Marriage

"Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." Mark 10:9

Information Regarding Marriage

Please visit the parish office to complete initial registration for your wedding.

First Meeting:

  1. Setting the date and time of the marriage
  2. Completion of the Marriage Registration Form
  3. $300.00 non-refundable deposit to be made before a reservation of date and time finalized.

Second Meeting (Meeting with the priest):

Please schedule the meeting with your priest two to three months prior to your wedding. (This meeting will be from 45 minutes to an hour in length)

  1. Baptismal Certificate: the certificate must be dated from the church of baptism no more than 6 months prior to the wedding date. Both the groom and the bride will need to provide their certificates.
  2. Confirmation Certificate: this may be the original certificate. Although Confirmation for marriage is not required, it highly recommended. Once again both the bride and groom will need to provide their certificates.
  3. Non Parishioners: A letter from the bride’s pastor to transfer the marriage to St. Hyacinth is required.
  4. Two affidavits for the bride and two for the groom, testifying freedom to marry: at least 5 minutes for each person. Most individuals use parents, siblings or a close relative. Long time friends can also be used for the affidavits.
  5. Certificate of attendance in the Pre-Cana Marriage Preparation Program
    • Date arranged with Pre-Cana Office as sponsored by the Archdiocese of Chicago (or in another diocese or a program approved by the priest preparing the couple for marriage). For the program of the archdiocese of Chicago please visit: archchicago.org On the opening page, at the top right, type PreCana in the search box.
    • Registration for the Pre-Cana Program is available at our basilica:
      Register Now
  6. Setting of date and time of Rehearsal: This must be done with the priest witnessing the marriage so as to insure availability of the church as well as the priest.
  7. Marriage License: (Good for only 60 days before the date of the marriage)
    • The bride and groom must apply for a marriage license at one of the several Cook County Offices. The marriage license must be turned into the parish office at least 4 weeks prior to the wedding. The parish will complete the form and return it to you on the day of the wedding. You must then return it to the County office within 10 days after your wedding.
  8. Payment of Fees: Must be made at least 3 weeks prior to the marriage date.
    • Church Fee: $1200.00 for Parishioners and $1500.00 for non-parishioners. Parishioner is defined as someone who is personally registered and active in the parish for at least 6 months prior to the wedding.
    • Organist Fee: Several packages are available and must be agreed upon with the parish organist.

Individuals under the age of 21 wishing to get married: Per Archdiocesan Regulations, the party or parties under the age of 21, must have a signed permission of parents.

Persons with Previous Marriage:

Requirements & Notes:

  1. Certificate of death of former spouse
  2. Divorce Certificate and marriage certificate of previous marriage
  3. Certificate of annulment by the Catholic church for any previous church marriage
  4. If the couple is already married civilly, or in any other ceremony the license must be submitted also.
  5. Because certain previous marriages or mixed religion marriages can be complicated, please contact the priest ASAP

Very Important

  • When another Mass or Ceremony is scheduled after your wedding, your Mass and Ceremony and all pictures may not exceed 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  • Marriage couples are encouraged to donate some type of floral arrangement for the church that would be used during the wedding but then left in the church afterward.
  • Because of the importance of this Sacrament, couples to be married are encouraged as well as members of the bridal party, to avail themselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) prior to the wedding.
  • To start later than the appointed hour may cause an embarrassing situation and conflict with other services following your marriage. Tardiness to begin on time may be a reason to NOT allow any time for pictures after the ceremony.
  • Photographers and video personnel should see the priest celebrant 10 minutes before the ceremony. They are not permitted in the sanctuary during the ceremony. After the ceremony, photos may be taken in front of the altar rail. With limited time to take photos of the wedding party and immediate family, it is best that others wait outside the church.
  • RICE, CONFETTI, BIRD SEED or any throwable materials are strictly forbidden.
  • NO FLOWER PETALS & NO PLASTIC RUNNERS MAYBE USED IN THE CHURCH!
  • MUSIC: Please contact our Music Director Mr. Peter Mrugala to arrange the music for your wedding. Peter may be reached either by phone or by email: 773-510-2556 or musicacademy.epm@gmail.com
  • PLEASE ADVISE YOUR GUESTS through your invitations that the church address is:
    • St. Hyacinth Basilica
      3635 W. George St
      Chicago IL 60618

So as to carry on the sacredness of your marriage ceremony, we asked that the front of the church not be used for the drinking of champagne or other alcoholic beverages. Please advise your limousine driver and guests to respect this request.

Thank you for considering St. Hyacinth Basilica for your wedding.