Inquire
Tell us your names, hoped-for date, and a little about yourselves. The wedding desk reviews your inquiry and replies by email.
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.
Submitting an inquiry does not reserve a date. It opens the conversation. A priest or deacon must be coordinated before a date is confirmed.
Newly engaged? Start with the essentials
Before you choose a date
Your beginning, clearly planned.
Catholic couples who are free to marry and have a connection to the Archdiocese of Chicago may inquire. Start with your parish and a priest or deacon; you may still contact us while looking for a presider.
- Weddings must be scheduled at least six months in advance, subject to availability and holiday restrictions.
- The chapel and basic music fee is $3,500. See inclusions and payment details.
- An inquiry does not hold a date. Confirmation follows the required presider arrangements, reservation form, and fee.
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 windowsPicture your beginning
A chapel worth seeing.
Discover the space, then explore the dates and details for your Catholic wedding.
A beautiful place. A clear next step.
From 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. The intake coordinator reviews both and sends written confirmation.
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. Weddings must be scheduled at least six months in advance; Saturday times fill quickly.
What does the fee cover?+
The $3,500 chapel and basic music fee includes use of the chapel, an organist and cantor, the wedding team at the rehearsal and ceremony, and consultation. See Fees for reservation and payment details.
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?+
Tours are typically offered on Fridays and Saturdays and must be scheduled in advance, as Quigley Center is a working office space for the Archdiocese of Chicago. Request a tour through our message form and include your preferred day and time. The team will reply to confirm availability. The chapel is not open for walk-in visits.
Need more detail?
The full wedding planner
Use the planner as a reference after you understand the five-step path.