Celebrants and Marriage Preparation
Once you have contacted the wedding ministry director, Sandy Hauck (sandy@sfxstl.org), provided the requested information and placed a deposit on your ceremony, you should invite a Priest or deacon to officiate. It is the responsibility of the couple to provide their own celebrants. Only Catholic Priests or deacons may officiate at weddings in College Church. We recommend the website togetherforlifeonline.com for you to use to help in planning your wedding liturgy.
Required Participation:
- The Catholic Church requires that all who wish to be married go through an approved marriage preparation seminar. College Church has a model program with full Archdiocesan accreditation. Call Joe Milner (314-977-7305) as soon as possible to get available dates for this program.
- Attend necessary marriage prep meetings with the Priest or deacon preparing you.
Required Documentation:
- A Baptism Certificate dated within six months of the wedding is to be submitted by each Catholic person. In an interfaith marriage, a baptized non-Catholic is asked to present a record of Baptism, if that is possible.
- A Pre-Nuptial Investigation form with any dispensations that may be required. This must be completed by you and your Priest (or deacon) and returned to College Church at least one month prior to your wedding. This documentation is required in order to register your marriage in the parish and Archdiocesan sacramental records.
- If either party was married civilly or in a religious ceremony you must present annulment documentation to your priest. If you have yet to begin the annulment process we are happy to guide you through the process.
- Certificate of your approved marriage preparation seminar.
- A marriage license obtained within 30 days of your wedding date. This is a Missouri State License. It can be obtained in any courthouse in Missouri. Please bring this license to the rehearsal.