Lauren Folgosa and Casey Cooley met as students at the University of Richmond, and one of their early dates took place at Ring Dance. When they married in 2014, they chose Cannon Memorial Chapel and The Jefferson Hotel, where their Ring Dance was held, as the sites for their wedding and reception.

“Casey and I were excited to get married on campus where our love story began,” said Lauren Folgosa Cooley. “It was very special to bring our family and friends to the chapel to share its beauty and sentiment with them.” 

Spider weddings (including alumni, faculty, and staff) make up about 85% of those held at the campus chapel. Kayla Johnson, the events assistant in charge of coordinating weddings at the chapel, explained that while the University of Richmond is a wonderful location for weddings to take place, it is not a traditional venue.

"We are a college campus that happens to have beautiful spaces to get married. Meaning that during major campus events, like commencement, reunion weekend, or home football games, we are not able to accommodate any weddings," Johnson said.

Cannon Memorial was dedicated on Oct. 23, 1929, and is listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register. Prominent Virginia architect Charles M. Robinson designed the late Gothic style chapel, which features a large sanctuary with a soaring vaulted ceiling, arched stained-glass windows, and a window with a rose design above its entrance.

“The second they walk in, it’s 'Wow!' every time,” said Johnson, who always takes guests through the front door. “The organ is typically lit, the stained glass is beautiful. You get the tiered stage which is awesome for photos, and separate bride and groom’s rooms.”

Weddings take place on Saturdays. Most people plan at least 10-12 months out, and only one wedding is held per day.

“I open the appointment book one month at a time, and it fills up really quickly,” Johnson said. “It’s open at 12:01 a.m. on the first of each month. When I come in at 8 a.m., my inbox is full. We do everything first come, first serve.”

So far this year, she’s scheduled 15 weddings out of 17 weekends available. A few more spots will open once the Spider football schedule is out.  

A member of the Events staff, Johnson oversees the logistics, including reserving space in the chapel, a side garden, the quatrefoil garden out front, the labyrinth, and the forum, which overlooks Westhampton Lake. All make prime photo spots.

She meets with the bride and groom in person to walk through the space and discuss their vision. Weddings range from small and intimate affairs to parties with as many as 750 guests. Many couples select performers through the UR music department, who are familiar with both the piano and organ. Likewise, the chaplaincy can be retained to lead the wedding service. All faiths are open to the non-denominational space.

Some requests are more unusual than others. Johnson once had to hide a horse and carriage — a surprise from a bride’s mother. After the ceremony, the carriage carried the couple across campus to the Jepson Alumni Center for their reception. An added perk: Brides and grooms who choose to hold their reception there get a free night’s stay at the elegant Bottomley House, located on the premises.

One couple who chose both sites was Jen Cottle, a 2020 grad, who married 2019 alum Vincent Camp.

“The University brought my husband and I together, and it felt symbolic and nostalgic to return to it for our wedding,” said Jen Camp. “Also, Cannon Chapel, and the rest of campus, is a beautiful venue that was perfect for the vibe we wanted.”

The chapel also draws those with no affiliation to the University because of its beauty, Johnson said. But for Spiders, it holds special appeal.

“When they’re freshmen, they start their journey in here, with Proclamation and Investiture. It’s their first time away from home, and they’re starting to feel independent and figuring out who they want to be as individuals,” she said. “And then they work super hard to get to graduation, and then they get to have Baccalaureate in here.”

When it comes time to start a new chapter in their lives with someone they love, it’s the perfect space for many alumni, Johnson said.

“I think this place holds a really big piece of a lot of Spiders’ hearts.”