Couples who are interested in being married at St. Ignatius Church should inquire at least three months in advance of their desired date, so that they can be assured of having the date they want, and so that they will have adequate time for the preparation we encourage for them.

In general, couples should be registered parishioners or have celebrated other sacraments at our parish in the past. If you live in the area and have not yet registered in the parish, we hope you will begin that simple process.

Please contact the parish office as early in your planning process as you can so that we can help with questions and choosing a date. We can also answer questions about fees for use of the church and for music.

Process for Wedding Preparations :

1. Introductory Letter and Baptism Certificate:

   • If one of the parties getting married is from another parish, an introductory letter is typically required. This letter introduces the couple to the new parish where they plan to get married.

   • Additionally, the baptism certificate of both individuals is essential. It serves as proof of their baptism within the Christian faith.

2. Family Welfare Center Sessions:

   • The couple is usually encouraged to attend family welfare center sessions. These sessions provide guidance on various aspects of married life, including communication, conflict resolution, and family planning.

3. Announcements of Bans:

   • In the three weeks leading up to the wedding date, bans (public announcements) are made during church services. These announcements declare the couple’s intention to marry and allow any objections to be raised if there are valid impediments.

4. Impediments and Parish Priest’s Role:

   • If there are any impediments (such as a previous marriage, close blood relationship, or other legal or moral issues), the parish priest will discuss these with the concerned couples and their families.

   • The parish priest plays a crucial role in ensuring that the marriage is valid and in accordance with Christian principles.

5. Pre-Nuptial Enquiry and NOC:

   • A pre-nuptial enquiry is conducted by the parish priest. This involves discussing the couple’s faith, commitment, and understanding of marriage.

   • Upon satisfactory completion of the enquiry, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) is issued. This certificate confirms that there are no legal or moral impediments to the marriage.

6. Bringing Your Own Priest:

   • If the couple wishes to bring their own priest for the celebration of the marriage, they must obtain prior permission or delegation from the parish priest where the wedding is taking place.

   • This ensures that the ceremony is conducted in accordance with the traditions and practices of the parish.

Guidelines:

1. Flower Decorations Inside the Church:

   • Its essential to note that flower decorations are not encouraged inside the church during the wedding ceremony.

   • Couples should consult with the parish priest regarding any specific guidelines related to floral arrangements.

2. Photography Conduct During Mass:

   • During the celebration of Mass, its crucial for the photographer to be unobtrusive and respectful.

   • Ideally, the photographer should find a discreet position from which to capture meaningful moments without disrupting the flow of the liturgy.