Marriage

Beginning Your Wedding Preparations

Reserving Your Church

Whether this parish has always been a place of faith and belonging for you, or whether it has become part of your journey together, you are warmly welcome.

To begin your preparations, please contact the parish office and arrange a meeting with the parish secretary. At this meeting, your wedding date can be discussed and reserved.

We encourage you to make contact with the parish before confirming other arrangements, such as your reception venue, so that your special day can unfold with peace of mind and joy.

Preparing Your Hearts for Marriage

As you know only too well, Marriage is not only a celebration of one special day—it is the beginning of a lifelong journey together.

Every couple is invited to take part in a marriage preparation course. This is a valuable opportunity to reflect on your relationship, strengthen your communication, and explore the meaning of Christian marriage.

Courses are available throughout the year, and places can be limited, so early booking is recommended.
Please visit the ACCORD IN website to begin this important part of your preparation.

Walking Together with Your Priest or Deacon

During your preparation, you will meet with your Priest or Deacon, who will accompany you through the Pre-Nuptial Enquiry.

This is a gentle conversation where you will have the opportunity to reflect on your love for one another, your faith, and the sacred promises you will make on your wedding day.

The necessary documents will then be completed and forwarded to the church where your marriage will be celebrated.

Gathering Your Documents

To help prepare your marriage paperwork, please provide:

• A Baptism Certificate issued within the last six months.
• Your Confirmation Certificate.
• A Letter of Freedom from your parish of Baptism.
• A certificate from ACCORD confirming completion of your marriage preparation course.

Your Priest or Deacon will guide you through this process and answer any questions you may have.

Completing Civil Requirements

Alongside your Church preparations, you will also need to complete the necessary civil requirements for marriage. Your Priest/Deacon will need to complete a section in the civil application.

Please arrange an appointment with the Civil Registrar at Craigavon Civic Centre at least three months before your wedding date.

Creating Your Wedding Celebration

Your wedding liturgy is the heart of your wedding day. It is a sacred moment when you stand before God, your family, and your friends, and make your lifelong promise of love and commitment to one another.

You may choose to celebrate your marriage through:

• A Wedding Mass — where your vows are exchanged within the celebration of the Eucharist.
• A Wedding Service without Mass — a beautiful celebration of your marriage with prayers, Scripture, and blessings.

Your Priest or Deacon will be happy to guide you in choosing the celebration that best reflects your faith and your journey together.

For inspiration, you may search online:
“ACCORD – Marriage Mass Content”

This provides helpful suggestions for Scripture readings, prayers, vows, and reflections.

Family and Friends Taking Part

Readers
You may wish to invite family members or friends to proclaim the Word of God during the celebration or to lead the Prayers of the Faithful.

This can be a beautiful way for loved ones to share in your special day.

Music
Music has a wonderful way of expressing love, joy, and prayer. Please discuss your choice of hymns and sacred music with your Priest or Deacon so that the music reflects the prayerful and sacred nature of the celebration.

Secular music should be reserved at all times for your wedding reception.

Flowers
Please speak with the Sacristan in advance regarding your floral arrangements.

Flowers may be used to enhance the beauty of the church, although the altar itself is not decorated with flowers.

Many couples choose to leave some flowers behind as a gift to the parish—a simple and generous gesture that allows the beauty of your celebration to continue.

Photography
Your photographer is welcome to capture the joy and beauty of your wedding day while respecting the sacredness of the ceremony.

Please ask your photographer to meet with the Priest or Deacon in the sacristy before the celebration begins.

Photographs may be taken at appropriate times, allowing everyone present to remain prayerful and fully engaged in this sacred moment.

With Reverence and Care

To ensure that your wedding celebration is respectful and prayerful, please note:

• If a Priest or Deacon from outside the parish will celebrate your wedding, please inform the parish secretary.
• The visiting Priest or Deacon must always contact the parish priest at least one month before the wedding and must always provide a celebret.
• Please arrive on time so that your celebration may begin peacefully.
• Confetti is not permitted on church grounds.
• Remember that you are celebrating your marriage in the house of God. Your presence here is a beautiful expression of faith, love, and commitment.

A Gift of Gratitude

Many people work quietly behind the scenes to prepare the church and help make your wedding celebration a beautiful and prayerful occasion.

As a gesture of appreciation, it is customary to make an offering:

• Priest/Deacon: £100
• Sacristan: £40

These offerings may be placed in clearly marked envelopes and given to the Priest or Deacon, ideally at your wedding rehearsal.

May God Bless Your Marriage

As you prepare for your wedding day, may you continue to grow in love, patience, kindness, and faith.

May God bless and guide you throughout the wonderful journey of married life.