Thank you for visiting the wedding section of our website! Whether you are a recently engaged couple, or simply browsing to learn more about our wedding ministry, I am grateful for the opportunity to introduce myself and share more about the sanctity and beauty of this sacrament.

For over 117 years, couples have chosen to celebrate their wedding in our historic Shrine church located in South Philadelphia. In fact, my parents and my husband’s parents chose the Shrine because they believe what I have come to know for myself: building your married life on a strong foundation is essential! For thousands of couples, our church has become an important part of their foundation and story.

Marriage is a most serious and sacred commitment. I am delighted you have chosen to bring your commitment before God and His people by having a wedding in the Catholic Church. As you begin to browse through our website, please know that I am here to help you prepare not only for the celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage, but also for a permanent, joyful, and faith-filled married life. Whether you are planning to celebrate a Wedding Mass or a Nuptial Ceremony, I think you will find that our beautiful, historic church offers a prayerful setting for your joyful occasion.

And so, on behalf of our Augustinian Friars, Executive Director, and the entire Shrine Staff, be assured of my prayers that God’s abundant blessings will be with you and your loved ones.

Sincerely yours in Christ and His Blessed Mother,

Valerie Iezzi
Wedding Coordinator


To learn more about getting married at the Shrine, or to inquire about the availability of a specific date, please contact us. We will be happy to answer your questions and provide you with additional details as you prepare for your wedding!

  • "My wife and I had an amazing experience at St. Ritas married in September 2018. The church is beautiful and Father Bob was phenomenal during the process leading up to the wedding and the ceremony itself. Truly an am amazing place and an amazing experience."

    John & Danielle
    September 2018

  • "We loved our entire experience working with St. Rita's to make our wedding day special and unique. They were very accommodating and helpful and we absolutely loved our time preparing with Fr. Jim, he was kind and wonderful. You can't beat the location or the beauty of the building and everyone working there was lovely."

    Lacie & Duncan
    September 2019

  • "My wife and I were married here in the Fall of 2021 and it was simply amazing. The Shrine is beautiful and the Church itself is breathtaking. Everyone from St. Ritas is incredibly kind and accommodating. The organist and cantor were absolutely incredible as well. Perfect location for our guests as we had a center city reception. Cannot recommend St. Rita's enough."

    Anthony & Kimberly
    November 2021

  • "My husband and I recently got married at the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia. I cannot say enough amazing things about our experience. For starters, the church and shrine are absolutely beautiful! From the very beginning, everybody that we worked with at Saint Rita's was so kind, so patient, and so accommodating. Leading up to the rehearsal, we worked with Valerie, who was absolutely amazing. On our actual wedding day, everything went even better than we had expected and, as I said, I had not a single worry thanks to those at Saint Rita's who helped plan it. It was the most beautiful, stress-free experience I could have asked for!"

    Natalie & Christopher
    May 2022

  • "As a coordinator, working with Valerie at the National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia was a dream. Valerie was clear with her instructions for vendors and guests, and I was able to step in only when needed during rehearsal. We worked alongside each other to help our mutual client's wedding day go smoothly and beautifully! I would highly recommend this facility and its staff to anyone looking to get married in a beautiful building in Philadelphia with a wonderful team!"

    Jewell
    June 2022
    Oasis Coordination

  • We charge $2,000 for couples to use the Shrine for their wedding and rehearsal. This does not include payment for the musicians or a stipend for your presider.

  • In addition to the $2,000 fee to use the Shrine church, our musicians have their own fees: $300 for the organist, $250 for the singer, and additional fees for other instrumentalists. Typically a $100-$200 gift is also given to your presider as well. Getting married at the Shrine could cost around $2,650.

  • The National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia has several amenities, including: 

    - a handicap accessible elevator

    - air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter

    - a beautiful breezeway for pictures

    - guaranteed parking for the bride and groom

  • At least one of the parties being married needs to be Catholic. We do not host non-Catholic weddings. Thank you for understanding.

  • The $2,000 fee is for any couple getting married at the Shrine. The National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia is not a parish, and therefore we don't offer a parishioner rate.

  • Every couple married at the Shrine is encouraged to bring their own Catholic presider (priest or deacon). We will work with you and your intended presider to ensure all the necessary paperwork and preparation is properly completed. If you don’t have a presider in mind, please let us know. We will do our best to work with you to help you find a presider for your wedding day.

  • Simply call or e-mail Mrs. Valerie Iezzi, the Shrine’s Wedding Coordinator, for more information or to express interest in getting married at the Shrine. We will be happy to answer your questions and provide you with additional details and a wedding contract. Please have specific dates in mind when you make your initial inquiry. We can’t wait to work with you as you begin this exciting new chapter in your life!

  • Parking is always an issue in South Philadelphia, but fear not! The Shrine has access to a parking lot on 15th Street, around the corner from the Shrine, for weddings. It is a private, secure parking lot that is available for couples and their guests for no additional cost. Here is a link to learn more about this parking option at the Shrine: parking lot map.

    It’s also worth noting that on the day of our weddings, we reserve a few spaces in the front of the church for couples, and any of their guests who need handicap accessible parking.

    So, while we don't have a parking lot, we do have parking options!

  • The Shrine has beautiful, seasonal, liturgically appropriate flower arrangements on the sanctuary throughout the year. They are made in-house with the greatest care and attention to detail. Most couples find that utilizing the beauty of the Shrine and the flowers that are already in the sanctuary provide them with a cost savings. If you would still like to bring your own flowers, you are welcome to do so. Please note: During the season of Lent, flowers do not adorn the sanctuary. If couples would like to bring their own flowers during this time, we ask that they take them once their wedding has ended.

 
 

The National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia offers beautiful music for those getting married in our historic church. Our musicians are trained professionals with years of experience. Our in-house musicians are happy to provide appropriate musical accompaniment for your wedding ceremony or Mass. They are well-versed in a wide range of classical, traditional, and contemporary song selections and are familiar with the order of the wedding Mass.

Once your contract and deposit are received, our organist and Director of Sacred Music will be happy to discuss the music for your special day. In the meantime, if you have specific questions, please follow up with our Wedding Coordinator.

Listen to our Music Options

 
 
 

Valerie Iezzi | Wedding Coordinator

weddings@saintritashrine.org
267-414-8506

1166 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146

Were you unable to find what you were looking for?

Contact our Wedding Coordinator, Valerie Iezzi, with additional questions and to learn more about getting married at the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia.