FAQs

Question

Where should I stay?

Answer

We have reserved hotel room blocks for our guests. Please visit the "Accommodations" page to view the details and book using our links to receive the discounted rate.

Question

What is the attire for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception?

Answer

We kindly invite you to dress in formal attire for our celebration. For men, a dark suit and tie is suggested. For women, a floor-length gown, cocktail dress, or pantsuit is encouraged. All events will take place indoors, but please bring a warm coat — South Bend winters are chilly!

Question

Is transportation being provided?

Answer

Parking will be available at the ceremony in the Grotto Lot, and there will be ample time afterward to return to your hotel before cocktail hour begins. A complimentary shuttle will be provided from the DoubleTree to the reception at The Armory. The shuttle will leave the DoubleTree at 4:45 PM, and once more at 5:30 PM. Starting at 8:00 PM, the shuttle will take trips throughout the evening back to both The DoubleTree AND the Embassy Suites. The last shuttle will leave The Armory at 11:00 PM to drop guests off at their hotels. If you are staying at the Embassy Suites or another location, transportation TO the reception will not be provided. However, Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout South Bend. The shuttle will take you back to your hotel throughout the evening starting at 8:00 PM. Your safety is so important to us. If you plan to enjoy the open bar, please take advantage of the shuttle or a rideshare service. Thank you!

Question

Where can I park at the ceremony?

Answer

The ceremony will be taking place on Notre Dame's campus at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. To access parking, please enter campus via Notre Dame Avenue. Turn left at Holy Cross Drive which is right before the bookstore, and tell the gate attendant you're there for a wedding. Follow Holy Cross Drive until you are at the intersection of St. Mary's Road and Holy Cross Drive. Park in the Grotto Lot on your right. Overflow parking is available in St. Liam's Lot (just past the Grotto Lot) and along St Mary's road.

Question

What time should I arrive at your wedding ceremony?

Answer

Our ceremony at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart will begin promptly at 3:00 PM. Doors will open to guests at 2:30 PM. We kindly recommend arriving on the Notre Dame campus by 2:30 PM to allow time to park, walk to the Basilica, and be seated before the procession begins. Out of respect for the sacred space and the ceremony, late arrivals will not be permitted to enter once the service has started. Thank you for understanding.

Question

Am I allowed to take pictures at your ceremony?

Answer

We’ve invited a wonderful photographer to capture the beauty of our ceremony. To maintain a reverent atmosphere, we ask that you keep phones off and out of sight until the ceremony has concluded. We’ll share the professional photos with you as soon as we can! Afterward, snap away and help us relive the celebration!

Question

Are children invited to the wedding?

Answer

While we absolutely adore the little ones in our lives, the only children invited to our wedding are those of the bridal party and immediate family. If you're wondering if your children were invited, please refer to your invitation where your children's names would have been included if so. Thank you for your understanding!

Question

Is parking allowed overnight at the reception venue?

Answer

The Armory allows guests to leave their cars parked overnight at the venue, however they do not recommend it. It is extremely important to us that our loved ones stay safe while celebrating with us. If you think that you'll be indulging in our open bar at the reception, please utilize the provided transportation to and from the Double Tree hotel or plan to get a Lyft/Uber home. Thank you!!

Question

Is there anything I should know about attending a Catholic wedding ceremony?

Answer

The sacrament of holy matrimony is sacred in the Catholic Church, and we are so happy that you can join us as witnesses during the ceremony. While some Catholic weddings consist of a full mass, we have chosen to have a shortened version for our ceremony. Eucharist will not be administered.