Celebrating the Holy Sacrament of Matrimony at
Our Lady of the Holy Family Parish
1. We are so excited that you are looking to get married in our church.
Weddings are held every Saturday of the month at 1:00pm and 3:00pm.
We are happy to accommodate a Friday or Sunday wedding request if schedule permits.
Please fill out a request form or contact:
Grace Rubio | (312) 488-9883 | grubio@archchicago.org.
Weddings are held every Saturday of the month at 1:00pm and 3:00pm.
We are happy to accommodate a Friday or Sunday wedding request if schedule permits.
Please fill out a request form or contact:
Grace Rubio | (312) 488-9883 | grubio@archchicago.org.
2. Get Started by filling out the Wedding Inquiry Form, once completed someone from the rectory will reach out to confirm your date and time requested.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WAIT TO GET MARRIED AFTER I REGISTER?
Per the Archdiocese of Chicago a minimum of 6 months of advanced planning and preparation prior to the wedding date is required.
I BELONG TO A DIFFERENT PARISH. CAN I GET MARRIED AT OLHFP?
You do not have to be a OLHF parishioner to get married at the parish.
CAN A PRIEST/DEACON FROM MY PARISH PERFORM THE WEDDING CEREMONY AT OLHF?
Yes, you can ask your parish priest or deacon to officiate your wedding ceremony at OLHF Parish.
I am Catholic but my fiancee is not
At least one of the parties seeking to marry must be Roman Catholic, with Baptism and First Communion Completed.
Question 4
3. Pay your deposit and wedding fees here:
4. Schedule your First meeting with our Parish Priest or with the Deacon.
5. Securing all Documentation needed.
* Baptismal certificates - must be issued and dated within 6 months of the date you are to be married.
* Certification of Baptism, and Confirmation - must be issued and dated within 6 months of the date you are to be married.
* Affidavit of Freedom to Marry - both bride and groom must testify their freedom to marry. A Form will be
issued for parents or close family members to complete.
* If you are of another CHRISTIAN/NONCHRISTIAN FAITH, we will need a copy of your baptism record.
* Civil marriage license
* Marriage Preparation Course Completion Certificate
* Pre-Cana Certificate
* If either the bride or groom have been married before and divorced, a copy of your divorce decree and/or annulment records.
* Baptismal certificates - must be issued and dated within 6 months of the date you are to be married.
* Certification of Baptism, and Confirmation - must be issued and dated within 6 months of the date you are to be married.
* Affidavit of Freedom to Marry - both bride and groom must testify their freedom to marry. A Form will be
issued for parents or close family members to complete.
* If you are of another CHRISTIAN/NONCHRISTIAN FAITH, we will need a copy of your baptism record.
* Civil marriage license
* Marriage Preparation Course Completion Certificate
* Pre-Cana Certificate
* If either the bride or groom have been married before and divorced, a copy of your divorce decree and/or annulment records.
DO I NEED TO GET MARRIED IN CIVIL UNION BEFORE MY CATHOLIC WEDDING?
Purchase your marriage license at least one, but no more than 60 days before the ceremony. For information on purchasing a license in Cook County, please click here. We advise couples to check government offices’ schedules ahead of time, as times have changed due to Covid19.
WHAT IS A FORMAL DECLARATION OF NULLITY AND WHAT MUST BE PROVEN?
A formal declaration of nullity is a statement by the Roman Catholic Church that the marriage in question is not a binding (sacramental) union because the relationship fell short of at least one of the elements mentioned above that is essential for a valid marriage according to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• It must be proven that when the couple exchanged consent one of those essential elements was lacking even though it may not have been evident to the couple or others at that time.
• It does not deny that a relationship existed which was recognized as a marriage by civil law.
• It does not imply that the relationship was entered with ill-will or moral fault.
• It does not state that children of such marriages become illegitimate.
• It must be proven that when the couple exchanged consent one of those essential elements was lacking even though it may not have been evident to the couple or others at that time.
• It does not deny that a relationship existed which was recognized as a marriage by civil law.
• It does not imply that the relationship was entered with ill-will or moral fault.
• It does not state that children of such marriages become illegitimate.
DO I NEED A DECLARATION OF NULLITY IF I WAS MARRIED THROUGH CIVIL UNION ONLY?
All Catholics who were previously married in the Catholic Church before a priest or deacon and two witnesses or who received permission from the Catholic Church to marry elsewhere.
• All Orthodox Christians and members of the Polish National Catholic Church who were previously married in their respective church by their priest.
