The Cathedral Basilica Wedding Guidelines help couples understand what to expect when making a decision about holding their ceremony at the Basilica. We ask that couples carefully read and consider all of the requirements. A minimum of six months advanced planning and preparation prior to the wedding date is required.
The 2026 calendar for weddings will open on Monday, February 3, 2025.
Requirements:
- If a couple is not a member of the parish, they should request a letter of permission from their home parish to be married at the Cathedral. Please do not send the letter to the Parish Office. Bring it with you when you meet with our priest. Have your letter of permission mailed to you. We cannot hold letters sent to the Parish Office before you meet with a priest.
- Once the letter has been obtained, please call the parish office at 215-561-1313 x133 to schedule an appointment with a priest.
- The 2025 Calendar is open. The engaged couple may email kheck@archphila.org or call 215-561-1313 x133 to make an appointment.
- Date availability will be discussed with a priest during the first appointment. The Mass may be bilingual; please let the priest know if you would like that
- Weddings will be planned between the engaged couple and the priest. Please don’t have wedding planners or family calls.
- At that appointment, please bring the letter of permission with you and a non-refundable deposit in the amount of $500 which is required to reserve the date for the wedding. See below for total fees.
- Weddings are normally scheduled for Fridays at 2 pm & 4 pm and Saturdays at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm. Due to certain religious services throughout the year in the Basilica, particular days may not be available for weddings. You have the option of having your wedding in either the Basilica or the Chapel. Fees for each are listed below.
- No requests will be taken before the book opens.
OFFERINGS AND FEES:
- Basilica offering: $2,500 ($500 deposit + $2000 balance)
- Cathedral Chapel offering: $1,500 ($500 deposit + $1,000 balance)
- Music fee for Cathedral organist and cantor: $600 (not included in wedding offering)
Musicians serving at your wedding are from the Cathedral Music Department. The Cathedral employs both a Principal and an Associate Organist and maintains a roster of professional singers. Therefore, no outside musicians are permitted to perform during Cathedral weddings. Your Music fee includes an organist and one singer.
Scheduled Weddings at the Cathedral
The information below is for couples who have already scheduled a wedding with one of the Cathedral Parish Priests
- Marriage Preparation Information
- Documents, certificates, wedding Mass or Ceremony, and other important information.
- Liturgical Music Policy
- Wedding Photography & Videography Protocol
- Marriage Preparation Sessions
- For a schedule of Marriage Preparation Sessions offered by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia visit PhillyCatholicMarriagePrep.com or call 610-873-2017.
- Liturgical Preparation
- These files can be used to help with the selection of readings for the wedding liturgy and with the preparation of the universal prayer. Please consult with the Cathedral Parish Priest responsible for your wedding before making any selections:
