For many years, Catholics from Chicago and throughout the U.S. have chosen to marry at St. Michael in Old Town. The church’s beautiful interior, its long history, 1,300 main floor guest capacity, 125-foot main aisle, historic Kilgen pipe organ and adjacent parking lot make it the perfect place for this special occasion. The church also has a courtyard across the plaza, perfect for photos – weather permitting!
We will be happy to work with you to plan your wedding celebration. Here you will find important information to help begin your planning:
The Archdiocese of Chicago recommends making wedding arrangements at least six months prior to the ceremony. To be sure your preferred date is available, we recommend contacting St. Michael’s even sooner than that, if possible.
We normally schedule weddings for 12:30 and 3:00 p.m. on Fridays and at 12:30, 3:00 and 6:30p.m. on Saturdays; however, with demand as it is we will consider a wedding any day of the week. All wedding times must be approved by St. Michael’s wedding scheduler and the priest witnessing the wedding.
To begin the planning process and determine available dates and times, contact Toni Dunning.
For a larger wedding with many guests, you’ll want the main church. There are three seating areas, separated by three aisles, can seat up to1300 guests, with excellent sight lines.
Music in the church is provided by St. Michael’s historic Kilgen pipe organ.
The Ancilla Domini Chapel is a perfect location for a smaller, more intimate wedding, a space that will hold 25 people. Music in the chapel is provided by a baby grand piano. (Chapel scheduling is fairly flexible and date availability is often more open.)
Stipends for a wedding ceremony or Mass in the main St. Michael’s church is $2,700 which include offering for the church; stipends for the priest, cantor, Music Director; and the services of the wedding coordinator for the rehearsal and the day of the wedding. The couple and the priest witnessing the marriage determine whether or not the wedding will take place in a ceremony or Mass setting.
There are two options for weddings (ceremony or Mass) in the Ancilla Domini Chapel. A $1,300 stipend is requested for the chapel and stipends for the priest, pianist, cantor, and the services of the wedding coordinator for the rehearsal and the day of the wedding. When no music is requested, a stipend of $975 is requested for the chapel and the stipend for the priest.
A deposit is required when the couple to be married submit a signed agreement to the wedding scheduler. The deposit is non-refundable, but the wedding date can be changed, subject to availability.
1. The Catholic Church requires couples to complete a Pre-Cana Marriage Preparation program before the wedding ceremony. This program is currently being don by Zoom. Click Pre-Cana to register.
2. There are also a number of documents you’ll have to complete, including:
3. Couples will also have to complete a Relationship inventory program or couple check up with their priest. This program looks at how effectively couples communicate regarding their marriage expectations.
Couples should start the planning process at least six months in advance of the proposed wedding date. The first step, as noted earlier, is the work with the wedding coordinator to check time and availability, select a site (church or chapel), complete a contract, and submit the initial stipend. At that time, you’ll want to contact the Parish Office to schedule your first meeting with the priest who will be witnessing the marriage. Things begin to move at a quick pace after that.
Six Months before the Wedding:
Three Months before the Wedding:
Two Months before the Wedding:
Can my family priest preside at the ceremony or Mass?
Of course. If he resides out side of the Archdiocese of Chicago, a Letter of Good Standing from his diocese must be sent to the Archdiocese of Chicago. The stipend structure, however, does not change.
May I request a specific priest from St. Michael’s?
Yes, provided that his schedule is open for that date and time.
Is there any flexibility regarding the times St. Michael’s can perform weddings?
The standard noon and 3 p.m. times were set because they don’t conflict with other planned activities at St. Michael’s. We will work with you to be flexible, if possible, but any changes must be approved by the wedding coordinator and the priest witnessing the wedding.
How do we schedule the wedding rehearsal?
Discuss this with the wedding scheduler. Rehearsals are normally the Friday before the wedding, and the times are specified on the agreement. It may be possible, schedules permitting, to change the timing.
How do we select the music and cantors for the wedding?
The Director of Music and Liturgy will be in touch with the couple to help you with planning your liturgy. St. Michael's does not allow musicians, who do not have affiliation with the parish, to lead the music. There are other opportunities for guests to participate in the music at your wedding. To avoid hardship, please contact the Director of Music prior to making any music plans.
If you have any additional questions regarding the wedding planning process, just contact the Parish Office, 312-642-2498.
Is there parking available at St. Michael?
Access to St. Michael's parking lot is not guaranteed. If possible, it will be available to all guests attending the wedding, but it cannot be assumed that lot will be open for use by wedding guests. All efforts will be made to inform couples of a conflict at booking or as soon as the parish is informed about the conflict.
The priests and staff of St. Michael’s promise to work with you to make this wedding a most memorable one as you commit your lives to each other in unity, in marriage. We look forward to meeting your needs and exceeding your expectations.