Initial contact should be made with the Parish Office. The office staff will obtain some preliminary information, schedule the wedding date and arrange all appointments with the pastor. Please note that Holy Cross requests that a couple allow at least six months for the preparation process. This process includes meeting with the priest, a premarital program and the preparation of documents for a wedding file.
Marriage Preparation Classes
It is often said that a wedding lasts a day and a marriage lasts a lifetime. With that in mind, the Archdiocese of Vancouver has prepared an excellent marriage preparation program which is mandatory for all engaged couples. The purpose of this program is to assist all couples in preparing for marriage so they may enjoy a more fruitful and joyous relationship as husband and wife.
Generally, the classes run for 7 weeknights or 3 Saturdays. For dates, locations and more information on Marriage Preparation go to www.rcav.org/m-prep or call 604.683.0281.
Also available, is Engaged Encounter, a weekend retreat for engaged couples. For more information on this program, visit www.ceewest.com or call 604.451.3300.
Permission
The wedding takes place in the parish church of either the bride or groom. If you are not a parishioner of Holy Cross Parish, it is required that permission be obtained from the parish you are presently registered in.
Baptism Certificates
Catholics must provide a new baptismal certificate issued within six months prior to your wedding. Non-Catholics (if baptized) provide a photocopy of their original Baptismal Certificate.
Paperwork
Usually when a Marriage Preparation Course is completed, the bride and groom make an appointment with the priest to fill out the necessary forms, bringing with them their parents (one parent from each party) OR an adult sibling. In case a parent or a sibling of one party cannot come, the presence of two friends (knowing this party longer than 2 years) is required to sign the witness forms.
British Columbia Marriage License
The License is good for three months and should be purchased two months or so before the wedding date. Bring it to the parish office once you have obtained it.
Ceremony Planning
Do this with the priest well in advance of the rehearsal. Choices for music, readings, and people involved with the liturgy should be made several weeks before the ceremony. If you want to provide a booklet for your guests to use, the priest will want to approve the draft before you print it.
Ceremony
Marriage with a Mass will be approx. 1 hour and marriage without a Mass 45 minutes. If the wedding starts late, the ceremony may be reduced to keep within the designated time period, especially if there is another wedding, confessions or a Mass taking place afterwards.
Church Use Offering
Suggested donation should be no less than $200. The cheque should be made out to: Holy Cross Parish and presented at the time of the rehearsal.
Stipend to Officiating Priest
An offering is usually given to the officiating priest in appreciation for the services given.
Music
For your wedding ceremony we encourage you to use our parish musicians. Please, ask the priest for contact information. No CD's allowed during the liturgy.
Flowers
The placement of your arrangements may be done 1 hour before your wedding ceremony.
Pew Decorations
All decorations must be attached with wrap-around-ties. No tape, tacks or candles are allowed.
Photography
Regular photography or video taping is allowed during the ceremony as long as the liturgy is not disrupted. Please advise your photographer to talk to the officiating priest prior to the wedding ceremony.
Rehearsal
The usual day is the Thursday before the wedding. The exact time depends on our Mass schedule, but will be no later than 7.30 p.m.
