Marriage
Matrimony joins two people in marriage for a lifetime of dedication to each other’s well-being and the well-being of their children and the community.
- Jesus called spouses to unconditional love and lasting fidelity.
- We honor and expect unconditional love and lasting fidelity between spouses.
- We believe in and help others to find happiness in marital love and fidelity.
We love helping couples with weddings and convalidations at St Mary Magdalene. We’re here to help you plan your ceremony and complete the Diocesan requirements for paperwork and marriage preparation. Please contact us 6-8 months before the wedding date at pastor@stmm.net to begin the planning process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I begin the process of booking my wedding ceremony?
Congratulations on your engagement! The first step is to email our Pastor, Fr. Randy Gonzales, at pastor@stmm.net. When you email, please include both of your names and let us know whether you are parishioners of St. Mary Magdalene. We look forward to helping you prepare for the Sacrament of Matrimony.
What are the associated costs for a wedding or convalidation at St. Mary Magdalene?
The associated costs for weddings and convalidations vary depending on whether you are an active, supporting parishioner of St. Mary Magdalene.
Active & Supporting Parishioners
Couples (or their parents) who have been active, supporting members of St. Mary Magdalene Parish for at least six months at the time of booking are eligible for the following fees:
- Wedding: $500
- Convalidation: $300
These fees help offset the costs associated with your celebration, including utilities, facility preparation, and maintenance.
Non Parishioners
- Wedding: $1,000
- Convalidation: Please talk with our Pastor.
Please note: These costs do not include music ministry fees and apply only to weddings celebrated at St. Mary Magdalene. Weddings taking place at another location may have different fees.
Should we have a Nuptial Mass or Liturgy of the Word ceremony?
When both parties are Catholic, it is presumed there is a Nuptial Mass. If one party is of another faith, the ceremony usually does not include a Mass. You may discuss this with the priest and the Wedding Coordinator. If having a Nuptial Mass, the church provides two altar servers when available. We recommend a $10 cash gift to each Altar Server.
May I have a private wedding planner?
Private wedding planners help keep the secular aspects of your wedding day running smoothly; however they do not participate in the Church rehearsal or planning of the liturgy. The rehearsal and ceremony are the traditional liturgy of the Church. If you hire a wedding planner, please let them know that our Wedding Coordinator, under the direction of the Priest, takes care of all matters pertaining to the Church rehearsal and ceremony.
May I have additional decorations, throw rice or flower petals, or have alcoholic beverages at my ceremony?
In the interest of safety, time, and maintenance the following are not permitted:
- Aisle runners
- Rice, birdseed or confetti
- Flower petals (silk or live) scattered by a flower girl
- Unity wedding candles – these should be reserved for the Reception
- Receiving lines after the ceremony which delay the photographers
- Alcoholic beverages & tobacco products are prohibited on the Church grounds
May I have a memorial candle?
If you wish to have a candle burning near the altar in memory of a loved one(s), please purchase a dripless/smokeless candle from a craft store and print the appropriate information in your wedding program.
What flowers may we have?
The church does not provide flowers and they are optional. If desired, we recommend two large flower arrangements placed on the ledges on each side of the Tabernacle behind the altar that will remain at the church for weekend Masses. Please ask your florist to set them in disposable containers to be placed on our vases or they can provide their own disposable vases. Flowers should arrive two hours before the wedding.
May we have pew bows or greenery?
Pew bows/pew greenery are permitted; these items must be attached by ribbons to avoid damage to the wooden pews. Scotch tape or similar substances are damaging to wood and should not be used.
Are there guidelines for the wedding gown or bridesmaid dresses?
We ask that you are mindful that your ceremony is in a Church and you honor the sanctity of the ceremony. Dresses should be on the modest side with no bare shoulders, thin straps, plunging necklines, or deep backs. This applies to the rehearsal and the wedding ceremony. Many bridesmaids have chosen to wear a jacket or shawl during the ceremony then remove it for the reception (and even photos). If you have any questions, please email us and we will gladly help.
Are there guidelines for the photographer?
Your wedding is a sacred event; therefore photographers should conduct themselves in a professional manner with respect for the Church liturgy and for those who attend your wedding. A good photographer is virtually “invisible” and should not be a distraction. The church Wedding Coordinator will inform the photographer what locations photographs can be taken and when it is appropriate to take pictures. Flash photography during the ceremony should be avoided.
Are there guidelines for the videographer?
Video cameras must be on a stationary tri-pod and are only permitted in designated areas. The Wedding Coordinator will guide the videographer where the proper tripod location is in the Church.
Is there a Bride’s room?
There is a room available for the bride and her attendants one hour before the wedding. This room is to be used for dressing only, please do not schedule to have your hair/make-up stylist work with you in this room. Be sure to secure valuables elsewhere. The groom and groomsmen should arrive at the Church in full attire.
May we take pictures after the ceremony?
The wedding party and families may return to the Church for formal pictures. Due to the Saturday 5pm Vigil Mass and other events that take place at StMM, we can only permit 30-minutes after the wedding for pictures to be taken. The first photo should be with the Priest.
We are here to assist you with all of your wedding plans and look forward to serving you in your marriage preparations. Please email all questions to weddings@stmm.net.