. On the right of the vestibule is a small room which can be used for changing. The bathroom on the left of the vestibule also has a large mirror.

Q. Is there a sound system in the chapel?
A. No; this is an historical building. There is no sound system.

Q. Can we put people in the organ loft balcony?
A. No; the University Legal Risk and Safety office has closed the balcony. No one may sit in the balcony area.

Q. We would like to use the chapel organ at our wedding.
A. Use of the organ is managed by the Music School. Organists must be authorized by the Music School. Call Sara Beardsley (777-5369) for permission and to get a key for the organ loft and organ.

Q. Can you recommend an approved organist?
A. Yes, Sara Beardsley in the Music School (777-5369).

Q. Are there any rules or restrictions on the type of music or musicians allowed?
A. There are no restrictions on the music or musicians. The requirements regarding the organ are for the preservation of the organ itself.

Q. Is there a chaplain at the chapel who can perform a wedding?
A. Rutledge Chapel is an historical university building, not a functioning chapel. There is no chaplain at the chapel. The Chaplains' Association at the university is not formally associated with the Rutledge Chapel; it consists of representatives from various religious traditions who serve both the university and the student body in ministry, teaching and counseling.

Q. Do you have any recommendations for someone to perform the wedding?
A. In the state of South Carolina anyone who is a Notary Public is authorized to perform a wedding.

Q. Can we bring things in to set up prior to our reserved time?
A. No; all setup, photographs, and cleanup must be done within the reserved two hours.

Q. Can we stay later than our reserved time?
A. No; all setup, photographs, and cleanup must be done within the reserved two hours.