How we begin to plan our wedding?
It is the policy of the Archdiocese that engaged couples present themselves to the
parish at least six months prior to their wedding.
Before a wedding can be celebrated in the Catholic Church, there are certain requirements
set forth 1) by universal Church law, 2) by the Archdiocese of Washington, and 3) by the State
of Maryland which must be followed, as well as parish points of etiquette necessary for good
order. These requirements will be more carefully explained in our Preparation Sessions.
Who may get married at St. Columba?
Both parties must be free to marry. If either party has been married prior, the
priest/deacon will assist them in obtaining an annulment. This is necessary for both
Catholic and non-Catholic parties. Until an annulment from the Catholic Church is obtained,
no date may be set for a wedding.
Catholics who are presently registered and/or live within the parish boundaries may get
married at St. Columba. Catholics who wish to get married at St. Columba but who are not
registered and/or who live outside our parish boundaries must obtain a letter from their
proper pastor. The latter requirement also applies to graduates of St. Columba School who
no longer reside within St. Columba Church or attend Mass here. Catholics who are inactive in
the Faith may get married at St. Columba if they intend to resume a living practice of the Faith.
How do we schedule our wedding?
Weddings are scheduled on Saturdays between 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. A 1:30 p.m. wedding
should be without Mass. No wedding on Saturday with a Mass may begin later than 1:00 p.m. because of
afternoon confessions and evening Mass. Friday evening weddings are a possibility. No
weddings are permitted on Sundays.
A rehearsal is also be scheduled. Normally, a wedding rehearsal is the evening before the
wedding, although another day and time are possible. Because of traffic conditions, most
couples now opt for a Friday afternoon rehearsal. All who will play an active role
in the ceremony should attend the rehearsal. The rehearsal usually takes about 45 minutes.
What documents are needed to get married?
Baptismal Certificate for the Catholic party. This must be a recent copy [dated within 6
months] from the parish where you were baptized, retained in our files. Originals or photocopies
are not acceptable. This certificate should be obtained as soon as possible and given to the priest
or deacon.
Marriage License. From the Prince George's County Court House in Upper Marlboro.
There is a waiting period; please apply early. The license must be brought with you to the
rehearsal. It is valid only for six months.
Church forms. They are a few church forms to be completed, but these are minimal
and the priest or deacon will take care of these with you.
What preparation classes are required?
Each couple needs to be involved in a pre-marriage program. This is the most important
part of your marriage preparation and should not be taken lightly. This is required of all
couples, and should be completed as soon as possible. The couples have three options:
[1] Engaged Encounter Weekend. This is a weekend program in conjunction with other
engaged couples, extending from Friday evening through early Sunday afternoon. There
is a fee for room and board. It concentrates on five areas: communication, sexuality, finances,
spirituality, and family issues. Go to the web site of
Center for Family Development for their schedules.
[2] Archdiocesan Preparation program. Please go to their web page at
http://www.adw.org/family/marriage.asp
Or you may contact the marriage office direct at 301-853-5337,
or Email gonzalezk@adw.org for their schedules and costs.
[3] Parish's Preparation Program. This program consists in one session held on a Saturday
when the vision of Christian marriage is presented and discussed. Classes are held at St. Columba
Parish and there is a small fee. (See Class information at the end of this pamphlet.)
Where do we get help in doing a printed program for our wedding?
St. Columba is happy to assist you. Information will be given during your preparation
classes.
How we prepare music for our wedding?
Our parish director of music is happy to assist you with the proper selection and approval
of music. Contact our Director of Music, Mrs. Maria Espinosa, 301-567-5506 and she will assist you.
All music for your
wedding must have her final approval. Outside organists/musicians must have also Mrs. Espinosa's
approval and a "beach fee" of $175.00 is to be paid to the parish organist. The
fee for the organist is to be handled separate from the donation to the church. Weddings
must also have a cantor from St. Columba Church. Their fee is $125.00. This is different
from a soloist. Soloists of the couple's choice must work with our director of music.
What other details will be covered in our wedding preparations?
Secondary issues such as flowers, aisle runners, wedding candles, pew decorations,
rice-throwing, photography and receiving line will be discussed in the preparation class.
How much does a wedding cost?
The church does not "charge" for its services to parishioners. However, it
is customary to make an offering to the church on the occasion of your wedding for the
use of a church. In accord with the policy of the Archdiocese of Washington and
which all parishes follow, the minimum offering to St. Columba is $200.00.
Please make this offering at the time you set your date. This offering is made to
the church and it does not go personally to the priest or deacon. If you also wish to
express your appreciation to the priest or deacon for assisting you, you may do so and
it is sincerely appreciated. There is no prohibition on this; in fact, a considerable
amount of the Priest's/Deacon's personal time is spent preparing you for your important
day.
For information on Marriage Preparation Classes at St. Columba, click here.
For a great wedding planning resource, go to www.CatholicBrides.com
