Frequently Asked Questions about Weddings at Saint Clement Church
If a couple would like to be married at Saint Clement Church, how do they begin planning?
To check available dates, you may click
here. The couple should then call Saint Clement's Wedding Coordinator
Gael Day at 773.281.0371. She will schedule them for a general information meeting for engaged couples in the parish. After that, they will have private, follow-up meetings with one of the parish priests or premarital ministers to discuss premarital preparation classes and wedding planning.
How soon in advance of the wedding should a couple contact Saint Clement's?
The Archdiocese of Chicago requires an advance notification of at least four months for all weddings.
Saint Clement Church suggests six months.
Does the couple need to be Saint Clement Church parishioners to be married at Saint Clement Church?
Saint Clement's requires that at least one member of the couple be a registered parishioner. We regret that we are not able to hold wedding services for couples who have no parish affiliation. Several parishes in the Lincoln Park area do offer wedding services for non-parishioners, and you may wish to contact them: St. Bonaventure, St. Josaphat and Old St. Pat's.
What if one person being married is Catholic and their future spouse is not? Is that a problem?
Usually not, but a special type of Church permission called a dispensation is required. Contact
Gael Day for additional information.
What if someone was previously married and is now divorced? How does this affect planning for the wedding?
There are a number of issues that must be addressed surrounding the matter of previous marriage. The couple will need to meet with one of the parish priests or premarital ministers to discuss their situation.
Does the couple need to attend a Pre Cana class before their wedding?
We ask that couples participate in one of three forms of marriage preparation program. The Archdiocese of Chicago offers both one-day Pre Cana and weekend (Discovery Weekend) programs. Saint Clement's offers its own Pre Cana program. These options will be discussed at the general information wedding meeting and the couple will be asked to choose one of them.
What are the fees for a wedding service at Saint Clement?
The wedding fee is $900. This includes the required basic services of the parish music director/organist
. Additional fees will apply for additional musicians and/or musical requests outside the norm. A non-refundable $100 deposit is required at the time of booking the wedding date. Saint Clement is a vital parish providing for the spiritual and ministerial needs of its people and the surrounding community. It is a "museum quality" church that provides a jewel-like setting for weddings as well as for daily, Sunday and feast day celebrations. The wedding fee helps to cover not only the expenses incurred by the parish in helping the couple, their friends and families to celebrate a most joyous day, but also goes toward the maintenance and upkeep (including heating and air conditioning) of the magnificent building in which weddings take place. Wedding fees also help support the ministries and outreach programs for which Saint Clement Parish is known.
Is the church air conditioned?
Saint Clement Church is fully heated and air conditioned.
May priests or ministers from other denominations participate in the wedding ceremony?
Priests from other Catholic parishes or ministers from other denominations are welcome to participate in the wedding ceremony. Visiting presiders are expected to be present at the wedding rehearsal. Please inform us at least two months in advance if other ministers or priests will take part in your liturgy.
