Dedicated in 1920 on the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Saint James Chapel was designed by Zachary Taylor Davis with the architectural firm of Gustav Steinbeck of New York, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. Its stained glass windows, installed by the John J. Kinsella Company of Chicago, have been called “the crown jewels of Chicago’s art treasures” and echo the famous windows of Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. For a wedding ceremony, there is simply no more breathtaking space in Chicago.
How to Get Married at Saint James Chapel
We have filmed more weddings at Saint James Chapel than at any other church in Chicago, so here is the process as our couples experience it:
- Confirm eligibility. Saint James is a Catholic chapel of the Archdiocese of Chicago, so standard Catholic marriage requirements apply: baptismal and confirmation documents, freedom to marry in the Church, and Pre-Cana preparation.
- Tour the chapel and book early. It is one of the most sought-after ceremony sites in the city; popular Saturdays book a year or more in advance, so have a few dates in mind.
- Budget for the fees. The total fee is $5,500, including a $2,500 chapel fee paid when reserving and a $550 music fee for the organist, cantor, and consultation. See our Saint James Chapel fee guide for details.
- Plan the liturgy. Readings, music, and decorations follow the chapel’s Catholic guidelines; the music office coordinates the organist and cantor.
- Confirm vendor rules. Photography and videography are welcome within the chapel’s guidelines. We know them well and position our cameras to be invisible during the liturgy.
- Rehearse and celebrate. A rehearsal is typically scheduled a day or two before, and because the chapel is ceremony-only, couples pair it with a reception venue nearby.
Pairing Saint James Chapel with a Reception Venue
Most of our Saint James couples hold their reception at one of the downtown hotels or clubs a short drive away. We have filmed Saint James ceremonies paired with The Peninsula, The Drake, The Langham, the Blackstone, and the University Club, and the films on this page show how each combination flows.
Filming Weddings at Saint James Chapel
This chapel is the reason we love filming church weddings. The stained glass floods the nave with colored light, the French Gothic arches frame every processional beautifully, and the grand exit onto the steps is one of the most cinematic moments in Chicago weddings. Interior light changes dramatically by hour and season, and after filming here for years we know exactly where to stand for every moment without intruding on the liturgy.
Saint James Chapel Wedding FAQ
How much does a Saint James Chapel wedding cost?
The total fee is $5,500, including the $2,500 chapel reservation fee and a $550 music fee. Full details in our fee guide.
Do we need to be Catholic to marry at Saint James Chapel?
The chapel follows Catholic marriage requirements through the Archdiocese of Chicago; speak with the chapel coordinator about your specific situation.
Can we have our reception at Saint James Chapel?
No, the chapel hosts ceremonies only. Most couples pair it with a downtown hotel or club reception minutes away.
Getting married at Saint James Chapel? We have filmed there more than anywhere else in Chicago. Check your date →