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Certified Wedding and Event Planning

Get this party started.

  • Ready to enroll in a Certified Wedding and Event Planning course? Explore upcoming courses below.
  • To request a syllabus, or to learn more about our hospitality offerings, please contact our program manager and school liaison at cdraper2@vcu.edu
  • Visit an upcoming Hospitality Open House! Explore the event planning programs that we offer in partnership with Lovegevity's Wedding Planning Institute (LWPI).
    • Wednesday, April 19 from noon-1 p.m.
    • Wednesday, April 26 from noon-1 p.m.
    • Wednesday, May 17 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Stay connected!

Upcoming courses

IN-PERSON

June 22-September 7, 2023
Thursdays, 6-9:30 p.m. ET
Registration Fee: $1,149
Where: Academic Learning Commons, Room 4110

Enroll now for June 22>


ONLINE, ANYTIME

Course fee: $1,149
Where: Online, self-paced (students have six months to complete the coursework)

Enroll now for Self-Paced Online>

“I’m a creative person and I like to work with my hands, and I do like to help people. If I can create something that will create a lasting memory for someone, that’s all that I need.”

Erica B. CWEP Student

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Start your career as a wedding & event planner.

In only 40 hours, you can complete the noncredit Certificate in Wedding and Event Planning (CWEP) program!

This intensive noncredit program, offered in self-paced online and in-person formats, covers all aspects of starting and operating a professional event planning business. Learn best practices, methods, and techniques to get started in the planning industry (with courses priced at $1,149).

Join us at an upcoming in-person Hospitality Open House, or click the video below to learn more about Lovegevity's Wedding Planning Institute.

Preview image for Kaltura video from Lovegevity's Wedding Planning Institute for Certified Wedding and Event Planning with a tablet, notebook, flowers, glasses, and writing instruments on a desk

Program topics include:

Class Overview:

This program teaches the fundamentals of planning, orchestrating and delivering social events as well as owning and operating a successful wedding and event planning business. From weddings and anniversaries to birthdays and baby showers, this detailed step-by-step methodology teaches clear and concise formulas for detailing the personal and professional aspects of any social event.

Through these wedding and event planning lessons, you’ll receive step-by-step training in a blending of classroom and supplemental on-line education to provide you with the clear and concise formulas for detailing the personal and professional aspects of any social event. You will learn from seasoned wedding and event professionals as you prepare for a career in the wedding and event planning industry!

Upon successful completion of the course, you will have received the knowledge to test for your Certified Wedding and Event Planner designation.

The course fee includes the instructor, weekly mentoring discussions, online curriculum, online textbook, exam fee, certificate from the Wedding Planning Institute, student center library of resources, instructional videos and templates. Through the online student center students can also connect with other students around the world in discussion boards, messaging, blogs and individual online classes. By logging into the Lovegevity Career Center, current hospitality students and program graduates can apply for internships and/or job placement assistance. While not required, a hard copy of the textbook is available for an additional cost of $99, and will be mailed directly to the address you provide at the time of ordering.

Register today!

VCU Continuing and Professional Education is a university partner with Lovegevity's Wedding Planning Institute (LWPI), which was founded with the purpose of providing aspiring wedding and event planners with the best possible education.

Some VCU Continuing and Professional Education offerings are ineligible for waiver use due to partnership agreements. The following text will appear on the registration page: “*exempt—this offering is ineligible for waiver use.”

Want to find out more? Get in touch.