WEDDING INFORMATION

We are happy that you have chosen to celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage here at Ss. Peter & Paul RC Church. We’re sure that you will agree with us that the beauty of the church makes it a perfect setting for you to exchange your vows and receive Christ’s blessing. We ask you to contact one of the priests or deacons to obtain information about the marriage preparation program and to complete the necessary paperwork. They will also help you to plan the ceremony and answer any questions that you may have.

For the good of all, we ask you to observe the following guidelines:

DATE – A wedding date must be established with the church no later than 6 months in advance. Please call the rectory as soon as you have decided on a date but before you secure a hall for your reception.

MEETINGS WITH PRIEST – At least a minimum of 3 visits with a priest is necessary before the ceremony can take place. For Catholics, an updated baptismal certificate dated within six months of the wedding, copies of your First Holy Communion certificate, and Confirmation certificate will be needed. For non-Catholics, a copy of your baptismal certificate will be required.

PRE-CANA CLASSES – Or a singles marriage preparation weekend is required. A certificate from one of these programs will be needed when meeting with the priest.

TIME – A wedding held on a Saturday may not start after 3pm due to the fact that confession is heard in the church at 4pm. For all weddings we ask that the bridal party arrive at the church 30 minutes before the ceremony, that guests arrive at least 10 minutes before the ceremony and that the bride arrive 5 minutes before the ceremony so we may start on time.

PHOTOGRAPHY – Because the sacrament of marriage is a celebration of the real presence of Christ in your life, meant to be special for you and all present, we ask that you make the following rules very plain to your photographers and videographers: * Cameras are not permitted in the sanctuary area. * Those who are recording the ceremony should not interfere with the procession, cause any distraction during the ceremony, or obstruct the view of the congregation. *Extra lighting should not be used. *Respect must be shown at all times for the real presence of the Blessed Sacrament and the sanctity of the ceremony. Photographers and videographers are requested to meet with the officiating priest prior to the celebration to clarify these guidelines.

RICE, BIRD SEED, AND FLOWER PETALS – All of these items have dubious meanings and only create a mess. In addition, their presence creates a hazard for our elderly parishioners. If you wish to throw such items, we suggest that it be done at the reception. Balloons or bubbles would not present a problem outside of the church.

FLOWERS FOR THE CHURCH – The priest will be happy to discuss the various possibilities for decorating the church. If you purchase flowers for the church, we assume that you will leave them in the church. They will be received gratefully in your name for the celebration of our weekend Masses.

PEWS – The pews in our church may be decorated with small flower arrangements, bows, etc. but secured with large rubber bands only. Please do not use any tape, tacks, nails, etc.

FEES – The church fee is $400.00 ($300.00 for registered parishioners). If there is any reason that prevents you from paying this fee, please discuss it with the priest. The organist and vocalist charge their own fees. Please contact them directly to arrange your program.

READINGS – If you wish to choose the readings, please print the appropriate page below, then choose readings from the link below.

Marriage Mass Selections Page (Wedding with a Mass)

Marriage Ceremony Selections Page (Wedding with ceremony only)

List of readings approved for the Rite of Matrimony:

Marriage Readings (for a Mass or ceremony)

SONGS – Please consult with your musician for a list of appropriate church songs.