Holy Matrimony

Welcome to Christ the Redeemer Parish!

We are honored to accompany you as you prepare for the celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage. As you plan this joyful and sacred occasion, we ask that you carefully review the following guidelines and procedures. These policies are designed to help ensure that your wedding celebration reflects the dignity and beauty of the sacrament while providing a smooth and meaningful experience for you, your families, and your guests.

Marriage Preparation Meetings

Couples preparing for marriage at Christ the Redeemer Parish will meet with a priest or deacon three to four times.

First Meeting
This initial meeting provides an opportunity to:
~ Meet the priest or deacon who will witness your marriage.
~ Discuss your desire to be married in the Catholic Church.
~ Review the marriage preparation process.
~ Exchange necessary information.

FOCCUS Pre-Marital Inventory
Between the first and second meetings, couples are required to complete the FOCCUS pre-marital inventory.

Second Meeting
During this meeting:
~ Your FOCCUS results will be reviewed.
~ The theology and spirituality of Catholic marriage will be discussed.
~ Marriage preparation fees are due.

Third Meeting
This meeting will:
~ Review your Marriage Preparation Program experience.
~ Complete all required parish and diocesan paperwork.

Final Meeting
The final meeting will:
~ Review liturgical, canonical, and civil requirements.
~ Finalize wedding details.
~ Provide an opportunity to address any remaining questions or concerns.
Additional meetings may be scheduled if deemed beneficial by either the couple or the priest/deacon.

Required Documentation:

For Catholic Persons
~ A newly issued Certificate of Baptism, dated within six months of the wedding date, is required from the parish where you were baptized.
Exception: If you were baptized at Christ the Redeemer Parish and will be married here, no certificate is required.

For Non-Catholic Persons (Baptized Christians)
~ A photocopy of the Certificate of Baptism.
~ Two affidavits of freedom to marry.

For Non-Catholic Persons (Unbaptized Persons)
~ An affidavit of non-baptism.
~ Two affidavits of freedom to marry.
~ The priest or deacon will explain these requirements and provide the necessary forms during your initial meeting.

For All Couples
~ Parental permission is required if either party is under 18 years of age.
~ A valid civil marriage license must be provided to the priest or deacon no later than the wedding rehearsal.

Parish Guidelines and Policies:

Celebration of the Sacrament
Catholics are ordinarily expected to celebrate marriage within a Nuptial Mass, particularly when both parties are Catholic. The Celebration of Marriage Outside of Mass may be appropriate when a Catholic is marrying a baptized or non-baptized person from another faith tradition.

Wedding Dates and Times
The Sacrament of Marriage may be celebrated on any day except Sunday.
Marriage celebrations are not permitted on:
~ All Sundays
~ January 1
~ Holy Thursday
~ Good Friday
~ Holy Saturday
~ Ascension Thursday
~ August 15
~ November 1 and 2
~ December 8
~ December 24 and 25

Wedding times are limited to:
Saturdays: 11:00 AM or 2:00 PM
Weekdays (including Fridays): Any time up to 5:30 PM, subject to parish scheduling

Weddings celebrated during Advent or Lent must observe the liturgical norms of those seasons. Please discuss any questions with your priest or deacon.

Visiting Clergy
A priest from another parish or diocese is welcome to preside at your wedding. He must provide:
~ A letter expressing his intention to preside.
~ A current Letter of Suitability from his bishop or religious superior.
Copies of these documents must be submitted to both the Diocese of Camden and Christ the Redeemer Parish before the wedding date can be confirmed.

Wedding Rehearsal
Attendance at the wedding rehearsal is mandatory for all members of the wedding party. Rehearsals are scheduled in consultation with parish staff and are subject to parish calendar availability.

