The Sacrament of Marriage

Congratulations to you both on your engagement. We are happy you are considering marriage in the Catholic Church.
Below are some guidelines and procedures for the celebration of Marriage at Saint Paul the Apostle Parish.

·    Couples planning to be married, whether at St. Paul’s or elsewhere, must contact the priest at least one year in advance. Please call the parish office to set up a meeting with one of the priests. Marriage details will only be discussed with the bride and groom.

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·     At least one of the parties who wants to get married must be a Roman Catholic and a registered parishioner living within our parish boundaries. Catholics who attend another Catholic Parish may be married here with the permission and cooperation of their Parish Priest. 

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·     No date for marriage will be confirmed by phone or email until the couple has met with one of the priests at St. Paul’s. Do not finalize a date with photographers, a venue, or other wedding services until you have confirmed a date with us.

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·     To help you reflect on various issues dealing with your life together, you are required to participate in a Marriage Preparation Course. At St. Paul’s Parish, we offer one course each year at our parish. It is led by a married couple, and is held on Monday evenings for 6 weeks in February and March.

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·      Further details regarding marriage at St. Paul’s (eg. civil license, dates for the marriage preparation course, offering for the church, ect.) will be given at your meeting with the priest.

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·     If either the bride or the groom has been married before – in a civil or church ceremony – no date for marriage can be arranged. If this is your situation, please set up a meeting with one of the priests to discuss your situation and any options that are available.