The website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops provides a wealth of information about Catholic marriages and links to other resources. We encourage you look through it. In several places, it mentions that certain practices differ from diocese to diocese and parish to parish. Please keep this in mind as you peruse the information.
When to arrange and schedule a wedding
Contact the parish as soon as you begin planning your wedding – as far in advance as possible.
While most weddings take place on weekends, it is possible to schedule weddings at other times. Several couples are now choosing Fridays for their wedding. We will try to be as accommodating as possible.
Confirmation of a wedding date and time is done after the first meeting with the parish priest. The parish’s Director of Liturgy and Music can arrange this. We ask for a $500 deposit, applicable to the full Church fee, to reserve the date and time.
Preparation for Marriage (a.k.a. Pre-Cana)
Many people refer to this as “Pre-Cana.” The term is obviously drawn from the first miraculous sign of Jesus in John’s gospel – his turning of water into wine at the wedding of a young couple at Cana in Galilee. “Doing Pre-Cana” has become shorthand for preparing for Catholic marriage.
Today there are several options available – including online preparation. Particularly in this COVID environment, we have generally felt this the best option for couples. For engaged couples residing in different cities, an online program enables them to prepare together.
There are other tools that facilitate couples discussing and deepening their relationship with one another as they prepare to marry. Here’s a link to one of these, Catholic Couple Check-Up.
Feel free to preview these, but we ask that you wait until you meet with the priest to sign up and begin.
WEDDING LITURGY
Ceremony, Readings, Prayers
Whether a Nuptial Mass or a Wedding Ceremony, several choices are available for scripture readings and prayers. It is possible to ask your relatives or friends read one of the Bible readings and / or the intercessions. Here is a link to a selection of wedding readings.
Music
Music choices are made in collaboration with the Director of Music, from the rich tradition of sacred music appropriate for the wedding liturgy. Approximately two months before your wedding, please make an appointment with the Director of Liturgy and Music to discuss your wedding music. Musicians are arranged through the Director of Music.
DOCUMENTS
The following basic documents must be obtained for both the bride and groom prior to the wedding.
For Catholics
A Baptismal certificate issued by the parish of baptism within the past six months.
First Communion and Confirmation certificates (if obtainable).
For Non-Catholics
A letter from a parent or other adult with sufficient knowledge stating that you are free to be married (no prior marriages).
Others may be required depending upon individual circumstances.
Valid NYS Civil License
The marriage license but must be issued in New York State and be valid on the date the wedding is performed. It need NOT be issued in NYC. It is usually presented to the priest either prior to or at the time of the wedding rehearsal. Clergy are authorized by the state to performed marriages that are civilly valid. There is no need for an additional civil ceremony. For more information check out the website of the New York State Department of Health.
SOME PRACTICALITIES
Photography and Videography
Weddings are sacred and call for joyful reverence. Photography within the church is permitted if done discreetly and with minimum distraction. Flash photography and video lights are distracting and not permitted. Please ask your photographer to arrive early and speak with the priest or a member of the staff.
Flowers and Decorations
Floral decorations, if any, should be appropriate and not block the view of the altar. Flowers that are bold and simple with a solid greenery background work best. Two arrangements on the floor in front of the columns of the baldachin seem to usually work well. Other arrangements are possible but are not easily seen. Any flowers used may be left to continue to decorate the Church. Rice, runners, and flower petals are not permitted inside or outside the church.
Punctuality
Details, and some individuals, can make punctuality a challenge. We ask that you plan to be on time and respectful of those involved and other parish activities. The groom and best man are asked to arrive at least twenty (20) minutes before the wedding and the bridal party is asked to arrive ten (10) minutes early.
Wedding Planners
A wedding planner can be very helpful with the myriad details of planning and celebrating a wedding. For the wedding liturgy itself, we ask to deal directly with the bride and groom in planning and preparing. Our experience is that this works much better.
Fees
Church Deposit $500
(saves and confirms date and time)
Additional Church Fee $1,500
(includes building use, sexton, clergy, pre-marriage preparation)
Director of Music/Organist: $425
Cantor/Soloist: $300
Additional Musicians TBD
(Music is customary, but not required)
Fees should be paid at least thirty (30) days prior to the wedding. The musicians are paid directly by the bride and groom. The other fees are paid to the Church of Our Saviour.
N.B.: For most couples these fees are reasonable and affordable. However, for some this may not be the case. If so, please speak with one of the priests. No couple will be denied being married at Our Saviour because of their inability to pay fees.