Marriage in the Catholic Church is more than the celebration of a couple's love for each other.  While the Church rejoices in your love, we also recognize the One who is the author of your love.  These guidelines have been established so that this tiime of joy will not only be an experience filled with happiness but also one that expresses faith and reverence in God in whose love we have been created.

May I be married at St Charles?

If you wish to be married at St Charles, it is desirable that one of you be a resident of St Charles Parish.  If neither of you live in our parish, then it is necessary to have permission of your own pastor before we can celebrate your wedding.

How soon before my wedding should I contact the church?

It is necessary that you speak with one of the clergy of our parish not less than six months before your proposed wedding date.  This six-month preparation period is the policy of the Archdiocese of San Francisco and cannot be dispensed with at the parish level.

What documents do I need?

If you are Catholic, the documents needed are your baptismal and confirmation certificates.  Church law requires that the baptismal certificate should not have an issuing date older than six months.  Write or phone the Church where you were baptized to obtain a newly-issued certificate.

What if my future spouse is not Catholic?

You may get married at St Charles.  If possible, baptized Christians should provide some sort of documentation to that effect.

Outline of Marriage Preparation Program at St  Charles

Part I:  Meet with the priest for a series of three appointments.

• The date and time of our wedding will be established and the overall Preparation Program discussed in detail.
• You will complete the Focus Program, which is designed to explore key areas of your relationship.
• You will discuss the Focus Program results.

Part II:  Meet with the priest to discuss the liturgical celebration of marriage (including music questions)

Part III:  Enroll in the Marriage Preparation Program conducted by a married couple from within the Parish.  The topics of conflict, communication, sexuality and marriage as a sacrament are discussed.

Part IV:  Meet with the priest to complete the necessary forms.  A family member must complete a reference form.

Part V:  Meet with the priest to finalize plans for the celebration of your wedding liturgy.  You may celebrate your marriage within the context of a nuptial mass.

Additional Information

In lieu of completing the four-session Marriage Preparation Program, you may do an Engaged Encounter Weekend.  Information about Engaged Encounter can be found at Archdiocesan website for Engaged Encounter. 

Rehearsals are normally scheduled between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm on the Thursday or Friday before your wedding.  You must bring your marriage license on the evening of the rehearsal.

Marriages are normally celebrated on Saturdays beginning no later than 2:00 pm.

Music from your wedding will be selected from within the rich tradition of sacred church music.  Our parish director of music will be happy to assist you.  If you wish to provide your own musician or vocalist, their choice of music must be approved two months before your wedding by the parish director of music.

Flowers for your wedding ceremony may be placed in two urns on the rear altar.  Two standing floral arrangements may be used within the sanctuary.  It is customary that the flowers be left in the church for the weekend masses.  Florists may make the flower deliveries on Saturday morning. 

We insist that no tape of any kind be used on the church pews.  Non-floral decorations must be removed after the ceremony. 

Your wedding photographer and/or videographer must remain well away from the sanctuary, not use flash or lights, and must not situate him/herself in any manner that will be a distraction to people gathered to pray with you.

The throwing of rice and birdseed is not permitted because it presents a slippage danger for guests and parishioners.

Food and beverages are not permitted in the Church vestibule or sacristy.  Alcohol is strictly prohibited.  If alcohol use is observed, violators will be immediately escorted from the premises.

There is no fee for the priest who participates in the Marriage Preparation Program with you or who witnesses your celebration.  It is traditional to give a gift to your Church; the usual gift to St Charles at the time of the wedding is $450 for parishioners and $600 for non-parishioners.  There are separate fees for singers and organists.