MARRIAGE
A lifelong covenant of love, faith, and mutual service, celebrated with the Church and sustained by God’s grace.
Congratulations on Your Engagement!
We rejoice with you as you prepare for the Sacrament of Matrimony. To ask about marriage preparation or celebrating your wedding at Old St. Mary’s, meet with one of our priests so we can begin planning together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started • Documents & Costs • Ceremony Planning • Wedding Day & Facilities
Getting Started
WHEN SHOULD WE CONTACT A PRIEST AND RESERVE A DATE?
Contact a priest before making firm plans. Wedding dates are reserved only after the couple meets personally with one of Old St. Mary’s priests.
WHAT DOES MARRIAGE PREPARATION INCLUDE?
Preparation follows Archdiocese of Chicago guidelines: meetings with your priest, the FOCCUS premarital inventory, a Pre-Cana course, and completion of the required prenuptial file. View current Pre-Cana options.
WHO MAY BE MARRIED AT OLD ST. MARY’S?
We welcome couples when either person lives within our parish boundaries—Chicago River to the north and west, 18th Street to the south, and Lake Michigan to the east—or is a registered parishioner who worships here regularly. Contact us if you are unsure.
WHAT IF I DON’T CURRENTLY BELONG TO A PARISH?
Catholics belong to the parish serving the area where they live, usually the nearest Catholic church. We can help you identify your local parish.
CAN WE PREPARE HERE IF WE’RE MARRYING ELSEWHERE?
Yes. Old St. Mary’s can assist with preparation and paperwork for a wedding at another parish. A $250 parish offering is requested, usually at the first or second meeting.
Documents & Costs
WHAT DOCUMENTS WILL WE NEED?
Your priest will guide you. Typically required are recently issued baptismal certificates for Catholics (dated within six months of the wedding), baptismal records for baptized non-Catholics when available, Confirmation certificates when not noted on the baptismal record, a Pre-Cana certificate, two affidavits of freedom to marry for each person, and—when marrying here—a valid Cook County marriage license brought to the rehearsal.
WHAT IS THE WEDDING OFFERING?
The suggested parish offering is $1,000. A $250 non-refundable deposit, applied to the total, is due when the date is reserved; the remaining $750 is due two weeks before the wedding. Make checks payable to Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
IS A STIPEND GIVEN TO THE PRIEST?
A personal stipend is optional because the wedding offering goes to the parish. Couples who wish to give one typically offer $100–$200 directly to the presiding priest.
Ceremony Planning
SHOULD WE CELEBRATE MATRIMONY WITHIN MASS?
When both individuals are active Catholics, Matrimony within Mass is customary. For couples from different Christian traditions—or when many guests are unfamiliar with Mass—the Rite of Marriage Outside Mass may be more suitable. Your priest will help you discern the best form.
WHAT SHOULD A PRIVATE WEDDING PLANNER KNOW?
Tell us early if you are working with a planner. The priest or visiting minister leads the rehearsal and officiates the liturgy; planning should keep the focus on the Sacrament.
HOW DO WE PLAN WEDDING MUSIC?
Plan all music with Director of Liturgy and Music Ace Gangoso at [email protected], ideally at least six weeks before the wedding. A cantor is required; additional musicians must be contracted through the Director. Recorded music is not permitted. The music director’s fee still applies if a visiting organist or pianist is approved.
HOW MAY THE WEDDING PARTY AND GUESTS PARTICIPATE?
The couple are the primary ministers of the Sacrament. Keep the wedding party a reasonable size. Beyond the two official witnesses, family and friends may proclaim Scripture, serve as trained Eucharistic ministers, present the gifts, or welcome and seat guests.
Wedding Day & Facilities
WHAT CHURCH GUIDELINES APPLY ON THE WEDDING DAY?
Rice, birdseed, confetti, flower petals, and balloons are not permitted inside or outside the church. Food, alcohol, and other refreshments may not be brought onto church property before or during the ceremony. Please remove all personal items before leaving.
WHAT ARE THE FLOWER AND DECORATION GUIDELINES?
Decorations must not obstruct the sanctuary or liturgy. Place flowers only in approved areas and attach pew decorations without nails, tacks, or residue-producing tape. Coordinate delivery and decorating times with your priest, and discuss candles or special displays in advance.
WHAT SHOULD PHOTOGRAPHERS AND VIDEOGRAPHERS KNOW?
They should remain discreet at the back or sides of the church, avoid the assembly’s sightlines, and not roam during the liturgy. Stationary lighting is not permitted.
IS THERE A BRIDAL ROOM?
No. The couple and wedding party should arrive prepared. Restrooms are available in the foyer.
CAN WE HOLD A RECEPTION AT OLD ST. MARY’S?
Parish space may be available for a small reception or gathering, depending on scheduling. Ask your priest about current availability.