Our Lady of Grace
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Marriage Guidelines

1. NECESSARY DOCUMENTS

  • A recent certificate of Baptism should be submitted for each baptized party; in case of the Catholic party, the certificate must be issued within six months of the date of the marriage. The Catholic Baptismal certificate must be kept on file here and will not be returned to you.
  • Your Confirmation certificate.
  • Your First Communion certificate.
  • A sworn statement by your parents or two reliable witnesses (witnessed by a priest or a notary public) that you have not been married previously.
  • Completion of the Pre-nuptial Forms.
  • A civil marriage license.

2. MARRIAGE PREPARATION CONFERENCES

In order to assist in making the best decision regarding marriage and to help people to prepare properly for the Sacrament of Matrimony, a Marriage Preparation program has been established for every couple entering marriage in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The program should be understood primarily as one of assistance, to help couples to know their own strengths and weaknesses. Arrangements to attend these conferences should be made as soon as possible.

3. WEDDING DONATION

There is no fee for using the church. Nevertheless, there are many expenses connected with the use of the church (electricity, janitorial supplies, etc:) and it is customary to make a donation to help meet these costs. An offering of $350.00 is suggested. However, such an offering should always be in proportion to one's means, and no one will be turned away for lack of money. (It is customary, also, to give a modest offering to the altar servers.)

4. DECORATIONS

Good taste should dictate these arrangements. We ask that two baskets or flower arrangements be left on the altar for the Sunday Masses. If you are unable to do this, please let us know well ahead of time. Also, please make special note of the following: 1) no decorations may be taped to the pews; 2) we do not allow the use of aisle runners in the church. To avoid misunderstanding, please make these prohibitions known to your florist.

5. DECORUM AND DRESS

The church is a sacred house of prayer. During the rehearsal, as well as before and after the ceremony, unnecessary talking and laughter should be avoided. A spirit of reverence should prevail within the church.

6. PICTURES

Although photographs may be taken discreetly and unobtrusively throughout the ceremony, NO POSED PICTURES ARE ALLOWED AT ALL IN THE CHURCH BEFORE OR AFTER THE CEREMONY. Photographers may not enter the sanctuary and should consult with the priest before the wedding begins. THERE ARE RESTRICTIONS FOR VIDEOTAPING THE CEREMONY. Permission must be obtained in advance from the priest. No artificial lights may be used.

7. MUSIC

The regulations of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles regarding music at weddings state that the music must be suitable for divine worship, reverent and sacred. Music from the movies, shows or hit tunes, even if set to other words, usually is not suitable for use in the church and should be used at the reception after the church ceremony.

Our Parish Music Coordinator, must be consulted regarding music for your wedding. The organist, musicians and soloist and singing groups are all available. She may be contacted by telephoning the Parish Office at 818 342-4686.

8. REHEARSAL

Our Wedding Coordinator will conduct the rehearsal and be present at the time of your wedding. To arrange the date and time of your rehearsal, please contact the Parish Office at 818 342-4686 to obtain the Wedding Coordinator's phone number. Her fee is $200.00 and this should be given to her at the rehearsal. All the members of the wedding party should be present at the rehearsal. The members of the bridal party, parents and guests who are Catholic are encouraged to receive Holy Communion at the Nuptial Mass.

We have no facilities for the bridal party to dress.

9. RICE

Members and guests of the wedding party are to be discouraged from throwing rice. It is a hazard that causes falls resulting in injuries.

10. PUNCTUALITY

Because the priest has other appointments and commitments, and because the church may be needed for other ceremonies and functions, it is most important that everyone be on time for both the rehearsal and the wedding. Both functions will be started at the appointed time. Common courtesy and good manners demand that all appointments be kept on time.

2004