Matrimony

“Therefore, what God has joined together, no human being must separate” (Mark 10:9) 
Please call the parish office for an appointment with one of our clergy to start preparation.
 
 Getting Married at the Shrine:
  

• Engaged couples need to call (281) 337-4112 to schedule an appointment for the prenuptial questionnaire and witness affidavits of free status ( witnesses for the groom and two for the bride). A copy of a recently issued baptismal certificate (no more than 6 months) is required from the couple. The updated copy of your baptismal certificate will indicate the sacraments you have received after baptism.
• Couples may be required to provide additional documentation depending on their marital status. For example, any civilly married couple must bring their civil marriage certificate. In addition, if you have ever been involved in any previous marriage, your situation might require an annulment of your previous marriages before you can marry in the Church.
  
  

The couples may book the Church after the marriage investigation has been completed. Couples must contact Silvia Perez in the parish office, to book the Church/Chapel for the wedding date with a $300 deposit.

 The marriage file should contain at least the following:

1. Pre-nuptial questionnaire filled out.
2. Updated copies of Baptism Certificates 
3. 4 Affidavit of Free Status: Two for the groom and two for the bride.
4. Certificates for each component of the marriage preparation.
5. A Marriage License (at least 3 weeks before the wedding) if the couple is not married civilly. Couples can get a certificate of completion of Marriage Preparation from the church office (Silvia Perez) to get a discount when purchasing their Marriage License at the courthouse.
6. Only for special situations: Mixed marriage dispensation/permission, Lack of canonical form (previous civil marriages of a Catholic), the annulment decree for a previous marriage.

Marriage Preparation Steps at Shrine:

Step 1. The investigation

A) Prenuptial Questionnaire  
B) 4 Witness Affidavits of free status
C) Baptismal certificate (issued in the last six months)
 

Step 2. Primary Preparations

A) Marriage preparation sessions (obligatory)
B) Prepare and Enrich inventory (strongly encouraged but not obligatory)
C) Natural Family Planning (obligatory)
 

Step 3. Marriage Planning and Ceremony          

A) Make payments of administrative fees with Silvia Perez. Ask for a receipt stating the date and time of the wedding.
Church / Chapel usage fee 

B) Contact Christ Bearer to select readings for your wedding and schedule a lector. 

C) Contact Chris Bearer to prepare the music for your wedding. Payments will be done directly with the cantor/musicians/accompanist.
Musicians' fees vary depending on the musician and their experience.
Cantors and accompanist fee's range from $150 - 400. 

D) Contact Silvia Perez to schedule a Wedding rehearsal for the ceremony.
 
Wedding Donation & Fees:

• Couples planning to have their private ceremony at Shrine of the True Cross are required to make a financial contribution to help cover the cost of the services provided, such as marriage preparation, the use of the Church, meeting rooms, and parish maintenance (AC and heating as needed). Such a donation is payable to the parish when the date of the private ceremony is reserved.
• Fee for use of facilities varies:
  Ceremony in the main Church
  Ceremony in the Chapel
• Couples can get a certificate of completion of Marriage Preparation from the church office (Silvia Perez) to get a discount when purchasing their Marriage License at the courthouse.
• Are you experiencing Financial Hardship? Do not allow financial limitations to inhibit you from the sacrament of Holy Matrimony! Share your situation with us. Don't let money interfere with your sacred union.

Please fill out the form below to start.