Congratulations!
Please be assured of our prayers and support for you during this special time for preparation for the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.
Diocesan Policies for Wedding Ceremonies
Sometimes the requirements for wedding ceremonies -- along with the many other aspects of planning your wedding -- can start to feel overwhelming. In an effort to help you plan your ceremony in concert with the beauty and fullness of Church teachings, we have created this Fifteen Point Checklist for Holy Weddings. Please use this as your guide when planning the specific aspects of your wedding ceremony.
>> FIFTEEN POINTS FOR A HOLY WEDDING
St. Joseph and St. Aloysius Policies for Wedding Ceremonies
We understand the many facets of planning your wedding ceremony, and the importance of this special day for you and your family.
We have put together the following resources to help guide you in preparing for your wedding ceremony. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the parish office for clarifications or to set up a meeting with our Pastor or Wedding Coordinator.
Call the Parish Office and schedule a meeting with a clergy member. During the initial meeting you can set a wedding date. Only after speaking with a priest can a date be confirmed.
The wedding date should be at least 6 months after that first meeting. A couple must be free to marry in the Catholic Church. If either person has been previously married, no date can be set until their freedom to marry has been determined.
Ordinarily, weddings are celebrated on Saturdays anywhere from 10:00 am; with 2:00 pm being the latest. Other days and times can be arranged if the church is available.
Please note, there are ordinarily no weddings scheduled during the Lenten season.
Scheduling Your Rehearsal
When scheduling your wedding ceremony, a rehearsal date and time will also be set. Typically, the rehearsal takes place the Friday evening before the wedding day.
Floral Arrangements
Live and silk flowers can be used in the Church, but please note that any on the Alter must be approved by the Pastor.
During the Christmas or Easter season, the arrangements that are already present in the church may not be moved/rearranged.
The removal of all flowers and decorations is the responsibility of the Wedding Party.
Pew Bows
Pew bows can be used, but they must be attached without tape. Ribbons or snail clips are permitted.
Candles
Candelabras may be used, however, dripless candles are required to prevent wax from damaging the floor.
Flash photography is permitted as the couple enters and leaves the church, but it is no longer permissible once the couple arrives at the altar.
Please note, no spotlights may be used during the wedding.
Photographers and Videographers are not allowed to enter the Altar area during the ceremony.
Additionally, photographers and videographers are to be discrete when moving around during the ceremony to preserve the liturgy.
After the wedding, group pictures can be taken in front of the Altar.
Typically, the parish pastor, parochial vicar, or a deacon witness marriages.
If you have a relative, or a friend who is a priest or deacon, we welcome them to officiate a wedding at our parish. Please be sure to coordinate the necessary details with our pastor.
Please note, any priest or deacon from outside the Diocese of Jefferson City planning to celebrate or assist with a wedding ceremony at our parish requires a current Letter of Good Standing from their Bishop or the Superior of their order.
Required Documents
Please note, all necessary paperwork should be completed one month prior to the wedding if the marriage will take place at the our parish, and requests for documentation from our parish office should be made two months if the marriage will take place in another parish.
Every Catholic must present a Baptism certificate from their church of Baptism.
The certificate must be issued within 6 months of the scheduled first meeting with the celebrant.
Please note, this document should have notations on back indicating all Sacraments received up to date.
Please contact the Knox County Courthouse for details and questions.