Matrimony
The entire Christian life bears the mark of the spousal love of Christ and the Church… Christian marriage in its turn becomes an efficacious sign, the sacrament of the covenant of Christ and the Church. Since it signifies and communicates grace, marriage between baptized persons is a true sacrament of the New Covenant.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1617
Your Wedding at Saint Stephen Catholic Church
Congratulations on your engagement! This is such an exciting time in your life as a couple, and we feel so blessed you are considering Saint Stephen to celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony. Below you will find some basic guidelines to help you begin the process of planning your wedding ceremony. For more detailed policies and guidelines, please review our wedding guidelines handbook.
General Information
Parish Membership Requirement
To receive the Sacrament of Matrimony, at least one of the parties seeking to marry must be Roman Catholic. A letter of good standing from the parish you currently attend will be required.
Times When the Church is Available for Weddings
– Saturdays before/including 1:30 p.m.
– Other days and times agreed upon with the Pastor
Booking the Wedding Date
Please contact the Parish Administrative Assistant a minimum of six months prior to your desired wedding date, or as soon as you are able. We will then confirm your existing parish membership and participation. Your wedding date will be secured after you have met with Father as a couple.
Scheduling the Wedding Rehearsal Time
The wedding rehearsal is usually scheduled for the day preceeding the wedding, and you should plan on the rehearsal lasting no more than one hour.
For Those Previously Married
A Declaration of Nullity must be provided immediately in order to demonstrate that you are now free to marry in the Catholic Church. This applies to all forms of previous marriage, whether in the Catholic Church, by a judge, by a religious leader in another faith tradition, or common law. If you have any questions, please speak with the Pastor.
Wedding Fees
Your wedding fee assists in covering the expenses incurred by the Parish in helping you to celebrate your wedding day, such as the maintenance and upkeep of the church building, cleaning of the church and grounds before and after your wedding, and many hours of priest and staff time needed to prepare and celebrate well the many aspects of your wedding. Keep in mind that our fee is mostly all-inclusive. All of this contributes toward making your wedding day as meaningful and memorable as possible, so your generosity is greatly appreciated!
FEE SCHEDULE FOR WEDDINGS AT SAINT STEPHEN
(All fees subject to change and are mostly all-inclusive. See below*.)
Church Fee (Non Parishioner) $900
Church Fee (Parishioner) $500
Included in the Church Fee:
– Liturgy Staff
– Paperwork Documentation and Processing
Optional:
– Organist/Pianist Fee: $250
– Cantor Fee: $175
*Additional musicians (trumpet, violin, cello, etc.) may be booked upon request for an additional fee.
FEE SCHEDULE FOR WEDDINGS OUTSIDE SAINT STEPHEN
(Marriage preparation for a wedding taking place outside Saint Stephen)
Paperwork Documentation and Processing $150
A deposit of $100 is required at the time of booking the wedding date. This deposit is transferable to another date at Saint Stephen. The balance of fees is due 60 days prior to your wedding date.