• All others who were previously married civilly or any church and now wish to marry a Catholic in the Catholic Church or wish to have their current civil union to a Catholic “blessed” (convalidated) in the Catholic Church
• All Orthodox Christians and members of the Polish National Catholic Church who were previously married in their respective church by their priest.
• All others who were previously married civilly or any church and now wish to marry a Catholic in the Catholic Church or wish to have their current civil union to a Catholic “blessed” (convalidated) in the Catholic Church
Do I need to be confirmed to get married?
No. While it is not an absolute requirement that Catholics be confirmed before they are married in the Church, confirmation before marriage is something the Church strongly urges.
The Code of Canon Law states:
Catholics who have not yet received the sacrament of confirmation are to receive it before being admitted to marriage, if this can be done without grave inconvenience. (CIC 1065)
The Code of Canon Law states:
Catholics who have not yet received the sacrament of confirmation are to receive it before being admitted to marriage, if this can be done without grave inconvenience. (CIC 1065)
Do you have to have three sacraments before marriage or just baptism and First Communion?
Just Baptism. While confirmation is highly recommended prior to marriage, it is not necessary. A Catholic may marry even without having received First Communion; baptism alone is sufficient for the sacrament of marriage.
Code of Canon Law:
Can. 1065 §1. Catholics who have not yet received the sacrament of confirmation are to receive it before they are admitted to marriage if it can be done without grave inconvenience.
§2. To receive the sacrament of marriage fruitfully, spouses are urged specially to approach the sacraments of penance and of the most Holy Eucharist.
Code of Canon Law:
Can. 1065 §1. Catholics who have not yet received the sacrament of confirmation are to receive it before they are admitted to marriage if it can be done without grave inconvenience.
§2. To receive the sacrament of marriage fruitfully, spouses are urged specially to approach the sacraments of penance and of the most Holy Eucharist.
6. We do not offer Pre-Cana at Our Lady of the Holy Family,
For more information please visit the Archdiocese of Chicago.
7. Second & Third meetings with the Parish Priest. Discuss and finalize any concerns and last minute details, such as paperwork and choosing the readings.
WHO CAN BE A WITNESS AND HOW MANY ARE NEEDED?
A witness is a person who can provide the Metropolitan Tribunal with information about the parties and their relationship. Ideally, a witness should be able to provide information about the time leading up to the marriage, the marriage itself and the reasons for the break-up of the marriage.
• Most persons, including family members, are eligible to be witnesses. Specifically excluded by Church law are confessors and minors and those with certain diminished mental capacities.
• The Metropolitan Tribunal discourages children of the parties (regardless of age), and the current or prospective civil spouse of either party to offer testimony, unless there is a grave reason.
• Both parties can submit the names of witnesses, and the Judge will contact them approximately four weeks after the parties are notified about the established grounds.
• It is suggested that a minimum of three witnesses should be submitted.
• It is important to make sure that the witnesses have agreed to cooperate prior to submitting their names and addresses. Failure of the witnesses to respond in due time is one of most common reasons for a delay in the processing of a case.
• Remind witnesses to keep copies of their testimony.
• If no witnesses are available, the judge may allow character references in order to attest to the truthfulness of one’s statements
• Most persons, including family members, are eligible to be witnesses. Specifically excluded by Church law are confessors and minors and those with certain diminished mental capacities.
• The Metropolitan Tribunal discourages children of the parties (regardless of age), and the current or prospective civil spouse of either party to offer testimony, unless there is a grave reason.
• Both parties can submit the names of witnesses, and the Judge will contact them approximately four weeks after the parties are notified about the established grounds.
• It is suggested that a minimum of three witnesses should be submitted.
• It is important to make sure that the witnesses have agreed to cooperate prior to submitting their names and addresses. Failure of the witnesses to respond in due time is one of most common reasons for a delay in the processing of a case.
• Remind witnesses to keep copies of their testimony.
• If no witnesses are available, the judge may allow character references in order to attest to the truthfulness of one’s statements
WHAT IF I WANT TO HAVE MY CATHOLIC WEDDING IN A GARDEN, AT A HOTEL, OR ON A BEACH?
A Catholic wedding must be held in a Catholic Church before a priest and two witnesses.
CAN MY PETS BE PART OF THE CEREMONY?
No. Only humans can be a part of the sacred ceremony.
ARE UNITY CANDLES PART OF THE MASS?
