Procedures For Old St. Patrick’s
APPROXIMATELY ONE Half year to one YEAR PRIOR TO WEDDING (NOT LESS THAN 6 MONTHS)
- Call Old St. Patrick’s to request a SATURDAY ONLY wedding date and time to be reserved. The office telephone number is 312.831.9383. The Wedding Scheduler is Jo Ann O’Brien. These wedding dates fill up quickly, so call as early as possible.
- Complete and return the wedding information form.
- Once a date and time for your wedding and rehearsal have been established a "Confirmation of Date" packet will be sent to you. Complete and return your "Confirmation of Date" form along with your church donation. A detailed wedding planning guide booklet will be sent to you.
- Request and, if possible, confirm your celebrant and schedule your first meeting with him or his assistant.
- Schedule a rehearsal date and time with Old St. Patrick’s Wedding Scheduler/Coordinator.
- Include your names and wedding date and time in all correspondence: emails, phone calls, ect.
After Your First Meeting
- Make reservations for and attend one of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s marriage preparation programs.
- Note: We strongly suggest that you make reservations for one of these programs as early as possible. They are often filled early. You may wish to discuss with your priest which program is most appropriate for you.
- Obtain recent copies (dated no more than 6 months prior to your wedding date) of your baptismal and confirmation certificates from the church or churches where you were baptized and confirmed. Make copies for your files as the documents you submit to Old St. Patrick's will not be returned to you.
2–3 Months Before
- Schedule and attend second meetings with your priest at Old St. Patrick’s or complete meetings with your visiting priest.
- During these meetings, discuss your marriage preparation and plan your wedding liturgy.
- You will also need to complete the required paperwork for record purposes. This will be explained by your priest and is explained under “Procedures for the State of Illinois.”
- If you reside out of town or your marriage preparation/paperwork was completed by a local priest or a visiting priest, please make sure that the entire marriage file is submitted to Old St. Patrick's no later than one month prior to the ceremony. All marriage files are to be submitted through the local Archdiocese.
- Complete your ceremony worksheet. Return via email to JoAnnO@oldstpats.org.
Wedding Rehearsal
- Fridays are the designated rehearsal days when the church and the rehearsal volunteers are available. Please do not request other dates and times. The rehearsal lasts approximately 30 minutes.