Wedding Photographers & Videographers at Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel, Loretto

A wedding at the Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel in Loretto takes place in a stone church that is Romanesque with Gothic touches, laid out in the shape of a cross. Four Gothic-style altars of Carrara marble stand at the front and art glass windows line the walls. For your photographer, the marble and glass give every part of the wedding ceremony a rich setting, and for your videographer, the aisle between pews of quartered red oak is the line of your processional.

Near the front, a communion rail of polished Mexican onyx with brass supports runs about 70 feet, a detail worth including in a wide view of the sanctuary. Outside, the sandstone walls, red tile roof and square bell tower make a handsome background for a picture of the whole wedding party, and the grounds include Our Lady of the Alleghenies Shrine and a bronze statue on a granite base in front of the basilica. The grounds are open for visitors to explore, so you can walk them ahead of time with your photographer.

Wedding details aren't on the parish website, so call the parish office to ask about getting married at the basilica, how far ahead to book and what marriage preparation the parish asks for. Ask about music and the parish's photo and video guidelines at the same time, since every church sets its own. Plan your wedding day so there's time for wedding pictures outside after the ceremony.

• Call the parish office early to check dates and requirements.
• Plan time for marriage preparation.
• Walk the church and grounds with your photographer before the day.

A little about the Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel

The parish dates to 1799, and the present stone church was built in 1900 and 1901. It was named a minor basilica in 1996.