PRENUPTIAL PREPARATION GUIDE

1-REGISTER

It is the obligation of every Catholic Christian to be a member of a church community and attend mass regularly.

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2-INTERVIEW

All engaged couples need to have an interview with a priest to set the date for their wedding. During the interview the priest will make a serious of questions, he will inform you of the retreat you need to attend (MANDATORY) and he will help to choose and set the date for the wedding.

 

3-REQUIERED DOCUMENTS

A new copy of the Baptismal Certificate dated in the last six (6) months needs to be turned in. We will also ask for a copy of the First Communion and Confirmation Certificates.

 

4-PREVIOUS MARRIAGES

A wedding in a Catholic Church cannot take place if the groom, bride or both have a previous religious or civil marriage that has not been dissolved.

 

5-PRENUPTIAL RETREATS

Every couple needs to participate in a prenuptial retreat. The priest will inform you which retreat to attend such a Pre­nuptial, (Pre-Cana) one day.

 

6-WEDDING

• Practice: There is a mandatory practice for the couple, parents, and sponsors. The event coordinator will remind you a week before the celebration

• The offering: The offering to the church is of $600.00 dollars which is made in two payments of $300.00. The first one upon making the reservation and the second two months before the Wedding. Remember, said amount does not include the choir or flower arrangements.

• Flowers: It is permitted to decorate the church with flower arrangements, preferably fresh flowers. Please help us protect our benches by not using tape, clamps, or any other material that could damage the wood. If you plan on hiring a florist, please advise them of our policies.

• Photographs:  The photographer needs to stay in one place as to not disturb the celebrant and the attendees. Flash and bright lights are not permitted with the exception of the entrance and exit procession. The photographer should not pass in front of the Sacred Sacrament or step onto the Altar. Please inform your photographer of our policies.

• Music: The music is a very important part of the celebration. There for, we ask the couple to look for music groups that can help make the celebration a memorable one by helping accomplish the commitment of thanking God. Remember, the cost for this celebration does not include the choir.

• Civil License or Civil Marriage: It is a state requirement that every couple intending to marry in a church have a license. Couples that are married civilly need to present their civil marriage certificate. For the single couples a license can be obtained at the Riverside County Clerk's Office located at 2724 Gateway Dr. in Riverside. (951)-486-7474. Both groom and bride need to be present with a valid form of identification and a payment of $90.00 dollars. After the religious ceremony the priest and the sponsors sign the license and the parish office is in charge of mailing the document.