Step 3

Contact the priest responsible for your paperwork

Six months before your wedding: A number of documents are required by the Basilica, and in some situations, obtaining them may require considerable time. With your assigned priest, you will gather and complete the following forms, all of which must be submitted to the Basilica office no later than one month before the wedding:

The Priest for your Wedding: The question of who officiates at your wedding is an important one. The choice of presider is an invitation that the couple extends, preferably to someone they know and trust, someone with whom they are comfortable in his role as representative of the Church. The priest is not necessarily the same as the one who will help you with the documentation just mentioned. Any priest in good standing, approved and delegated by the Rector of the Basilica or the Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, may preside at your wedding.

Affidavits: This acknowledges that both parties are free to marry. Two reliable witnesses per person are asked to fill out the form before the priest. Parents may serve as the witnesses.

Baptismal Certificates: Updated certificates, issued by the parish where you were baptized (within six months before the wedding). You cannot use originals or copies of originals for this purpose.

Interrogatory: This questionnaire is answered by each party before the pastor or priest. Its purpose is to provide a legal statement of freedom and right intention to marry.

Release Letter: Weddings usually take place in the parish of the bride. As a courtesy, the Fort Wayne/South Bend Diocese requires the permission of the bride's pastor for the marriage to occur at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

Marriage Preparation Certificate: You will receive a certificate at the completion of your Marriage Preparation. This certificate must be submitted to the Basilica office at this time, usually about six months before your wedding day.

Civil Documents: Proof of age and marriage license are required by the State of Indiana. Apply at the St. Joseph County Clerk's office located in the St. Joseph County Court House, 108 S. Main Street, South Bend, Indiana 46601, for a license. Apply for your marriage license no more than 60 days before marriage. Payment by cash or money order is required at the time of your application. The hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. For additional questions, call the clerk’s office at (574) 235-9635.
Please Note: The marriage license MUST be given to the wedding coordinator the night of your wedding rehearsal.

Vestments: Vestments, albs, etc., are provided by the Basilica, including deacon vestments.

Eucharistic Ministers: Ministers of Communion are to be active in the Catholic faith and commissioned by their local diocese.