The Church of St. Mary is a Catholic parish in Lake Forest, Illinois, established in 1857 and rebuilt several times since, most recently in 2012. Its traditional Catholic ceremony setting has been the starting point for several weddings we’ve gone on to film at the nearby Deer Path Inn.
Weddings We Have Filmed at the Church of St. Mary
Anna and Sean’s June 2024 ceremony here followed Catholic tradition closely: guests welcomed to “Canon in D,” a family processional, Anna’s entrance to “Ave Maria,” a unity candle, and vows promising to remain faithful through every season of life. The celebration spilled onto the church steps for a ribbon wand send-off.
Watch the full story: Anna & Sean’s Wedding at Deer Path Inn, Lake Forest
Aimee and Chase married here on January 28, 2017, exchanging vows that included Aimee’s promise to be the “Batman to his Robin.” As they exited the church, they were honored with a traditional saber arch recessional in a nod to Chase’s U.S. Air Force Academy background.
Watch the full story: Aimee & Chase’s Winter Wedding at Deer Path Inn
Filming Weddings at the Church of St. Mary
The church’s traditional Catholic liturgy calls for a filming approach that stays quiet and out of the way during the Mass, and we position our cameras to capture the processional, vows, and recessional without intruding. Both weddings we’ve filmed here paired the ceremony with a reception at the nearby Deer Path Inn, so we plan for that short-drive flow as a matter of course.
What a Church of St. Mary Wedding Involves
The church follows standard Catholic requirements: at least one member of the couple should be a practicing, confirmed Catholic, and premarital counseling with a priest or deacon is required. Contact the parish office directly for current scheduling and fees.
FAQ
Do you need to be Catholic to marry at the Church of St. Mary?
The parish requires at least one member of the couple to be a practicing, confirmed Catholic; speak with the parish office about your specific situation.
Can we have a military-honor recessional here?
Yes, Aimee and Chase’s recessional included a traditional saber arch honoring Chase’s Air Force Academy background.
Do you pair the Church of St. Mary with a nearby reception venue?
Yes, both weddings we’ve filmed here moved to Deer Path Inn for the reception, just a short drive away.
Planning a wedding at the Church of St. Mary? Check your date →