Congratulations!
On behalf of all of us at St. Stephen, congratulations on your engagement. We know this is an exciting time in your relationship. Through the love you have for one another, together you have discerned that God is calling you to the vocation of Catholic marriage and family. On your wedding day, you will stand with each other and pledge your lifelong commitment to love one another as husband and wife. You will recall this special day as long as you live.
Schedule an Introductory Meeting with a Deacon from St. Stephen Deacon and Martyr
St. Stephen Parish welcomes the celebration of Catholic weddings of both registered parishioners and the children of registered parishioners. Couples interested in having their wedding at St. Stephen Parish should first complete the Marriage Inquiry Form, which will be directed to our team of St. Stephen parish deacons. Within five to seven business days, a deacon will reach out to the couple to schedule an introductory meeting. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required at this initial meeting.
Take a Pre-marital Inventory
The Archdiocese of Chicago recommends premarital inventories that are both research and scientifically based with a Catholic understanding of marriage. They are the Catholic Couple Check Up, available at pvm.archchicago.org, or FOCCUS. (Links are found at the bottom of this page.) Both inventories can be taken online. These inventories will be discussed with the couple at the initial introductory meeting with one of our deacons. These inventories help surface issues in your lives that may need further attention or discussion.
Attend a Marriage Preparation/PreCana Class
PreCana/Marriage preparation classes are presently only offered through the Archdiocese of Chicago. St. Stephen does not have a parish-based program at this time. To register for a PreCana class, please visit pvm.archchicago.org or call 312-534-8351. (Links can also be found at the bottom of this page as well as a 2022 schedule of marriage preparation classes offered. )
Review the St. Stephen Wedding Guidelines Pamphlet
The clergy and staff at St. Stephen look forward to working with you as you plan your marriage and your Catholic wedding. We have put together the Wedding Guidelines Pamphlet to help answer questions that come up during the wedding planning process. We hope that you find this resource helpful.
Please note: Wedding dates are not confirmed on the parish calendar or "held" until the engaged couple has their introductory meeting with a deacon and a deposit is paid to the church to reserve a specific date and time. (Further details about deposits and fees can be found in the Wedding Guidelines pamphlet.)
From putting together a wedding ceremony, to being a resource throughout the years following the wedding, the Archdiocese of Chicago serves as a resource to all engaged and married couples. The archdiocese aims to ensure all couples have every opportunity to create a marriage that echoes the love that God has for us all: a happy, healthy, holy marriage, and a covenant that is truly grounded in the Lord. This site provides you with basic information necessary to start the process of getting married in the Catholic Church.
The following steps are your starting point to prepare for your marriage:
Schedule an introductory meeting with your home parish priest or deacon
At least six months before your desired wedding date, please meet with your home parish priest or deacon before committing to any date. Please read your home parish’s marriage guidelines.
Have a premarital evaluation and discussion
The Catholic Couple Check Up or FOCCUS are questionnaires based on scientific research and a Catholic understanding of marriage. These questionnaires are taken online and can be accessed here. If you take the Catholic Couple Checkup, the results are available as soon as you finish and you can discuss them together or with the person preparing you for marriage. If your parish requires FOCCUS, please connect with your parish contact about next steps.
Attend a PreCana class
PreCana class gives couples the opportunity to learn about the sacrament of marriage and prepare their hearts leading up to their wedding day. Please visit our Marriage Preparation Courses site for more information and to register.
Follow-up with your priest or deacon
Discuss any issues or concerns raised in your marriage preparation class and share the results of your premarital questionnaire. Finalize the ceremony details, finish the paperwork, and review the chosen readings and music.
Purchase a marriage license and attend the wedding rehearsal
Purchase your marriage license at least one, but no more than 60 days (about 2 months) before the ceremony. For information on purchasing a license in Cook County, please click here. For Lake County, please click here. We advise couples to check government offices’ schedules ahead of time, as they tend to close early before holidays. Your wedding rehearsal will take place at your church with those involved in the ceremony.
Enjoy your wedding day as you receive the Sacrament of Matrimony
Your big day is finally here. Enjoy this day with family and friends as you begin your lifetime commitment to one another and your own marriage in the Lord.