Queen of All Saints Basilica

Marriage Preparation:
Documents and Other Requirements

The following wedding documents are necessary:

    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 Baptism certificate is in a language other than English, please provide the translation.

    Confirmation certificate, if the intended bride and groom have been confirmed.
    Two Witness Affidavits each for the bride and groom which testify to the 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 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.
    Marriage preparation certification (Pre Cana) is to be submitted prior to the final meeting with the priest. PreCana is a requirement to marry within the Archdiocese of Chicago. For details visit www.familyministries.org
    Marriage license from Cook County is to be presented at the rehearsal. To obtain a license, both parties must appear at the Cook County Clerk’s office, in the Loop (118 N. Clark St., Chicago. Phone (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.
    In a case where there has been a previous marriage, documentation can become more complicated, so no date can be set until all documents are in proper order in accordance with Canon Law of the Catholic Church.
    When proof of Baptismal status 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.