Sacrament
Marriage
All Catholic weddings must be celebrated in the parish church; weddings cannot be celebrated at home or in “wedding chapels.”
Requirements
- Meet with the Marriage Coordinator at least six months before the wedding date.
- The bride and groom are recommended to be at least 18 years old. Anyone under 21 needs the consent of his or her parents.
- Both must have received Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation before setting the date. If not, contact the Religious Education office as soon as possible.
- Complete the pre-marriage class.
- A Catholic couple should not hold a separate civil ceremony: the ceremony in church is valid for the State of California, with a valid marriage license.
Documents to bring
- Recent baptismal certificate (issued within the last six months).
- Confirmation certificate.
- First Communion certificate.
- Pre-marriage class certificate.
- Marriage license from the State of California.
Dates, classes and preparation
- Choose the readings with the help of the Marriage Coordinator. Family and friends are encouraged to proclaim them.
- Rehearsal: scheduled once all the preparations are complete. Please be on time.
- Catholic couples are encouraged to go to confession a week before the wedding.
Cost or suggested offering
- Offering for the parish: $450 for registered parishioners and $550 for non-registered, paid in full four weeks before the wedding.
- Deposit of $150, non-refundable if you cancel.
- Changing the wedding date: $100 additional.
- Music is paid by the couple (the parish has a list of musicians).
- “Together for Life” book of readings: $5.
Good to know
- You may decorate the church with your own decorations; set them up and remove them before the next ceremony.
- No decorations on the altar, no aisle runner, and no tape, nails, tacks or pins on the pews.
- Throwing rice, confetti or bubbles is not allowed.
- Photos and video are allowed; photographers must speak with the priest before the ceremony.