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You will have the opportunity to plan your marriage celebration in consultation with the priest/deacon. The Church provides a number of options in regard to prayers, readings from scripture, music, and persons you might wish to involve in the ceremony.
Parish Wedding Coordinator
Our parish wedding coordinator will be present on the day of your wedding and at your rehearsal to assist you. The use of the parish wedding coordinator is required for all weddings. Her fee is $250, payable directly to her.
Scheduling Your Wedding
Weddings usually take place on Saturdays, at 10 A.M., 12 noon, or 2 P.M. You are allowed a total of two hours in church, including approximately 30 minutes before your wedding and approximately 30 minutes after your wedding. Please note that if the length of your wedding ceremony exceeds one hour, time for photography in church after the wedding may be shortened or even canceled because of other events that may follow. Wedding parties and guests must be out of the church by 3:30 P.M. on Saturdays.
Please note that because the season of Lent (the 40 days before Easter) is the Church’s penitential season, any weddings that take place during Lent should be simplified to reflect the nature of that season.
Church Etiquette
Our church is a sacred space. All are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful manner whenever they are in church, including the times of the rehearsal and the wedding ceremony.
Food and Drink
Please do not consume food or drink in church. Chewing gum is not appropriate. Water is permitted for health reasons. The consumption of alcohol is not allowed on church premises except for religious purposes.
Photography/Videography
Flash photography or special lights are permissible only during the entrance procession and as the wedding party is exiting the church. Except at these times, photographers and videographers must remain in one place.
Flowers and Other Decorations
You may bring in your own flowers and other decorations. However, any banners, cloths, or decorations already in church on the day of your wedding may not be moved or removed. For this reason, please take into consideration the seasons of the church year when scheduling your wedding. For example, purple is the liturgical color of the seasons of Advent and Lent.
Tape is not allowed on any of the pews. The use of runners is discouraged. If you wish, the wedding coordinator will contact your florist to arrange a delivery time for your flowers and/or help you to share flowers with another couple marrying the same day. We ask that you consider sharing the joy of your wedding day with the parish community by leaving at least one floral arrangement in church for the decoration of the altar at weekend masses.
Unity Candles
If you wish to use a "unity candle," you must provide your own. You must also provide your own stand for this candle, as well as tapers with which to light it. All of these items will be returned to you after your wedding.
Throwing of Rice or Other Items
The throwing of rice, birdseed, flower petals, etc. is not allowed, either inside or outside of church. The bride and groom will be responsible for any necessary cleaning after the ceremony.
Music
All couples that will have music as part of their wedding are required to consult with the parish music director, even if the parish music director will not be present at the wedding.
Music at a Catholic wedding should reflect the religious meaning of marriage. For this reason, most popular music is not appropriate at Catholic weddings. If a wedding takes place at St. Mary, the pastor or the parish music director has the right to prohibit the use of any music deemed inappropriate. Parish musicians are available to serve at weddings; each has a fee of $250.00. Please pay the musicians directly. The parish music director will be happy to give music suggestions. Note that outside musicians must have the approval of the pastor or parish music director.
The Rehearsal
Rehearsals normally take place on the evening before the day of the wedding. The priest/deacon leads the rehearsal. For those couples using the services of a visiting priest/deacon, it is especially important to note that the rehearsal is his responsibility and not that of the parish wedding coordinator. Be sure to schedule the rehearsal for a time when the priest/deacon can be present.
Donations and Fees
We ask that parishioners having weddings at St. Mary give a donation of at least $1,600.00 for the use of the church; the amount is $1,800.00 for those who are not parish members. These amounts do not include the fee for the wedding coordinator. Musicians have their own fees. While it is not necessary, a gift for the officiant is appreciated. Please note that a refundable deposit of one-half of the church donation is due in the parish office at the time a reservation is made. Please give the other half of the church donation by the time of the rehearsal. If you are being prepared for marriage at St. Mary but your wedding is taking place elsewhere, the parish requests a donation of at least $200.00.
PLEASE CALL THE PARISH OFFICE AT 408-354-3726 TO CONTACT- PATRICE ARMIJO, WEDDING COORDINATOR, parish.office@stmaryslg.org
- PERCI PERLAS, MUSIC DIRECTOR, pperlas@stmaryslg.org
- SHARON AERIA, BUSINESS MANAGER, saeria@stmaryslg.org