Matrimony

Congratulations on your decision to dedicate yourselves to one another in Christian marriage. It is through the Sacrament of Matrimony that Jesus’ greatest commandment – to love God above all things and to love our neighbor as ourselves – is most fully lived out in the world.

Your call to married life in the Church is important to the whole Christian community, and so we ask you to undertake your preparation with the utmost care and seriousness.

We hope that the information provided here will assist you in planning for your wedding ceremony, but, also, and most importantly, for your life together as a married couple.

May the Lord continue to bless you in your love for one another.

How it works: Frequently asked questions about marriage at St. Paul’s

Where do we begin?

The first thing to do, at least six (6) months before your wedding day, is to call (310 474-1527) and schedule an interview with one of our staff priests or pastoral minister. Either the bride or groom must be baptized Catholic in order to be married in the Church. All registered parishioners and their families are welcome to celebrate the sacrament of marriage at St. Paul’s. Occasionally, and with pastoral consent, couple who have an historical connection to St. Paul’s or who are not currently registered may be married here.

What should we expect once we arrive for an appointment?

One of the first things you will do is fill out individual forms called the “Pre-Marital Inventory.” This helps the priest/minister to learn about your backgrounds in the Church, your individual and couple history, and your readiness to be married.

You will also take what is called the FOCCUS test. This will help the priest/minister prepare to discuss with you both your future life together, and what areas should be explored during the interview.

What will we need to provide?

At the first or second meeting some paperwork will need to be submitted, such as newly issued Baptismal Certificates for the Catholic parties and witness forms for each individual testifying they have not been married before.

You will also be required to attend either a one-day Archdiocesan marriage preparation course or attend a weekend Engaged Encounter program. Either will provide you with a certificate of completion that will be kept in your marriage file. For more information on marriage preparation courses please call (310) 474-1527, ext 251.

When do we set the date?

Provided that there are no special circumstances that arise, a date and time will be set at your first meeting. A six-month preparation time is required for marriage at St Paul’s. A 50% deposit is required to confirm and hold the wedding date. Weddings can only be booked for a maximum of 12 months in advance. It is urgent that you secure the date and time of your wedding before you make a deposit or a wedding reception site.

What times are available to be married at St. Paul’s?

Weddings are generally scheduled on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Weddings will not be scheduled on Sunday. Given the circumstances, others days may be arranged with the presiding priest.

Who will answer our questions about the wedding itself?

The questions, which specifically deal with the liturgy itself, i.e., the choice of readings, whether or not to have a “full Mass” or a “ceremony outside of Mass”, etc., will be answered by the priest who will witness your marriage vows. Questions concerning things like floral arrangements, decorations and photography, will be explained by our parish Wedding Coordinator. Our parish Wedding Coordinator provides an invaluable service to our parish, which includes scheduling and rehearsal, and making certain everything runs smoothly the day of your wedding. The planning of music for your wedding will be assisted by our Parish Music Director.

What if we are planning a destination wedding?

If you plan to marry in a Catholic church in another state or country they may require that you receive wedding preparation here before the wedding. You will need written permission from the priest who will preside at the wedding in order for your preparation to take place at St. Paul’s. You will meet with a priest/minister two or three times to complete your wedding preparation. There is an administrative fee of $250.00. There is also a $40.00 Archdiocesan processing fee for the FOCCUS questionnaire.

What if we are not both Catholic?

A marriage between and Catholic and a non-Catholic requires a dispensation signed in the presence of the priest/minister by both the bride and groom. This is a statement of responsibility by the Catholic party to continue his/her practice of the Catholic faith, and to provide for the Catholic baptism and education of the children of the marriage. It also states that the party of the other faith is aware of the Catholic’s pledge.

What if one (or both) of us has been married before?

No two situations are the same. You will need to come in and speak with the priest or pastoral minister to determine what steps need to be taken in order for you to marry in the Church.

Where do we get a marriage license?

It is your responsibility to appear together within 90 days of your wedding date for your marriage license at the Office of the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. THE MARRIAGE LICENSE MUST BE PRESENTED TO THE WEDDING DIRECTOR ON THE DAY OF THE REHEARSAL. After the wedding it will take six to eight weeks for it to be certified and the certified copies returned to you. If you wish to make further inquiries about the status of your license phone the local Register-Recorder’s Office.

What does it cost to get married at St. Paul’s?

Please refer to the tables below.

Can we be married at St. Paul’s and bring in an outside priest?

Permission may be given for a visiting priest/deacon to perform a wedding at St. Paul’s. The visiting priest/deacon must currently have the faculties of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles or provide documentation that he is a priest/deacon in good standing in another diocese or religious order. He also must agree to abide by the wedding policies of St. Paul’s. For more information please contact Mary Ann Cosgrove through the parish office (310) 474-1527.