Marriage and Wedding Policies
[Parish Policies and Guidelines] [Diocesan Regulations] [Assistance offered by the Parish] [Required Marriage Documentation]
Wedding coordinator: Yolanda Nietert 801-791-4991 or yolanda@stmarysutah.org
Parish Policies and Guidelines
Photography
Wedding pictures need to be completed at least a half hour prior to the scheduled time of the wedding.
Please note that photographers should at no time place themselves between the congregation and the actions taking place at the front of the church. Photographs are not to be taken from behind the altar.
All Photographers should be limited in their movements and the number of photos they take during the ceremony. The movement of the photographer and use of cameras are distracting for those who are witnessing the sacrament.
Floral arrangements
The wedding party is to consult with the parish wedding director about use and placement. Unity candles are not to be used.
Ceremony Time
Most weddings take place on Saturday and are scheduled between 11:00 and 1:00 p.m. Saturday weddings only are preferred.
Rehearsal
The rehearsal generally takes place the evening before the wedding.
Invitations
These should not be ordered until a firm wedding date has been established within the parish.
Alcohol, food and tobacco
These are not permitted in parish buildings or the parking lot at any time.
Birdseed/Rice/Petals
Nothing can be dropped or thrown either in the church or on church grounds prior to, during or following the wedding.
Clean-up
This is the responsibility of the wedding party. All things brought into the church are to be removed promptly at the end of the service.
Confession
Prior to the wedding day, the couple, and wedding party must arrange to go to confession, if Catholic. In order to make a good confession, you can go to Examination of Conscience, and
other information of how to make a good confession.
John 2: 1-11
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." (And) Jesus said to her, "Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come.
"His mother said to the servers, "Do whatever he tells you.”Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washings, each holding twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told them, "Fill the jars with water." So they filled them to the brim.
Then he told them, "Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter." So they took it. And when the headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine, without knowing where it came from (although the servers who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called the bridegroom and said to him, "Everyone serves good wine first, and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior one; but you have kept the good wine until now."
Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs in Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him.
Diocesan Regulations
- The rite of marriage, is centered in the Paschal Mystery of Jesus who through the Sacrament of Matrimony seals and strengthens the love of the couple for one another and sustains them in their commitment throughout their married life.
- Attention should be paid to the liturgical season, to the decoration of the church and to the music chosen. Please note; only approved sacred music is to be used. (OCP)
- A minimum of six (6) months preparation is required for all couples planning to celebrate a Catholic wedding.
- All couples are required to complete a marriage preparation process:
- Discuss preparation for the wedding celebration.
- The Catholic members need to be registered in a Catholic parish and be participating in the sacraments.
Assistance offered by the Parish
Reverence
Saint Mary Catholic Church is a sacred space to the members of the parish who worship here. Advise your wedding party to silence all cell phones, please refrain from chewing gum and all non-catholics for communion are welcomed to receive a blessing by approaching the priest or the Extraordinary minister of communion with your arms crossed over your chest.
Fees
Although religion is a spiritual experience, places of worship are institutions that require financial support. A fee of $250 must be paid in order to use the church facilities for a wedding or anniversary celebrations. In order to secure a date you have to pay the full amount, it will be non refundable. If you are not a registered member of St. Mary the fee will be $350.
Ministry Coordination
Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors and Altar Servers for Marriage or Anniversary masses will be provided by the Parish. They have to be trained and certified by the Diocese. Music: If you decide to have music during the wedding you are responsible for contacting directly and paying any of the following selected musicians.
Music
- Organist: Diane Bordinaro: $50 (801-782-2739)
- Organist: Donna Masek: $50 (801-898-3821)
- Piano &/or Vocalist: Chris San Nicholas: $100 (801-837-2387)
- Guitarist &/or Vocalist: Buzz Nietert: $75 (801-725-1691)
Required Marriage Documentation
- A Pre-Nuptial Investigation Questionnaire
- Freedom Affidavit
- Recent copy of each party’s Baptismal Certificate
- If Catholic, proof of Confirmation and First Holy Communion must be provided.
- Catholic Engaged Encounter. You are asked to participate in this retreat that will help you to prepare for the sacrament of marriage.
www.engagedencounterutah.org
Family Life Office: (801) 328-8641 - Civil Marriage License is to be supplied on the day of the wedding.
- Death Certificate of a former spouse needs to be supplied; if the former spouse is deceased.