Congratulations on Your Engagement!
The parish community and staff of Old St. Mary’s rejoice with you in your love for one another, your faith in Jesus Christ, and your desire to be married in the Catholic Church. We warmly welcome you as you prepare to celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony. The love you have nurtured and shared is now being lifted into a sacred covenant—one that reflects Christ’s enduring love for the Church. As you begin this new chapter, know that we stand with your family and friends in prayerful support of your journey together.
Below, you’ll find helpful information, guidelines, and answers to frequently asked questions to assist you in preparing for a wedding day that is both joyful and grace-filled. If you have additional questions or need further guidance, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to support you every step of the way.
To begin a conversation about marriage preparation and celebrating your wedding at Old St. Mary’s, please reach out to one of our priests (contact information below). We look forward to walking with you during this sacred time.
- Fr. Rich Andre, Pastor, frrich@oldstmarys.com,
- Fr. Dan Macalinao, Associate Pastor, frdan@oldstmarys.com
(click here to schedule a time using Fr. Dan’s Calendly portal)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to find out what dates are available at Old St. Mary’s for a wedding?
Wedding dates are scheduled only after a personal meeting between the couple and one of Old St. Mary’s priests. This conversation helps us get to know you and begin the process of preparing together for the sacrament.
When should we contact a priest before our desired wedding date?
Wedding dates are scheduled only after a personal meeting between the couple and one of Old St. Mary’s priests. This conversation helps us get to know you and begin the process of preparing together for the sacrament.
What’s included in the marriage preparation process?
Because Christian marriage is a sacrament, the Catholic Church wants couples to be well-prepared. Dioceses and parishes offer marriage preparation to help couples grow in their understanding of the sacrament, reflect on their readiness for married life, and deepen their relationship as they prepare to enter into this sacred covenant.
Marriage preparation programs vary, but at Old St. Mary’s, we follow the guidelines of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Preparation includes:
1. Conversations with the priest preparing you for marriage
2. Completion and discussion of a pre-marital inventory (FOCCUS)
3. Attendance at a Pre-Cana class
4. Submission of required documents (e.g., sacramental certificates, witness affidavits, etc.)
For a list of currently available Pre-Cana classes in the Archdiocese of Chicago, click here. Keep in mind that Pre-Cana is just one part of a fuller, supportive process designed to help you enter marriage with faith, clarity, and joy.
What paperwork is required for our Catholic wedding?
Whether your wedding will take place at Old St. Mary’s or at another parish, a completed prenuptial file is required in order to celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony. The following documents are needed:
1. Baptismal Certificate (for Catholics):
A recently issued copy—dated within six months of the wedding—is required. Older original certificates (from 20–30 years ago) are not acceptable, as recent copies include important updates and annotations.
2. Baptismal Record (for non-Catholic Christians):
In an ecumenical marriage, the baptized non-Catholic party is also asked to provide a record of baptism, if possible. This may be an official church certificate or a signed personal affidavit.
3. Confirmation Certificate (for Catholics):
If your baptismal certificate does not already include a notation of Confirmation, please submit a separate, recently issued Confirmation certificate.
4. Pre-Cana Certificate:
A certificate of attendance is required after completing your Pre-Cana retreat or program.
5. Affidavits of Freedom to Marry:
Each person must submit two affidavits affirming their freedom to enter into marriage. These are usually completed by family members or close friends. These forms will be shared with you during marriage preparation.
6. Marriage License (for weddings at Old St. Mary’s):
A valid marriage license from Cook County, Illinois is required. Please bring the license to the wedding rehearsal.
If you have questions about any of these documents, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to guide you through the process.
Who may be married at Old St. Mary’s?
In the Catholic Church, it is customary for weddings to take place in the parish of the bride or the groom. At Old St. Mary’s, we’re happy to celebrate your wedding if either you or your fiancé(e) lives within our parish boundaries (from the Chicago River to the north and west, 18th Street to the south, and Lake Michigan to the east), orif either of you is a registered parishioner who regularly worships with us.
If you’re not sure whether you fall within those guidelines, feel free to reach out. We’d be glad to help you determine what’s possible and walk with you as you prepare for this joyful sacrament.
What if I’m not currently part of any parish?
