The Wedding Celebration

LOCATION OF YOUR WEDDING
If you are getting married at St. Thomas More or within the Diocese of Austin, you should allow yourselves at least 6-9 months for your preparation.
 
If you are getting married outside of the Diocese, please allow yourselves at least 9-12 months for your preparation, as all packets leaving our diocese must do so through the Office of Canonical and Tribunal Services.
 
WEDDINGS OUTSIDE OF SACRED SPACE
A wedding outside of sacred place is becoming one of the most frequently asked questions regarding marriage. Increasingly, requests are being made to have weddings literally “outside.” Due to this influx of requests, priests, deacons and pastoral ministers involved in marriage preparations are reminded about Church Law in this regard: “A marriage between Catholics or between a Catholic party and a non-Catholic is to be celebrated in the parish church.” (c.1118.1) Dispensation from canonical form must be given for the marriage to take place outside of sacred space. There are certain requirements for this particular arrangement. See separate page on Destination Weddings at the end of this booklet.
 
THE WEDDING CEREMONY
The ceremony is the time in which you will become husband and wife, bonded in the sacrament of matrimony. It is a sacred time, and the reason why you are here! You have invited your families and loved ones to witness the commitment you are making to one another, before God and His Church. Please be respectful to all those present, including the priest or deacon, and each other, by coming to the ceremony ready to give yourselves in marriage. Please do not come to the ceremony impaired, dressed immodestly, or under any influence that would hinder your ability to give a free consent to the marriage vow.
 
THE WEDDING LITURGY
If both parties of the couple are practicing Catholics, the Church invites them to marry within the context of the Eucharist. In this case, a priest is the ordinary witness of the wedding and presider at the Eucharist. For a marriage between a Catholic and a fiancé of another religious tradition, they may choose to marry within the context of the Eucharist (Mass), or they may choose the Liturgy of the Word followed by the Rite of Marriage and concluded by the Lord's Prayer (without Mass). In this case, a deacon may serve as the minister.
 
From the selection of your readings and music, to your choice of attire and attendants, the wedding takes place because of you. You are the ministers of this sacrament. What kind of statement will you make? Which readings will you have proclaimed? What kind of music will mark the occasion? Which special rituals? Who will have a special role? Liturgy is a powerful form of communication. The order in which events occur give particular meaning to the events.
 
At St. Thomas More, the staff is prepared to assist you in your discussions, reflections, and choices for the best expressions of your love and faith. We would like to help you plan a wedding ritual that is both reverent and beautiful. The basic ritual structure is given to us by the universal Church, but pastoral options are available for you to personalize your celebration.