Marriage

- Sacraments & Liturgy

Catholic Wedding

Congratulations on your engagement and your decision to marry in the Catholic Church. Marriage is a life-long commitment between husband and wife. It is also a sacrament, a sign of God’s love in your lives. The Second Vatican Council reminds us that the marriage covenant exists not only for the good of the couple and their children, but also for the good of the Church and the good of society at large.

It has been said that “A wedding lasts only for a day, but a marriage requires a lifetime!” In light of that thought, the Church requires certain preparations to be done as well as documents to be submitted. This booklet will help you in working with the priest and in completing the necessary steps to prepare for your marriage. May God bless your lives together!

-Fr. Paulson
- Reserving the Church
The first thing to do, at least six (6) months before your wedding day, is to call Christ the King Parish. The Office will connect you to one of the priests who will assist you. The church ‘use’ fee for registered parishioners at Christ the King is $400. The fee for non-parishioners is $500. To reserve a date and time a non-refundable deposit of $250. is required. The balance of the fee is to be paid at the parish office at least one month prior to your wedding.

It is customary to give the priest a stipend. The amount is left to your discretion.

Weddings are normally scheduled on Saturdays at 10 am, 12 pm, and 2 pm. A wedding can be scheduled on a weekday after speaking with the priest.

The Parish will provide you with a book Together for Life which will help you in planning your wedding ceremony.
- PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography plans should be discussed with the presiding priest beforehand. Formal photography should be done after the ceremony. Since the church may be needed for other services you are allowed 30 minutes after your ceremony for formal photographs. The photographer is not allowed in the sanctuary or on the steps for photos.The church building is a sacred space. Please maintain a spirit of reverence during the taking of photographs.
LIMOUSINES

All limousines must be parked on the street or in the parking lot. Limousines are not allowed on the patio/plaza in front of the church.

RECEPTIONS

Our parish hall may be rented for a rehearsal dinner or wedding reception. Contact our Robin Morley at 925-682 2486 for availability

MARRIAGE PREPARATION

The following documents must be completed in the presence of a priest and have his signature affixed.

Questionnaire for Bride / Groom

Questionnaire for Witness (Usually a parent or family member)

Mixed Marriage: When a Catholic marries a non-Catholic a permission/dispensation is required. The priest will do additional paperwork for this.

Marriages normally need a six-month preparation time. Diocesan guidelines mandate that there be adequate preparation for a Catholic marriage. Therefore, the Engaged couple must attend a marriage preparation weekend retreat, sponsored by the diocese. For information call 510-267-8395 or go to www.oakflo.com.

Documentation

Catholics are required to submit a copy of their Baptism certificate. It must be issued within six months of the wedding date. This certificate may be obtained from the church where the Baptism took place.

Catholics are also required to submit a copy of their First Communion certificate and Confirmation certificate.

For a non-Catholic: a baptismal certificate or statement of baptism is required.

A valid marriage license may be obtained at any county courthouse in California. This license is required for the civil legality of the marriage. The marriage license must be brought to the rehearsal; a wedding may not take place without this document.

A certificate of Engaged Couple Encounter program or Pre-marital class through the diocese.

Planning Your Wedding Ceremony

REHEARSAL

When the church has been reserved, contact the Office 925-682 2486 to schedule the rehearsal. The rehearsal ordinarily takes place one or two days before the wedding liturgy.

PROPER CHURCH DECORUM

All guests attending the wedding should show proper respect and reverence in church.
At the rehearsal or on the day of the wedding if any member of the wedding party is found to be under the influence of alcohol or is in possession of alcohol, he/she will be asked to leave.
Weddings will begin punctually. If the wedding party is late, the priest may be forced to shorten the ceremony.

FLOWERS & DECORATING

Flowers for the sanctuary are provided by the family. If you intend to have more than flower arrangements, please check in with Sr. Dominic Bonnici at the Office 925-682 2486
The throwing of rice, birdseed, or rose petals inside or outside the church is not permitted.
No tape, staples, tacks, etc. may be used on the pews. No runners (paper or cloth) are allowed.

MUSIC

All wedding music must be coordinated through the parish Office of Music and Liturgy (Sr. Dominic 925-682 2486). Fees for organist, singers and other musicians will be $175.00 each. No recorded music is allowed.