Every Catholic belongs to a parish by virtue of where they live, and that parish is entrusted with caring for all who reside within its boundaries. No matter where you or your fiancé live, you’re part of a local parish community, usually the Catholic church nearest your home. If you’re unsure which parish that is, we’re happy to help you find it.
What sort of liturgy should be planned?
When both individuals are active Catholics, it is common and meaningful to celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony within the context of a Mass. Sharing in the Eucharist highlights the couple’s unity in faith and deepens their bond in Christ.
For couples of different Christian traditions or where many guests may not be familiar with the Catholic Mass, we often recommend celebrating the wedding using the Rite of Marriage Outside of Mass. This option allows all present to fully participate in the liturgy and honors the religious diversity of those gathered, while still celebrating the sacredness of the sacrament.
We are happy to help you discern which form of the liturgy best fits your unique circumstances.
Is there a cost to marriage preparation or the wedding celebration?
Many couples choose to make an offering to the churchto help support the various aspects of preparing for and celebrating their wedding. This contribution helps cover sacramental services, use of the church and parking lot, the FOCCUS pre-marital inventory, music arrangements (organist and cantor), and all necessary preparation and paperwork.
The suggested wedding offering at Old St. Mary’s is $1,000.
A non-refundable deposit of $250 (applied toward the total) is requested at the time you reserve your wedding date. This can be submitted to the priest assisting you or to the parish business office. The remaining balance of $750 is due no later than two weeks before your wedding.
Checks should be made payable to Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the offering, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Is a donation given to the priest?
As a gesture of gratitude, it is traditional to offer a personal stipend to the priest who presides at your wedding, since the wedding offering goes directly to the parish. This gift (typically between $100–$200) is given directly to the priest—often at your final meeting, the rehearsal, or on the wedding day itself—along with a card or note of thanks. While not required, it is a meaningful way to express appreciation for the priest’s time, preparation, and prayerful presence.
If we’re getting married at another church, can we complete our marriage preparation at Old St. Mary’s?
Some couples choose to have their wedding celebrated at another parish or out of town, but would like to complete their marriage preparation and paperwork here at Old St. Mary’s. We’re happy to walk with you through this important process.
To help support the time and resources involved, we kindly request a $250 donation to Old St. Mary’s. This offering is usually given to the priest during your first or second meeting.
We’re working with a private wedding planner. What should they know about our church ceremony?
If you’re working with a private wedding consultant or planner, please be sure to share this with us as early as possible. While consultants can be helpful in managing details of the day, it’s important to note that the priest (or visiting minister) will lead the wedding rehearsal and officiate the ceremony.
We invite you to keep the focus of the celebration on the beauty and grace of the Sacrament. Simple, prayerful planning helps everyone, especially you and your guests, enter more deeply into the sacredness of the moment.
Are there any guidelines or considerations we should be aware of for our wedding day?
Old St. Mary’s is a place of prayer, community, and reverence. Out of respect for the sacredness of the church and the safety of all present, we kindly ask that no rice, birdseed, confetti, flower petals, or balloons be used either inside or outside the church.
We also ask that the wedding party and guests help maintain the spirit of reverence by refraining from bringing food, alcohol, or other refreshments onto church property before or during the ceremony.
As a courtesy to others, we ask that any personal items—such as flower boxes, water bottles, or belongings in the church, commons, choir, or restrooms, be gathered and removed before you leave.
Thank you for helping us care for this sacred space and for creating a welcoming environment for all.
Planning Your Wedding Music
Music plays an important role in your wedding liturgy, helping to express the beauty and sacredness of the sacrament. To ensure that the music reflects the spirit of the celebration and follows liturgical norms, we ask couples to keep the following guidelines in mind:
a. Music Planning with Our Director of Liturgy and Music
All wedding music must be planned in consultation with Old St. Mary’s Director of Liturgy and Music, Ace Gangoso (ace@oldstmarys.com). If a visiting organist or pianist is granted permission to play, please note that the music director’s fee still applies, in accordance with guidelines from the National Association of Pastoral Musicians. For more details about options and fees, please contact Ace.
