Weddings at Holy Spirit Catholic Church

Do I have to be Catholic to get married at Holy Spirit? At least one party must be Catholic. Couples of mixed religion will need to discuss additional requirements with clergy during marriage preparation.

Do I have to be a member of this parish? Yes, one must be an active member of the parish for six (6) months prior to requesting marriage. It is not enough to ask to be married and then register at the parish during that time.

What does Marriage Preparation consist of? Marriage preparation period is at least six (6) months which will include face to face meetings with a priest or deacon combined with completion of an Engaged Encounter Weekend, and in some cases the Beloved Series on Formed.org.

Are there restrictions on dresses? Yes! The Marriage ceremony will take place in a Sacred Space. Accordingly, apparel for the bride, the groom, the entire wedding party, and all participating in the liturgy should reflect a spirit of modesty, dignity, and decorum during both the rehearsal and the wedding day.

What restrictions are there for professional photographers/videographers? Photographers and videographers are welcome but should not interfere with the sacrament taking place. Photographs may be taken before the wedding, but the Church must be cleared forty-five minutes before the wedding is scheduled to begin. A flash picture may be taken of the bride as she comes down the aisle at the beginning of the ceremony. A flash picture of the bride and groom may be taken as the couple comes down the aisle at the end of the ceremony. No flash may be used during the ceremony. The photographer is allowed to move during the ceremony with certain restrictions but may not take photos in the Sanctuary. Written guidelines for Photographers and Videographers will be provided upon request. A video camera may be set up on the balcony; additional cameras must have prior approval of the wedding coordinator. Additional wireless mics are not permitted in the Sanctuary; however a recording device may be attached to the church sound board. All photographs must be taken within forty-five minutes after the wedding.

What are my options for music? Music is directed and arranged by our Director of Music and Liturgy. The Director of Music and Liturgy or staff organist will review the limitations of music with each couple. Music will be chosen, in consultation with the couple, in accordance with the norms of the GIRM and relevant Vatican instructions on Sacred Music. Only sacred liturgical music is appropriate for the liturgy; recorded or secular music is appropriate for the reception only.

What are my options for flowers? Flower arrangements are permitted in the Sanctuary in front of the Altar, Ambo and the Baptismal Font only. Altar arrangements must not be taller 36" in height. If you plan to leave an altar arrangement in the Church after the ceremony, you must notify the wedding coordinator one month in advance of the wedding date. All pew decorations must be removed immediately following the ceremony. If your wedding is scheduled during the Easter and Christmas Seasons, the decorations in the church will not be removed for the wedding.

Are there any dates I can't get married? Yes. Weddings are not conducted on Sundays, during Lent, around major holidays or feast days (i.e. Christmas, Easter, July 4th and surrounding dates). When requesting date for marriage it is imperative that the couple meet with the priest or deacon first and then the date is confirmed.