Old St. Patrick’s Church Wedding Guide
Old St. Patrick’s is Chicago history you can get married in. Built in the 1850s, it survived the Great Chicago Fire and stands today as one of the oldest public buildings in the city, its interior glowing with Celtic Revival stencil work and stained glass inspired by the Book of Kells. It is also one of the most vibrant parishes in Chicago, famous for a young adult community so lively that generations of couples have met through its events. Weddings here are joyful, packed, and deeply rooted.
An Old St. Patrick’s Wedding Film
Watch Kate & Ben’s wedding: vows at Old St. Pat’s officiated by their lifelong friend Father Dominic, followed by golden hour in The Meadow at The Old Post Office. We also filmed another celebration pairing Old St. Pat’s with Theater on the Lake.
The Ceremony
Weddings at Old St. Patrick’s are full Catholic liturgies in a sanctuary unlike any other in Chicago: warm gold and green Celtic patterns cover the walls and ceiling, and the stained glass throws soft, colorful light that flatters every frame. The parish is one of the most sought-after wedding churches in the city, so dates book far in advance, especially for couples with a connection to the parish community.
Photo & Video Locations
The church sits in the West Loop at Adams and Des Plaines, minutes from some of the city’s best backdrops: the Old Post Office (a natural reception pairing, as Kate & Ben proved), Union Station’s Great Hall, the riverwalk, and the skyline views from the Adams Street bridge. A grand exit onto the church’s front steps, with streamers or a bagpiper, is a 312FILMS favorite; we have filmed both here.
Reception Pairings
Old St. Pat’s couples celebrate everywhere from The Old Post Office (five minutes away) to Theater on the Lake, River North hotels, and West Loop lofts. The church’s central location makes almost any Chicago reception an easy transfer.
Filming at Old St. Patrick’s
Like all historic churches, Old St. Pat’s has guidelines for videographers during the liturgy, and we know them. We plan positions for the processional down the long center aisle, the vows under that painted ceiling, and the recessional into the West Loop light. The interior’s warm palette is one of the most distinctive in Chicago, and we expose for it so the film keeps its glow.
FAQ
Do you have to be a parishioner to marry at Old St. Patrick’s?
The parish welcomes couples from across the city, with marriage preparation requirements typical of Catholic churches. Contact the parish office early; wedding dates here are in high demand.
What makes Old St. Patrick’s interior special on film?
The Celtic Revival stencil work and Book of Kells-inspired stained glass, unique in Chicago. The light inside is soft, warm, and colorful, and it photographs like nowhere else.
Who films weddings at Old St. Patrick’s?
We do, gladly. It is one of our 12 most beautiful churches in Chicago. Check your date →