Congratulations as you prepare for the Sacrament of Marriage!
Marriage is the sacrament by which a man and woman are bound together as a visible sign of faithful, fruitful love. In Christian marriage, the love of husband and wife becomes a sign of the love Christ has for His Church.
St. Joan of Arc Parish is honored to walk with couples as they prepare for this lifelong journey of love.
Marriage Preparation
Couples should contact the parish office at least nine months before their desired wedding date. Please contact the parish before making commitments with reception halls, caterers, photographers, or other vendors.
Marriage preparation may include:
- Meetings with one of our priests or deacons
- Completion of diocesan marriage preparation requirements
- Sessions with a trained sponsor couple
- Planning the wedding liturgy
- Review of parish wedding policies, music, fees, and scheduling guidelines
If you are not already active, registered members of St. Joan of Arc Parish, the first step is to register with the parish. If you live outside the area, you should be registered and active in the parish where you live and complete marriage preparation there.
Scheduling a Wedding
Wedding dates must be secured with the parish before any other wedding commitments are made.
Wedding availability depends on the parish calendar, clergy availability, and liturgical seasons.
In general:
- Only one wedding may be celebrated per weekend on a campus.
- The standard time for a Saturday wedding is 1:00 PM.
- The standard time for a rehearsal is Friday at 5:00 PM.
- Friday evening weddings may be possible, depending on the parish schedule.
- Weddings during Advent or Lent may be possible, but should reflect the character of the liturgical season.
- Weddings cannot be scheduled between the Fourth Sunday of Advent and New Year’s Day, or on major holidays such as New Year’s Eve or the Fourth of July.
Music
Music for a Catholic wedding must be sacred or classical and should reflect the dignity of the Sacrament of Marriage.
Popular songs are generally not appropriate before or during the liturgy and are better suited for the reception.
The parish can help connect couples with accomplished musicians, including organists, pianists, cantors, and vocalists.
Please inquire before making specific music plans.
Decorations
The church worship spaces are routinely decorated according to the liturgical season. Existing seasonal decorations should be considered when planning flowers or other decorations.
Guidelines include:
- Flowers placed near the altar should be fresh flowers.
- Decorations may not impede the movement of the wedding party or ministers.
- Pew bows may be attached using approved clips.
- The dropping of flowers, petals, rice, birdseed, or similar items is not allowed.
Wedding Fees
Couples are responsible for parish wedding fees, which may include:
- Facility fee
- Parish wedding coordinator
- Cantor
- Pianist or organist
- Other musicians, if used
A gift for the celebrant, priest or deacon, is at the couple’s discretion.