FAQ's about getting married at St. Boniface

Who can be married at St Boniface Church?
We ask that at least one of the parties be from the parish or have a connection to it, e.g. they lived here until recently, their parents live here... People from other parishes would be expected to arrange for marriage in their own parishes. If you are not sure if you "qualify" give us a call.

How much does it cost?

There is a $300 fee for the use of the church.

There is a $50 fee/stipend for the priest. An envelope is provided.

The fee for the wedding coordinator is $50. Two altar servers are provided for your wedding.
A suggested gift is $10 per server.

The fee for musicians. This will be arranged when you meet with our choir leader.

How far in advance should we contact the church?

You might be surprised to learn that most couples give us 9 to 12 months notice, or more. But the minimum is 6 months from the day you attend the information evening which is held twice a month.

How do I get started?

Call the church at (714) 956-3110 for an appointment with a priest or deacon. After you see a priest or deacon, he will schedule the wedding date.. The priest or deacon will give you a pre-marital inventory instrument known as FOCCUS. You will take it home and return it for the print-out. It is fun and non-threatening.

What if my fiancée is not Catholic?

We welcome interfaith couples. A little less than half the couples who marry here are interfaith. The length of preparation time is the same. There are some very important things that need to be kept in mind, of course. The couple needs to sort out the implications of two faith traditions for themselves and for their children. We can be of help here if you want. We can even discuss marriage in the church of the non Catholic party. This is permitted in certain circumstances.

What if my fiancée is not Christian?

Once again, we welcome interfaith couples. The fact that one is Catholic and the other is not Christian does not, of itself, keep a couple from being married here (or in any Catholic church). There are some very real challenges that the couple needs to address. We can be of help here if you want.

What if I have not attended Mass regularly in a long time?

Since marriage is a sacrament of the church it will be important to take positive steps to return to the regular practice of the faith. One reason for taking 6 months or more to prepare for marriage in the Catholic Church is to give the couple the time and the opportunity to do this.

Must I have been confirmed?

No, confirmation is not a requirement but it is an important sacrament of full initiation into the Church. If possible try to receive confirmation before your marriage. We can tell you what the possibilities are.

If one of us have been married previously can we still be married in the Church?

It will be important to make an appointment with one of the priests before anything else. He will explain your situation and offer help. No marriage date will be set while a previous marriage situation remains unresolved

If I get married in another church will I remain a Catholic in good standing?

Since marriage in the Catholic Church is a requirement for Catholics, a person who marries elsewhere without special approval can no longer consider himself to be in good standing. He is not excommunicated, i.e. denied entry into the church, but he is not entitled to receive Holy Communion until such time as the marriage has been validated according to the laws of the Catholic Church.

Can divorced people receive Holy Communion?

Yes, as long as they are not living in another marriage not sanctioned by the Church.

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These probably are not the only questions that people have but they are among the most frequently asked. Ask more questions if you need to. E-mail us by clicking here:

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What is an Engaged Encounter weekend?

Catholic Engaged Encounter is a great experience for couples. It is a requirement. To learn about the weekend. Log on to www.eeweekend.org

Procedures for weddings at St. Boniface

· Above all begin at your parish!

· Do not put a deposit on a reception hall before you contact the parish office and speak to the priest or deacon.. The date you want may be filled or there may be unexpected complications.

· Arrange things through your own parish. Parish-shopping is usually not a good idea.

· Plan to give us at least six months advance notice. Most couples give nearer to twelve months notice.

· Don't be disappointed in your marriage. Make God a big part of your wedding day and of your marriage.

"A wedding is a day, a marriage is a life-time."

Marriage is a sacrament of the Church. Just as Jesus attended the wedding at Cana He also attends yours. The Church expects her members to be married before the priest and in the Catholic Church. Marriage is too important a step to be made in a hurry. Our parish extends a welcome to all who come here for marriage.

We require a minimum of six months notice. That may seem a lot of time, but really is almost too little time to take care of all that needs to be done. . Call the Parish Office to get started (714) 956-3110.