Matrimony

Matrimony

THE PAPERWORK FOR YOUR WEEDING WILL BE DONE HERE ONLY IF YOU ARE GETTING MARRIAGE HERE AT THE PARISH. OTHERWISE, YOU MUST CONTACT THE PARISH YOU ARE GETTING MARRIAGE AT TO DO THE PAPERWORK. NO EXCEPTIONS.

 

THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY

"The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament." (CCC 1601)

 

Availability

The Parish is available for weddings on the following days/times:

Saturdays – 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Other times ad dates approved by the pastor.

No weddings may be scheduled for Sundays. Availability and dates must be confirmed with the priest in charge of your arrangements.

 

Church Offering

Offering for use of the Parish : $600 (It includes music). This fee DOES NOT include flowers.

Checks should be made payable to Maria Reina De La Paz Parish and be delivered during the wedding rehearsal. The check will be deposited the next full business day by the church treasurer.

 

Preparation

After the initial meeting with a priest, the couple is required to attend an Archdiocesan sponsored program of Pre-Cana or Engaged Encounter. Early registration is recommended, a full schedule and directory is offered here.

There are various options to sign up for a time and place that is most convenient for you. Once the session has been completed, a copy of the certificate will need to be presented to the priest arranging your wedding. Sacramental records will also be needed to verify baptism, first communion, and confirmation. If these sacraments were not received at the Basilica, copies of records from other church(s) will need to be provided and dated within 6 months of the planned marriage date.

 

Music Arrangements

For specific music requests or accommodations, please contact the Music Director, Paul Ravita (860-522-1129 Ext 1) or Sister Andrea Gil (860-522-1129 Ext 2) at least one month before the wedding. Only liturgically appropriate music and music that reflects the dignity of the Sacrament will be permitted. This celebration is a public action of the church as much as it is the couple’s special day. We ask you not to contract an outside musician or soloist without first consulting the Music Director.

 

Rehearsal

Arrangements will be made with the priest officiating to schedule a rehearsal prior to the ceremony. Time is limited, the wedding party should be punctual and conduct themselves accordingly. Due to the fact that more than one rehearsal can occur on a given evening, it is the couple’s responsibility to organize all members of the wedding party. Please Contact Sister Lucia Silva (860-997-8029)

The civil wedding license should also be presented to the priest before the rehearsal along with payment for the church.

 

Important Considerations

Flowers are optional for the wedding ceremony. If you want the church decorated by our designated person please contact sister Lucia Silva (860-997-8029). Prices and details are to be discussed directly with her.

The photographer/videographer can take pictures at the front of the church as the entrance procession begins. At all other times during the ceremony, the photographer/videographer should be conscious of the religious worship that is taking place and should never serve as a distraction. No person or camera equipment will be allowed in the Sanctuary area. The Church will only be available for 15 minutes following the ceremony to take any pictures.

We ask that the couple assign an usher to help assist in cleaning up any items that may be left behind after the ceremony. Please inform family and friends that the throwing of rice, confetti, birdseed, etc. either inside or outside the Church is prohibited.

 

Cancellation

Should the need arise to cancel any arrangements, please notify the Rectory Office and priest immediately, 860-522-1129.