Photography and Videography
Photography and videography are welcome during the wedding ceremony. Photographers and videographers must introduce themselves to the priest or deacon before the celebration begins and follow all parish guidelines.
To preserve the sacredness of the liturgy:
~ Photographers and videographers are not permitted in the sanctuary.
~ A spirit of reverence must be maintained throughout the ceremony and while in the church.
~ Flash photography should be kept to a minimum during the liturgy.
~ Posed photographs may be taken following the ceremony, provided that parish scheduling permits.

Please note that the church is often needed for other parish activities, including the Sacrament of Reconciliation at 3:00 PM on Saturdays.

Punctuality
Wedding parties are expected to arrive promptly for both the rehearsal and the wedding ceremony. Parish liturgies and other scheduled activities must be respected, and delays may affect the time available for photographs and other arrangements.

Attire and Conduct

A wedding is a sacred celebration in the House of God, all members of the wedding party and guests are expected to dress modestly and appropriately.

Women
~ Dresses should provide appropriate coverage.
~ Shoulders, including those of the bride, should be covered during the ceremony.
~ Hemlines should fall below the knee.

Men
~ Jackets and ties are expected.
~ Sleeveless shirts and shorts are not permitted.

Footwear
~ Appropriate dress shoes should be worn.
~ Beach sandals, flip-flops, and similar casual footwear are not permitted.

All participants are expected to conduct themselves with reverence and respect while on church property.

Decorations and Church Furnishings

To protect the church and ensure the safety of all present, the following regulations apply:
~ Bridal runners are not permitted.
~ Flower petals, confetti, glitter, or similar materials may not be scattered inside or outside the church.
~ Flowers and bows may be secured only with rubber bands or approved methods that will not damage church furnishings.
~ Tape, adhesives, nails, staples, or tacks may not be used on pews or other surfaces.
~ Food and beverages are not permitted inside the church.

Candles and Unity Ceremonies
Candlelight ceremonies are not permitted due to safety concerns.  The Unity Candle is not part of the Roman Catholic Rite of Marriage and is better suited for the wedding reception.

Departure from the Church
For the safety of all and the care of parish property:
~ Throwing rice, confetti, birdseed, flower petals, or similar materials is prohibited.
~ Balloon releases are not permitted due to environmental concerns.

We encourage couples to celebrate responsibly and respectfully while departing church grounds.

Alcohol Policy

Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited on church property, including parking areas and limousines.

This policy includes:
~ Alcohol consumption before the ceremony.
~ Alcoholic beverages in vehicles parked on parish grounds.
~ Toasts conducted before leaving church property.

If alcohol is present or consumed on parish property, parish staff may contact the local police department.
Any member of the wedding party or guest who appears intoxicated may be asked to leave the premises. If necessary, law enforcement may be contacted.

The safety of all participants and the dignity of the Sacrament of Marriage remain our highest priorities.

Music for Your Wedding

Music plays an important role in the celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage and should reflect the sacred nature of the liturgy.

Couples may:
~ Select musicians and vocalists from the Christ the Redeemer Parish Music Ministry.
~ Request outside musicians, subject to approval by the parish.

The wedding ceremony is a sacred liturgical celebration; secular music is not permitted during the ceremony. Secular selections may be reserved for the wedding reception.

The parish Music Ministry will gladly assist you in selecting appropriate liturgical music for your wedding celebration.

Wedding Fees and Stipends:

Parishioners
Marriage Preparation and Wedding Fee: $500.00

Non-Parishioners
Marriage Preparation and Wedding Fee: $800.00

Convalidation (Blessing of a Civil Marriage)
Fee: $100.00

Liturgical Ministers and Musicians

Cantor: $150.00
Instrumentalist: $150.00
Sacristan: $50.00

All fees are subject to parish policies and should be submitted according to the schedule provided by the priest or deacon.

Our Prayer for You

As you prepare for your wedding day, we pray that this period of engagement will deepen your love for one another and strengthen your relationship with Christ. May your marriage be blessed with faith, joy, fidelity, and a lifetime of God's grace.



"Therefore, what God has joined together, no human being must separate." — Mark 10:9