Weddings

Frequently Asked Questions about Weddings.
Read what the Catechism of the Catholic Church has to say about the Sacrament of Matrimony.

Information for weddings ...

The Grace of the Sacrament of Matrimony

 "How can I ever express the happiness of a marriage joined by the Church, strengthened by an offering, sealed by a blessing, announced by angels, and ratified by the Father? . . . How wonderful the bond between two believers, now one in hope, one in desire, one in discipline, one in the same service! They are both children of one Father and servants of the same Master, undivided in spirit and flesh, truly two in one flesh. Where the flesh is one, one also is the spirit.
- Tertullian, Ad uxorem, ii, 8, 6-7, quoted in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Read what the Catechism of the Catholic Church has to say about the Sacrament of Matrimony.

Practical Considerations

Celebrant (a Catholic priest or deacon):
Couples are asked to approach the celebrant of their choice to be sure he is available; if not the duty priest at the time will be appointed to your wedding.

Documents:
Please supply a recent copy of your Baptismal and Confirmation certificates. For the civil papers please supply your full Birth Certificate. Other special documents may be required. (Documents will be photocopied and returned to you.)

Pre-Marriage Day:
Couples are required to attend a pre-marriage day. If you do not live locally ask about a pre-marriage course where you live, the local priest should be able to assist with advice. Your celebrant will arrange other meetings with you.

Parish Booking Fee:
On making your booking $400-00 is paid to the Parish Office to secure the date and venue of your wedding. Once received, your date & arrangements will be confirmed.  (This fee does not cover costs for musicians or bell ringer.)
 

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Cathedral Regulations

Punctuality:  
Since there is sometimes more than one wedding, or a Mass following the wedding, we ask that the bridal party make every effort to arrive in order to start on time. Remember, photos are taken as you arrive, which can hold ou up even more.  The groom and his party should be at the Cathedral approximately twenty minutes before time.

Confetti etc:
The use of confetti or rice is not permitted within the Cathedral grounds. Any other request needs to be referred to Cathedral staff.

Readings & Music:
The celebrant will assist with appropriate liturgical texts & music for the wedding. Couples may choose their own musicians from the list here.

Booklet:
If you are going to have a booklet for your wedding ceremony, please ask your celebrant to proof-read it before it is printed.

Photos & Videos:
The photographer's name must be given to the priest or deacon for approval. Please ask your photographer and/or video person to discuss with your celebrant the appropriate and correct way to record your special day.  For example,  the photographer is never to enter the sanctuary area, nor appear behind the celebrant during the ceremony, and must not interfere with the celebrant during the ceremony.  The photographer should be dressed appropriately:  for men: shirt with collar, trousers and shoes (not joggers);  for women: neat attire, slacks (not jeans) and appropriate footwear.

Flowers:
Two vases of Flowers appropriate to the Liturgical season are included in the fee, Please contact the "Friends of the Cathedral” group (via the Parish office) and let them know if you wish to organise flowers yourself or you require more than 2 arrangements for your wedding.

Rehearsal:
Please arrange a suitable time with your celebrant.

Pew Decorations: 
You may decorate the first six pews. Please tie the decorations on. Do not use sticky tape or blue tack, or damage the pews with thumbtacks. The decorations should be removed immediately after the ceremony.  "Friends of the Cathedral" also provide pew decorations.