Inquire
Tell us your names, hoped-for date, and a little about yourselves. We reply within two business days.
Begin your inquiry
The Sacrament of Marriage
Weddings at
Saint James Chapel
A Catholic sacramental wedding in one of Chicago’s most historic sacred spaces.
Begin your inquirySubmitting an inquiry does not reserve a date. It opens the conversation. A priest or deacon must be coordinated before a date is confirmed.
A heavenly venue
Beauty that serves the sacrament
Gem-like windows, carved stone, and a soaring Gothic interior form a radiant setting for Catholic marriage. The beauty of the chapel draws attention beyond itself—to prayer, covenant, and the Wedding Feast of the Lamb.
Discover the windowsFrom inquiry to wedding day
Five clear steps
Coordinate
Please coordinate with your priest or deacon and provide his contact information. He is responsible for your preparation and prenuptial file. If you are still looking, we are glad to talk with you.
Preparation detailsReserve
Once your presider is in place, return the completed reservation form with the chapel fee. Within two days of receiving both, the intake coordinator will confirm your date.
Review feesPrepare
Complete Archdiocesan marriage preparation, choose music, and share chapel guidelines with your vendors. The wedding coordinator will check in at specified times to encourage you, answer questions, and help keep the process smooth and enjoyable.
See your timelineCelebrate
Rehearse Friday evening. Marry Saturday. The wedding team is on site for both.
Wedding-day guidanceFrequently asked questions
The answers couples need first
Do we need to be registered at Saint James Chapel?+
No. Saint James Chapel is not a parish. Any Catholic who is free to marry and has a connection to the Archdiocese of Chicago may marry here.
How do we begin?+
Complete the inquiry form or write chapel-wedding@archchicago.org. Please do not write staff personal addresses for a first inquiry.
How far in advance should we write?+
As soon as you are engaged. Saturday times fill quickly.
What does the fee cover?+
The chapel fee includes use of the chapel, an organist and cantor, the wedding team at the rehearsal and ceremony, and consultation. The current figure appears only on the Fees page.
What documents do we obtain?+
Once you are within six months of your wedding date, request a newly issued baptismal certificate from the parish where you were baptized. Ask that parish to send the certificate directly to the priest, deacon, or pastoral minister preparing your canonical marriage file. Do not send baptismal certificates, prenuptial papers, or other confidential sacramental records to Saint James Chapel. Your preparing minister assembles the complete file and submits it to the Rector at least 30 days before the wedding. Bring your Cook County marriage license to the rehearsal.
What if one of us is not Catholic?+
Your preparing minister will advise you. A dispensation may be required.
What if one of us was previously married?+
Please speak with a priest or deacon before a date can be confirmed.
May my planner or family handle this?+
We work directly with the couple. Outside coordinators may help with arrival and departure, but do not lead the rehearsal or liturgy.
Can we see the chapel?+
The chapel is not open for walk-in visits. Friends of the Windows concerts and scheduled question-and-answer sessions are the usual opportunities to see the space.
Need more detail?
The full wedding planner
Use the planner as a reference after you understand the five-step path.