The sacrament of Matrimony "gives spouses the grace to love each other with the love with which Christ has loved his Church; the grace of the sacrament thus perfects the human love of the spouses, strengthens their indissoluble unity, and sanctifies them on the way to eternal life".  (Catechism of the Catholic Church CCC # 1661).

"Since marriage establishes the couple in a public state of life in the Church, it is fitting that its celebration be public, in the framework of a liturgical celebration, before the priest (or a witness authorized by the Church), the witnesses, and the assembly of the faithful."  (CCC # 1663)

Preparation

Preparation for marriage is a pre-requisite and involves a pre-marriage education program. The Diocesan Marriage Progam is offered by SmartLoving.  More details are available on their website SmartLoving.

It is advisable for couples to engage in a pre-marriage education program as soon as possible after the church has been booked. 

MARRIAGE CEREMONY

In choosing to get married you are indicating a willingness to invest some time and effort into the preparation and ceremony for your wedding.  Please find below some information to ensure the optimal satisfaction of everyone involved in the planning and celebration of your wedding ceremony.

More information is available when you contact the Parish Office to book your wedding. 

You need to give at least six month's notification prior to a wedding in the parish.

Forms & Identification Requirements

Government requirements …

  1. Recent full birth certificate (not an extract), passport (for those born overseas), and driver’s licence is useful for additional proof of identification
  2. Decree Nisi for those divorced
  3. Notice of Intended Marriage has to be completed and signed at least one month, but not more than eighteen months, before the wedding

Church requirements …

  1. BAPTISM CERTIFICATE for the purpose of marriage
  2. ANNULMENT DECREE FOR DIVORCED (The annulment process may take months to reach its conclusion, which may be in the negative)

 

The Celebration

The celebration of marriage may take place either within the Mass (Nuptial Mass) or outside the Mass (Marriage ceremony only).  In making a choice, it is helpful to consider the number of practising Catholics who will be in attendance.

Witnesses

Two witnesses are required. Both have to be 18 years or older.

SOME IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER ABOUT THE USE OF THE CHURCH

Music

You can either supply your own music or contact one of our parish music ministry leaders.
No secular music is allowed during the liturgy.  All music must be covered by the church's copyright licence.

Photographers

It is a common courtesy that the official photographer will meet with the priest celebrant shortly before the celebration.  It is expected that photographers will work as unobtrusively as possible, both in the main aisle and in front of the first row of seats. The celebration should not be disturbed by the use of flood lights or much movement. Photographers are not permitted in the sanctuary area, unless to take photos after the signing in front of the altar.

Videos

Those who take videos should avoid using flood lights and should remain in one place. Videographers are not permitted in the sanctuary area.

Confetti, Rice, Petals, etc.

Please NO confetti, rice or petals in or around the church as this necessitates extra cleaning costs. Please inform all your guests in this regard when sending invitations.