b. Scheduling a Music Consultation
All couples getting married at Old St. Mary’s are asked to contact our Director of Liturgy and Music at ace@oldstmarys.com to schedule a music consultation—ideally at least six weeks before the wedding. It’s helpful to have your Scripture readings selected beforehand, especially the responsorial psalm, which is sung. Your priest will assist you in choosing the readings as part of your marriage preparation. Our Director will guide you through the music planning process and will also serve as your organist and musical advisor, helping to ensure that the music beautifully supports the sacredness of your celebration.
c. Cantor Requirement
A cantor is required for all weddings at Old St. Mary’s. The cantor leads the sung parts of the liturgy and encourages the participation of your guests. Our Director of Liturgy and Music will arrange for a skilled cantor who is familiar with the liturgy, our worship space, and our parish’s musical practices.
d. Additional Musicians
If you wish to include additional instrumentalists—such as trumpet, violin, or flute—our Director can recommend and engage highly skilled professionals who are experienced in our church setting. It is our policy that all musicians for weddings at Old St. Mary’s be contracted through the Director of Liturgy and Music.
e. Recorded Music
Please note that pre-recorded music is not permitted in liturgical celebrations at Old St. Mary’s. All music is to be live, in keeping with the sacred nature of the ceremony and the Church’s liturgical norms.
A Note about Flowers and Decorations
Couples are welcome to arrange flowers and decorations for their wedding, working with the florist of their choice. We encourage you to discuss your plans with the priest preparing you for marriage to ensure that everything complements the sacred nature of the liturgy and follows the church’s guidelines.
Old St. Mary’s is a beautiful and prayerful space, and we encourage decorations that enhance rather than overwhelm the setting.
Here are a few general guidelines to keep in mind:
* Decorations should not block movement in the sanctuary or interfere with the liturgy.
* Floral arrangements may only be placed in designated areas of the sanctuary.
* Flowers or decorations on the aisle pews are permitted, as long as they are securely attached in a way that does not damage the wood (no nails, thumbtacks, or tape that leaves residue).
* Delivery and decorating times should be arranged in advance with the priest preparing you for marriage.
If you’re considering additional elements—such as candles, special stands, or unique floral displays—please speak with the priest in advance. We’re happy to help you create a setting that is both reverent and joyful for your celebration.
Are there any guidelines for photographers and videographers?
We understand how important it is to capture the special moments of your wedding day, and we welcome photographers and videographers to do so with care and reverence for the sacredness of the liturgy.
We kindly ask that those documenting the ceremony remain respectful of the prayerful atmosphere. Photographers and videographers should remain discreet, positioned toward the back or sides of the church, and out of the direct sightlines of the assembly. Please ask them to refrain from roaming or moving about during the liturgy.
Please note that stationary lighting is not allowed. We ask that photographers make use of the natural and ambient light in the church whenever possible.
If your photographer or videographer has questions or would like to speak with us in advance, we’re happy to assist in making sure the experience is both smooth and respectful for everyone.
Is there a bridal room available at the church?
Unfortunately, the church is not equipped with a bridal room, so it is best that the bride, groom and wedding party arrive prepared. There are restrooms in the foyer.
What should we know about the roles of the couple, wedding party, and guests?
At the heart of every Catholic wedding is the couple themselves. You are the primary celebrants of the Sacrament of Matrimony. Through your vows, you give yourselves to one another in love and fidelity, and your witness to God’s love is a gift to everyone gathered.
With this in mind, we encourage you to plan your wedding in a way that keeps the focus on the sacredness of the vows and the grace of the moment.
You are very welcome to have a wedding party of family and friends who support you on your journey. We simply ask that the size of the wedding party remain reasonable, so that the ceremony remains prayerful, balanced, and centered on the sacrament.
Your two official witnesses (traditionally the Best Man and Maid of Honor) are essential. Others are encouraged to take part in meaningful ways: proclaiming Scripture, serving as Eucharistic Ministers (if trained), presenting the gifts of bread and wine, or offering hospitality by welcoming and seating guests.
Your wedding is not just a celebration. It is a sacred moment of grace for you, your loved ones, and the entire community. We’re honored to walk with you as you prepare for this beautiful occasion.
Can we host a reception at Old St. Mary’s after the wedding?
Parish space may be available for a small reception or gathering following your wedding, depending on scheduling and availability. If you’re interested, please let us know—we’d be happy to explore the possibilities with you.