For Priests and Deacons

The marriage file

Please send the completed file to the Rector at least 30 days before the wedding. If the file originates outside the Archdiocese of Chicago, 60 to 90 days is wiser.

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.

Visiting clergy

A priest or deacon from outside the Archdiocese of Chicago must arrange for a letter of suitability from his bishop or superior. Send it to Carol Walters, Delegate for Extern and International Priests, at cwalters@archchicago.org.

At Saint James Chapel

The wedding coordinator is present for the rehearsal and wedding liturgy. The sacristy holds ordinary liturgical appointments. A housekeeper and security are on site.

Questions about the file, delegation, or suitability may be sent to chapel-wedding@archchicago.org for the Rector.