The Indiana Memorial Union is a student union located on the Bloomington campus of Indiana University. The Union is a centralized place to meet friends, socialize, eat, work, and host events. Some students even just meet to watch movies at the Indiana Memorial Union’s Whittenberger Auditorium! The space houses a whole host of different establishments, including Indiana Memorial Union restaurants, conference rooms, banquet halls, coffee shops, mail centers, a hair salon, a credit union, a game room, and more. Many of the Indian University services are housed in the union as well, including security, IT, the Indian University bookstore, hotel, and health center.

The Memorial Union is really a one-stop-shop and many students, alumni, and community members choose the Indiana Memorial Union for their wedding due to the variety of functional and lovely venues available.

The History

Today’s Memorial Union stems back to 1909 when a student named John Whittenberger noticed a lack of unity on campus. The “Indiana Union” was organized, a group responsible for planning school events that would bring the campus closer together. The actual structure was built in 1932 and more additions were added over the years, such as the Biddle Continuation Center, Biddle Hotel, and the Commemorative Garden, until the structure became what it is today. Rumors have circulated among university students and alumni, saying that the Indian Memorial Union is haunted. Stories say that several students of the past have taken their own lives by jumping from the high points of the student union. These stories only add to the historical mystique of this grand space.

Reception Space

The Indiana Memorial Union has a large number of spaces available to the public for banquets, receptions, and parties. Wedding receptions are especially popular in the Memorial Union Alumni Hall, a space that boasts hardwood flooring, a stage, and a capacity big enough for even the largest reception, capping at 650 guests! The Indiana Memorial Union Solarium adjoins the hall, allowing for even more space, and is a lovely room with an abundance of natural light. Using these rooms in conjunction with each other is a great option should the bride want her ceremony and reception in the same location.

The Memorial Union rooms don’t stop there, for it has a whole host of other choices available, including the Georgian Room and Tudor Room, both a wonderful choice for receptions due to their beautiful setting with space enough for 150 guests.

Ceremony Space

While the Indiana Memorial Union is generally used for receptions, ceremonies can be accommodated in a few of the structure’s lovely spaces. The Frangipani Room can house 200 guests, and this room is perfect for a ceremony because of the stage at one end, providing a perfect backdrop for a vow exchange. The Tree Suite Garden at IMU is another lovely setting for a ceremony, especially if the bride prefers the outdoors. It is surrounded by limestone walls and flowering trees, making it a picturesque and romantic atmosphere for a wedding.

Beck Chapel is another great option for brides wanting a ceremony on-campus. While not located inside the Memorial Union, this rustic and beautiful chapel is still on the university campus, making it a convenient location for brides wanting a reception at IMU.

Other Spaces

The union also has many smaller rooms that can be utilized for a rehearsal dinner or a smaller, more intimate wedding, including the Walnut Room, State Room East, Oak Room, and the Dogwood Room, each of which has capacity for fewer than 100 guests.

The Indiana Memorial Union University Club is also available for rent, a two-story space with comfortable seating that is perfect for the bridal party to get ready before the ceremony. It’s also a great place to rest and relax between sessions with the wedding photographer.

Catering

There is on-site catering at the Indiana Memorial Union. The talented chefs at IMU produce a variety of gourmet menus that are sure to meet the needs of any bride. The Indiana Memorial Union catering company makes dining a pleasure, whether it is a large wedding reception or a small luncheon. No matter which IMU menu the bride chooses, satisfaction is guaranteed and she is provided several tasting appointments prior to the big day.

Lodging

One of the best perks of an IMU wedding is the on-site lodging. The Biddle Hotel is located in the Memorial Union, providing an excellent resource for wedding guests. Reservations for the Indiana Memorial Union Biddle Hotel can be made in advance, assuring there is a reserved space for everyone in attendance of the wedding.

Location and Contact

Located on the Bloomington campus of Indiana University, the Memorial Union is less than an hour from the Chicago loop, making it a convenient location for both in- town and out-of-town guests. Parking for the Indiana Memorial Union is simple as they have two lots located nearby, and parking reservations can be made in advance for special events.

Indiana Memorial Union address: 900 E 7th St, Bloomington, IN 47405 Indiana Memorial Union phone number (special events): 812-855-8855