Marriage is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, a life-long commitment of exclusive fidelity to one another for the mutual sharing of life and love; a union open to children. For baptized Christians, marriage is a Sacrament.
Entering into the Sacrament of Matrimony is a serious undertaking. Couples who ask to celebrate their marriage before a Priest or deacon of the Church and in the presence of the Christian community have a responsibility to prepare themselves to the best of their ability, for a happy and lasting sacramental life together.
As part of our commitment to assist you with the planning and preparation for your upcoming wedding, we offer you this information which explains the main points of our Marriage Policy and may answer some of your questions. Please contact the Parish Office for the most current and complete Marriage Policy.
Where do We get Married?
Canon or Church Law directs that a marriage should take place in the parish of the bride or groom. Even though a young woman or man is living away from home, she/he can be married in the parish where his parents reside.
If a couple wishes to marry in a parish other than their own, the permission of the parish priest of the parish where you regularly attend will be required for the wedding to take place at another parish.
When only one of the parties is Catholic, the marriage generally takes place in the parish of the Catholic party.
Marriage Between a Catholic and a Non-Catholic
The marriage of a Catholic to a non-Catholic requires that certain conditions be observed. There is no obligation for the non-Catholic party to become Catholic. The Catholic party promises that she/he will do all in her/his power to have the children raised in the Catholic Faith, and that the marriage will be celebrated according to the form of the Catholic Church, that is, in the presence of a Catholic priest or deacon and two witnesses. Normally a wedding between a Catholic and a non-Catholic takes place outside of Mass.
Scheduling the Wedding Date
Before a date can be reserved, the couple must first make an appointment with the parish priest. This should be done at least eight (8) months in advance of your intended date and before any other arrangements are made. It is important to note that if arrangements are made with the reception hall or caterers before contacting the parish, there is no guarantee that the Parish will be able to accommodate that date or time.
Interview with the Parish Priest
Before reserving the date for your wedding, the couple will meet with the parish priest for an interview. During this meeting, the priest will complete the prenuptial inquiry forms and provide you with information to assist in your preparation for the wedding liturgy. This will be an opportunity for you to ask any questions that you have regarding your upcoming marriage.
Marriage License
In the Province of Ontario, couples are normally married by license which must be obtained from City Hall within 3 months of your wedding date. Once you have obtained your marriage license, you will need to bring it into the Parish Office at least one week prior to the wedding.
Certificates of Baptism
Every Catholic party must obtain a baptismal certificate from the parish where she/he was baptized. This certificate cannot be more than six (6) months old. The parish of baptism may fax or mail a copy of the baptismal certificate to the Parish Office.
A copy of the original baptismal certificate is required or a non-Catholic party and can be submitted to the Parish Office. If the original document cannot be found, the non-Catholic party will have to obtain a new baptismal certificate from the church where their baptism was celebrated.
Marriage Preparation Course
Since you are planning to spend your lives together, every step must be taken to ensure your happiness. Marriage preparation courses are offered by several parishes in the Diocese and it is expected that you will avail yourselves of the opportunity to grow together in love. Once you have completed the course you will be issued a certificate; a copy of which should be submitted to the Parish Office.
Prayer and Practice of Faith
The time when a couple are preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage can be an opportunity for spiritual growth. Prayer, both individually and together, is an important aspect in the process of becoming a faithful married couple. Regular attendance at Sunday Mass, especially if you have been away from this practice for awhile, or a marrying a Catholic, will help to ensure that your wedding is a true celebration of faith, life and love. The Sacrament of Marriage, like all Sacraments, needs faith to be fruitful. The practice of your faith will demonstrate a serious commitment to your preparation for this Sacrament and your life together. Frequent reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist during your engagement will lay a solid foundation of faith that will see you through the difficulties that all marriages face as well as deepen your times of joy together.
Planning the Wedding Liturgy
The parish priest or deacon who will be officiating at your wedding will assist in planning your wedding liturgy. Please do not make any arrangements with regard to musicians, decorations, flowers and photographers until first speaking with the parish priest.
Hours for Weddings
Weddings can take place on almost any weekday and on a Saturday at set times in the afternoon. Weddings are never celebrated on Sundays.
Participation in the Liturgy
You are encouraged to involve your families and friends in this celebration of faith and love. Individuals whom you choose for the various roles in the wedding should have the proper disposition for exercising these roles. For example, when selecting a reader for your wedding, it would be beneficial to choose someone who has experience with reading and is comfortable with speaking in public.
If you are celebrating your wedding within the Mass, please note that only Catholics may receive the Eucharist. All guests, however, are encouraged to participate as much as possible in the wedding by singing and joining in prayer.
In weddings between a Catholic and non-Catholic party, it is encouraged to celebrate a wedding liturgy outside of Mass. However, this decision is made by the couple in consultation with the parish priest.
Music
The Diocesan Marriage Policy states: “In selecting the music for your wedding, please remember that the ceremony is religious in nature, and thus the music must be sacred in character. Songs from movies, TV shows, or stage productions find no place in the wedding liturgy. Favorite popular songs meaningful to the bride and groom, would be better suited to the wedding reception.”
At St. Andrew’s, our Director of Music will assist you in selecting the music for your wedding liturgy. Parish musicians and vocalists are trained and available to provide music for your wedding. Fees for the musician(s) and vocalist(s) must be arranged through the Music Director.
Flowers, Decorations and Confetti
Flowers and pew decorations are welcome in the church for your wedding. At times, the church is decorated for specific seasons and feasts; these decorations are never removed or altered for weddings. Your flowers and decorations are in addition to the decorations already present in the church. The parish does not provide floral stands or candelabra. Due to safety and fire regulations, aisle runners and arches are not permitted.
Arrangements must be made through the Parish Office for delivery of floral arrangements and decorating in the church.
Flower petals, rice, birdseed, confetti and candles are serious environmental and janitorial issues and are not permitted in the church or outside on church grounds. We also ask that couple refrain from the use of glitter on their decorations.
Photography
Out of respect for the sacred nature of the church, only your designated photographer is permitted to photograph during the ceremony. It is the couple’s responsibility to ensure that their guests are made aware of the policy and adhere to it. There are specific rules that your designated photographer must follow while working in the church.
The Wedding Rehearsal
The rehearsal is normally held on the evening before the wedding day. Everyone in the bridal party and those assisting in the ceremony must attend the rehearsal.
Punctuality
As a sign of courtesy, everyone should be on time for the rehearsal and the wedding liturgy. It is not fashionable, nor respectful for any member of the bridal party to arrive late. It is important to keep in mind that there are other events and activities that may be taking place in the church on the same day.