The person who does not decide to love forever will find it very difficult to really love for even one day.@  Pope John Paul II

We at Immaculate Conception would first like to congratulate you on your engagement. The union of a man and a woman in the sacrament of holy matrimony is a great source of joy for both the Church and the couple. Strong marriages and families make a vital, joy-filled Church. Forming the foundation of society, the family brings the message of Jesus Christ alive in many different ways. As marriage is a sacrament of the Church, the following guidelines provide the means to a dignified and reverent celebration of Christian marriage. Marriage preparation allows the couple to come to a deeper understanding of each other and the mystery of the sacrament. May God bless you as you continue on your journey to Jesus Christ, who is the Away, the truth, and the life.

1.    The parish must be contacted at least one year in advance. At this time the priest will:
b.)    ascertain freedom to marry (it is imperative that the priest be immediately informed of any previous marriages for either party)
c.)    establish a date for the ceremony once all requirements have been met
d.)    explain the paperwork and marriage preparation process

2.    Each couple is required to participate in an acceptable marriage preparation program. The Engaged Encounter weekend, online Marriage Prep and Sponsor Couples for unique cases.

3.    The priest will further explain the paperwork which includes a statement of intention, possible witness forms, and the proper permission for mixed marriages. Baptized Christians must present baptismal certificates, and for Catholics it must be issued within the previous six months.
a.) all couples are required to complete focus evaluation

4.    Weddings at Immaculate Conception are usually only celebrated on Saturdays at 3:00 pm. Please understand that this time is arranged so as to not interfere with other parish functions. Due to our schedule all photographs, clean-up, etc. should be completed by 4:15 pm.

5.    Please speak to the priest before making any specific arrangements regarding the wedding ceremony.

6.    Please accept my regrets for not attending weddings that occur (with proper permission) in another church. Due to the demands of parish responsibilities the priest will be happy to complete necessary paperwork for our parishioners but is unable to attend the ceremony. Thus those who are marrying elsewhere (e.g. St. Vincent or Heinz chapel, to name a few) are responsible for finding a priest to do the wedding.

7.    Aisle runners and unity candles are not permitted. Aisle runners are a safety hazard, and unity candles are best kept to be utilized at the reception.

8.    The church offering for weddings is $250 (as of January 2010) for members of the parish and $400.00 for non-parishioners and out of state couples. A non-refundable payment of $200 of this church offering is required to confirm the date, to prevent multiple bookings, And shows@, or any other lack of commitment with respect to a confirmed wedding date. Please make the check payable to Immaculate Conception Church. Arrangements for an organist, soloist, instrumentalist, etc. are extra, and should be discussed with the priest & music director during the initial meeting.

9.    Our parish music director, who can be reached by email or through the parish office, coordinates ALL music for ALL weddings. All church regulations on liturgical music must be followed. The music director’s fee is $225 and the cantor’s fee is $100.

THE BALANCE OF THE FEE IS DUE AT THE SIX MONTH PRIOR TO THE WEDDING. THIS CHECK CAN ALSO BE MADE PAYABLE TO IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH.

10.   The set time for rehearsals is 4:00 pm, Friday evening. This will necessitate all members of the wedding party making necessary arrangements with their place of employment. The rehearsal will start on-time as there are other parish commitments in the evening. Please remember that the church is a sacred place and all attire and conduct must be appropriate. Please have all participants at the church NO LATER than 3:45 pm.

11.    It is strongly encouraged that Catholic members of the wedding party receive the Sacrament of Penance sometime shortly before the wedding. This will be offered before the rehearsal. Please confirm with the priest if the sacrament is necessary and desired so he may be available at 3:30 pm.

12.    If a flower girl and ring bearer are used, they should be old enough to fulfill their roles without being coaxed, bribed, etc. Flowers are not to be strewn in the church.

13.    No alcoholic beverages are permitted anywhere on the church property. This includes in the limousine while still on church property. Violations will result in the person involved not being able to participate in the wedding.

15.    No rice, birdseed, confetti, flower petals, etc. are permitted either inside or outside the church. We also highly discourage the release of balloons, live birds, etc.

16.    Flowers may be presented to the families of the couple and flowers may be placed before the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. However, these are not essential to the ceremony itself.

17.    Altar Flowers are a gift to the Parish Community. They will remain in the church for the Sunday Liturgy. Due to our large Sanctuary these arrangements must be proportional in size. Please have your florist contact the Church Office prior to signing a contract so the price-range will be known to you. 

18.     Pew bows can and should be attached by elastic bands that can slip over the pew arms. Tape is not to be used on the pews.

19.    Photographers must check with the priest before the ceremony. Receiving line or photographs must be completed by 4:15 pm. Photographers must not take pictures in the sanctuary or near the tabernacle.

20.    Lectors chosen to proclaim the readings and those presenting the gifts must be practicing Catholics.

21.    Candles are not to be attached to the pews or placed in the aisles. Garden arches, a gazebo, candelabra, and the like are not permitted.

22.    Due to pastoral responsibilities, I am unable to attend the rehearsal dinner and reception. Please accept my regrets.

23.    The priest will be happy to assist with preparation of the wedding program.

24.    A final appointment should be scheduled one week prior to the wedding in order to discuss final plans; to present marriage license and final payments.