Marriage
Congratulations on your decision to get married!
This document outlines some of the information needed to book and prepare for a wedding at Saint Gerard Majella or another place of marriage.
Eligibility
As part of the basic requirements for getting married in the Catholic Church, it is important that you meet some basic criteria:
a) you are both over 18 years of age (otherwise permission of the court is required, and one party must be over 18)
b) that at least one of you is Catholic
c) that you are both legally free to marry, as defined by the Australian Government
d) that you are both legally free to marry, as defined by the Catholic Church.
These questions will be discussed further with Fr Gerard.
Booking the Church and the Priest
Couples who wish to book the church are advised to ring the Parish Office on 3359 0088 or email chermsidewest@bne.catholic.net.au There may be restrictions on times available, but this should be discussed with the Parish Secretary.
Should Fr. Gerard not be available to preside, or should you wish another priest to preside, you may discuss this with him.
Once Fr Gerard is booked, he will guide you through the process of preparation and will be responsible for all the papers, both government and Church.
- You will be required to have a series of interviews covering some key matters in a relaxed and friendly manner
- Church teaching on Catholic marriage
- Marriage preparation courses, and the options are available the Archdiocese (see links below)
- preparing the ceremony itself
- the paperwork required
- rehearsal, if required
The Church requires copies of your Birth Certificates and if you are Christian, a copy of your Baptism Certificate(s) as well. You will need to bring these to your interview with the priest.
Planning the Ceremony
The Book “When we Marry” is essential reading and can be purchased through our piety/gift shop. One early decision is to decide whether your wedding will take place within a Mass or as a simple ceremony.
Punctuality
Wedding parties are expected to be punctual. The priest, organist and/or musicians may have other urgent appointments, and the service may have to be abbreviated if a bride or groom is late.
Flowers and other Decorations
The various feasts and celebrations happening in our church affect colours and quantity of flowers, and other decorations in the church. For instance, during the Season of Lent, the church is usually quite sombre; in the Advent and Christmas seasons, a crib may be erected. In the Easter season there is a joyous tone to the decorations. These seasonal decorations and banners will normally need to remain in the church for the wedding.
You may choose to have whatever flowers are chosen for weekend masses that particular weekend. You can arrange through the parish office for additional flowers appropriate to the Church Season to be included. Alternatively, you can provide your own flowers, and organise for them to be delivered at a mutually convenient time. This should be discussed with Fr. Gerard or Kate in the Parish Office.
All decorations in the church or the grounds will need to be approved beforehand. The use of confetti, rice, or similar substances are not permitted in the church or grounds.
Photography & Video
Photographs and videos are permitted but care must be taken that this is done in a tasteful manner. It is desirable that photographers and video operators consult with the celebrant prior to the ceremony.
Music
A Catholic wedding is a form of Catholic worship. The choice of music needs to be appropriate for this. Hymns and other church music would be normal. Any variation from this would need to be approved by the celebrant.
The church is limited by what can be performed publicly, due to copyright legislation. If any music other than church music is approved, you may still need to investigate obtaining a copyright licence for its use in the ceremony.
The parish priest can provide a list of musicians who are available to perform at weddings.
There is a CD player available to be connected to the Church’s sound system. It is important to let us know if you will need to use this. It is connected to the sound system.
Rehearsal
Wedding rehearsals can be booked through Kate in the parish office
(07) 3359 0088.
Access to the Church for Preparation
The church will be open 45 minutes before the starting time for final preparations, musicians to prepare etc.
If access is needed at other times, an authorised person will need to be present. A suitable time will need to be arranged and reasonable notice given.
Cost
The parish has set a fee of $350.00 for the services provided.
If our parish priest is not the celebrant, it is customary to also give a donation to the presiding priest.
The church building itself requires considerable ongoing maintenance and other costs such as rates and insurance;
Fr. Gerard will usually spend many hours on interviews, paperwork and other duties relating to your wedding;
The parish also incurs administrative costs relating to the wedding;
The church and priest are only available at all because of the regular financial support of parishioners.
Alcohol
Alcohol may not be brought into or consumed in the church grounds.
Cars
The bridal party may alight under the portico in front of the church. The bride’s car may remain parked in this space throughout the service, if desired. There is ample parking for everybody else in the grounds.
With every best wish and blessing for your future together.
Pre-Marriage Education
Centacare, Catholic Family & Community Services
Website: http://www.centacarebrisbane.net.au
Contact: 3252 4371
E-mail: cfcs@centacarebrisbane.net.au
Catholic Engaged Encounters
Contact: 3855 1424
E-mail: martysearle@hotmail.com.
Life and Human Relations
Contact: 3369 2124 (FOCUS Course)
Useful literature
Celebrating Marriage in the Catholic Church
The full text of this informative and useful brochure, published by The Liturgical Commission, is available online.
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