Finding Your Clergy in Chicago

Finding your Chicago officiant is one of the most important and personal preparations for your wedding.  You’ll need to start looking for an officiant as soon as you’ve set your wedding date, and once you know the style of your wedding.

In Chicago, you can always be married by a judge, a justice of the peace, or a county or court clerk. A quick Internet search can help you locate one near you, and your wedding will probably be performed at City Hall (sometimes, these officiants will travel to your reception sight).

Traditional secular services.
Should you be having a more traditional wedding, but are still planning on a secular affair, simply do a Google search or check the Chicago Yellow Pages for “Wedding Officiants,” and ask friends and relatives for recommendations. Remember, a member of the clergy can perform a secular wedding, if he or she specializes in non-religious ceremonies. Since this is the person who will actually marry you, it’s imperative that you like their personality, and that you agree on the basic structure of your wedding. If they have any hesitations or doubts about marrying the two of you, call someone else.

If you and your spouse don’t belong to any particular faith, but want to add religious elements into your Chicago wedding, consider enlisting a non-denominational minister. Simply stated, this type of minister is familiar with different faiths and can incorporate them accordingly. Couples often opt for this type of service when, for traditional reasons or out of respect for parents, they want religious touches in their ceremony, but don’t wish to get married in a house of worship. Non-denominational ministers can be found on the Internet; you might also want to contact the Unitarian Universalist Association.

Religious services.

Should you be planning on a religious ceremony, the first place you need to look is your house of worship. Even if your clergyman can’t marry you (he’s not available on the date of your wedding, there are aspects of your ceremony that conflict with his beliefs, ect.), church etiquette says that he should be consulted about finding the right clergyman for your big day. If he is unable to help you, search for “Chicago Wedding Ministers” or “Chicago Wedding Officiants”; Internet sites are abundant, and often direct you to the state where your marriage will take place, and a clergyman of your same faith.

When you’re ready to start talking with Chicago wedding officiants, visit the OurWeddingDay.com Chicago Local Vendor section for a great list of top Southwestern Illinois wedding officiants.

Once you’ve selected an officiant, remember that he needs to attend the wedding rehearsal. It’s customary to invite him to the rehearsal dinner, along with his spouse (if married). Also, if he is traveling a long distance to your wedding, you should pay for his transportation and lodging. In lieu of a “fee,” clergymen usually accept a donation.  If you are uncomfortable asking him what the expected amount is, contact a member of his house of worship for the information, or ask a friend who’s used him in the past. Before you know it, he’ll be asking the two of you the big question.

-David Toussaint