Queen of All Saints Basilica

Wedding Documents

The following wedding documents are necessary:

1. A baptismal certificate less than six months old must be submitted by each Catholic party.
Non-Catholic parties are also asked to bring a record of Baptism. These can be easily obtained by contacting the place of Baptism. If the certificate is in a language other than English, please provide a translation. When a Baptismal Certificate is not available for the bride or groom, a witness affidavit that substantiates the Baptism will need to be completed by the priest or deacon arranging the marriage.

2. A Confirmation certificate, if the intended bride and groom have been confirmed; a notation of Confirmation usually appears on the reverse side of the Baptismal Certificate.

3. Two (2) Witness Affidavits each for the bride and groom which testify to the couple’s freedom to marry. The two people you choose should be persons who know you well (parents preferred). They may go to their own parish and the priest can complete the affidavits to be sent to Queen of All Saints or they may come to Queen of All Saints. The priest will help you make these arrangements.

4. The pre-nuptial questionnaire is to be completed privately with the bride, groom, and priest or deacon shortly after obtaining a scheduled date for your wedding.

5. Marriage preparation certification (PreCana) is to be submitted prior to the final meeting with the priest. Attendance at PreCana is a requirement to marry within the Archdiocese of Chicago. For details visit www.familyministries.org.

6. Marriage license from Cook County is to be turned into the priest before the wedding.
To obtain a license, both parties must appear at the Cook County Clerk’s office, in the Loop (118 N. Clark St., Chicago 312-443-5663), in Skokie (5600 Old Orchard Road 847-470-7233) or in Rolling Meadows (2121 Euclid Avenue 847-818-2850). Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturdays. You will need identification, proof of age and a cash payment is due when you apply. The license is valid for 60 days and must be valid at the time of your wedding. Your completed license will be mailed to the county office the Monday after your wedding.

7. In a situation where there has been a previous marriage, documentation can become more complicated, so no date can be set for the wedding until all documents are in proper order in accordance with Church Law.