Marriage is a beautiful gift from God to the couple and to the whole church. When Scripture talks about God’s relationship with humanity, it does so, more often than not, through the analogy of husband and wife. There can be no doubt that God intended men and women to join together in marriage to cooperate with Him in giving life to others and helping others appreciate all of His gifts.
It is in marriage that couples learn to love and give themselves to each other just as Christ has done for us. Thus they are a symbol of Christ’s love in the world. We rejoice with you as you discern this call from God in your own lives, and we want to support you on your journey! To do so, the Church stresses careful preparation on both spiritual and practical relationship topics. Once preparation is complete, the couple will have a solid foundation for a life-long partnership!
Who May Marry at Saint Peter’s?
Any Roman Catholics (either the bride or groom, or both) who
- complete the Catholic Church’s required 6-month marriage preparation process and sacramental file with their home parish priest (the parish nearest your current residence - find your home parish),
- pay the $1,500 wedding fee (musicians’ fees not included), and
- adhere to Saint Peter’s Wedding Day Guidelines to preserve the sanctity of the sacrament and our historical church.
Who May Complete Marriage Preparation at Saint Peter’s?
Marriage preparation is the minimum 6-month process necessary for couples to marry in the church. It includes several meetings with a priest, taking a Pre-Cana class, and completing additional documentation.
Active Saint Peter’s parishioners:
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Why Register at a Parish?
Churches can’t track mass attendance and we all need different mass times now and then. Registration is the official way to join a parish community. It demonstrates your commitment to the community, and is how the parish knows it is your home parish responsible for sacraments. It also allows the parish to include you in the religious, social, and ministerial activities of the parish that help us grow together in faith and in our mission to be a tangible manifestation of Christ living in the community. |
- An active parishioner is someone who is formally registered at Saint Peter’s and has a history of commitment to the parish not only by attending mass, but also through contribution and/or ministry involvement.
- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.at least 6 months and preferably one year in advance of your desired wedding date to begin marriage preparation.
If you are not an active Saint Peter’s parishioner:
- Find the parish nearest your current residence – this is your home parish – and contact them to discuss marriage preparation.
- If Saint Peter’s is the parish nearest your home, please join our community and get involved!
- For U.S. military or government employees currently serving overseas, contact the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA.
Pre-Cana Classes at Saint Peter’s:
- Do not register for Pre-Cana classes unless you have begun marriage preparation with a priest.
- Couples who have begun marriage preparation with a priest may This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
How Do I Confirm a Date and Time for a Marriage Sacrament at Saint Peter’s?
Do not explore dates until you have begun marriage preparation with a priest.
- Concern for the sanctity of the sacrament and the profound effect it will have on your life, are the compelling reasons for the Church’s stress on careful, even meticulous, preparation.
If marriage preparation with a priest has begun, visit Saint Peter’s Church Calendar to explore date and time availability.
- Weddings must avoid existing mass, confession, other sacramental activities in the church, and other parish activities at the parish’s discretion.
- There may be liturgical limitations on certain days during holy seasons.
- Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss specific dates and times.
To Reserve a Date and Time:
Active Parishioners must
- have the initial marriage preparation meeting with a Saint Peter’s priest,
- confirm date is available with This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and
- submit the initial $750 deposit of the wedding fee.
Non-Parishioner Roman Catholics must
- have their preparing priest or deacon send a copy of the prenuptial questionnaires to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and confirm he will complete marriage preparation and send the completed sacramental file to Saint Peter’s one month prior to the sacrament date,
- confirm date is available with This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and
- submit the initial $750 deposit of the wedding fee.
Are There Fees for Marriage Preparation and Marriage Sacraments?
Yes. Thank you for understanding the church’s need to cover the worldly operational costs of delivering these sacraments. Fees cannot impede sacraments, please discuss any financial hardship directly with the priest.
- Marriage Preparation: $250 (preparation of Saint Peter’s parishioners marrying elsewhere; waived for Saint Peter’s parishioners also having sacrament at Saint Peter’s)
- Marriage Sacrament at Saint Peter’s: $1500 ($750 deposit to secure date/time; remaining $750 due prior to sacrament. Does not include marriage preparation.)
- Musicians: $300+ (Music Director’s consultation and day of music, additional fees vary based on additional musicians)
- Pre-Cana Class: $200 at Saint Peter’s (separate from marriage preparation and sacrament fees)
We are Civilly Married; Can We Have a Sacramental Marriage?
Yes! Because this is the first marriage from the church’s perspective, it begins with marriage preparation. Please go to “Who May Complete Marriage Preparation at Saint Peter’s?” at the top of this page and proceed accordingly.