Weddings at St. Mary's
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient,
bearing with one another in love."
- Ephesians 4:2 -
Congratulations on your engagement!
Marriage is one of God's greatest blessings, and we at St. Mary's Church praise Him for this incredible and holy sacrament.
Weddings are a joyful event here at St. Mary's Church! We are so blessed that you have chosen to start your new life together at our beautiful church.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Pre-Cana?
A: Pre-Cana is a marriage preparation program for those who want to have a Catholic wedding.
Q: How can I find a marriage preparation program near me?
A: The Diocesan marriage prep programs can be found at https://www.rcda.org/pre-cana.
Q: My clergy person said I need a copy of my Baptismal certificate?
A: Although you may have the original, a current copy is needed. This can be easily obtained through the church you were baptized in. Give them a call and they will mail it to you.
Q: What if the church that has my Baptismal certificate has been closed?
A: All records from parishes within the Albany Diocese are safely transferred when a church has closed. To access your records online, use the RCDA institutional and parish search tools HERE.
Marriage Timeline
12 MONTHS Prior to Ceremony:
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Contact St. Mary's Church, where you wish to be married.
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Meet with the pastor, deacon, or Sue Wright to select a wedding date and time, as well as discuss the parish requirements for a wedding celebration.
9 MONTHS Prior to Ceremony:
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Select readings (one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament and Prayers of the Faithful (Universal Prayer/Intentions)
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Plan to attend a marriage preparation program (Pre-Cana). Register now.
6 MONTHS Prior to Ceremony:
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Create your guest list. Design or select and order wedding invitations.
3 MONTHS Prior to Ceremony:
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Meet with the pastor to discuss decoration requirements, which may include placement and size of floral arrangements, and meet with the music director.
2 MONTHS Prior to Ceremony:
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Finalize the invitations and ceremony details. Publish a wedding announcement in the church bulletin. Make sure all documentation has been delivered to the pastor, example baptism records. Finalize music and reading choices.
3 to 4 WEEKS Prior to Ceremony:
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Meet with the pastor to discuss last minute details. Communicate with the music director any last minute changes or music details.
DAY (or Two) BEFORE THE CEREMONY:
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Participate with a priest, the music director, and the wedding party in a rehearsal ceremony.