Unity candles are not part of the catholic ritual, they are a tradition. It is not required, but you may certainly use one if you would like. Our Lady of the Holy Family Parish does not issue one. You can purchase one and bring it on the day of your rehearsal.
Video & Photography
Still photography and video are welcome. Photographers, cameras and video equipment must not be placed on the altar. Attention should never be drawn away from the ceremony to the photographer. No one is permitted to stand on any of the Church’s furniture.
All the equipment for photography and Videotaping may be set up before or after the ceremony.
Flash may be used on the camera itself, but no “umbrella” lighting or light stands are allowed in the church. All photos and videos must be completed and out of the church 30 minutes prior to the next event.
All the equipment for photography and Videotaping may be set up before or after the ceremony.
Flash may be used on the camera itself, but no “umbrella” lighting or light stands are allowed in the church. All photos and videos must be completed and out of the church 30 minutes prior to the next event.
Observing Time Schedules:
Your rehearsal and wedding must begin at the scheduled time. A late start to your wedding means that you will have less time for pictures at the end of the Ceremony. You are allotted 30 minutes for pictures.
9. Wedding Rehearsal and final payments
Wedding Rehearsals are held on:
Wednesdays at 3:00pm & 4:00pm
Fridays at 3:00pm & 4:00pm
Weekend Rehearsals available upon request after Masses.
** All payments will be due by rehearsals. **
* The rehearsal should start on time (let people in your party know that they should arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time of the rehearsal)
* Bring the things you will use on the day of your wedding, such as the unity candle, arras, lazo, programs, etc.
(you may leave them in the church sacristy)
* Before the rehearsal: Decide who will be reading your 1st and 2nd readings and your prayers of the faithful.
* Give the readers a copy of the readings to practice ahead of time.
* Bring one set of the readings and intercessions to the rehearsal.
* If you wish the priest may do the intercessions at your wedding.
* If you are going to have a Unity Candle it can be one single candle or one pillar candle with two tapers on the sides. If using 3 unity candle option decide which family members will come up and light the two end candles at the beginning of the ceremony. Typically, one family member from each side of the family.
* If you are going to visit the Holy Family or Our Lady of Guadalupe Altar at the end of the ceremony, decide who will be going (examples are bride + groom, bride + mom, bride + maid of honor)
Wedding Rehearsals are held on:
Wednesdays at 3:00pm & 4:00pm
Fridays at 3:00pm & 4:00pm
Weekend Rehearsals available upon request after Masses.
** All payments will be due by rehearsals. **
* The rehearsal should start on time (let people in your party know that they should arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time of the rehearsal)
* Bring the things you will use on the day of your wedding, such as the unity candle, arras, lazo, programs, etc.
(you may leave them in the church sacristy)
* Before the rehearsal: Decide who will be reading your 1st and 2nd readings and your prayers of the faithful.
* Give the readers a copy of the readings to practice ahead of time.
* Bring one set of the readings and intercessions to the rehearsal.
* If you wish the priest may do the intercessions at your wedding.
* If you are going to have a Unity Candle it can be one single candle or one pillar candle with two tapers on the sides. If using 3 unity candle option decide which family members will come up and light the two end candles at the beginning of the ceremony. Typically, one family member from each side of the family.
* If you are going to visit the Holy Family or Our Lady of Guadalupe Altar at the end of the ceremony, decide who will be going (examples are bride + groom, bride + mom, bride + maid of honor)
10. For Marriage Certificate Requests
Cook County Vital Records keeps official records of marriages that occur in Chicago and suburban Cook County.
A marriage license is filed with the Clerk's Bureau of Vital Records after the marriage ceremony takes place.
At the Parish the officiant presiding over the ceremony completes and signs the marriage license and mails it to the Clerk's office, the next business day- where it is recorded. After that occurs, the Clerk's office can issue you a certified copy of your marriage certificate upon request. Please note that Marriage certificates are not automatically sent to couples. To request a certificate please click on the button below.
Cook County Vital Records keeps official records of marriages that occur in Chicago and suburban Cook County.
A marriage license is filed with the Clerk's Bureau of Vital Records after the marriage ceremony takes place.
At the Parish the officiant presiding over the ceremony completes and signs the marriage license and mails it to the Clerk's office, the next business day- where it is recorded. After that occurs, the Clerk's office can issue you a certified copy of your marriage certificate upon request. Please note that Marriage certificates are not automatically sent to couples. To request a certificate please click on the button below.
Other Marriage Resources
