Wedding Guidelines

Weddings are special and joyful occasions, celebrated not only by brides and grooms but also by their families, friends, and our parish community. These moments of new beginnings, love, promise, and hope make weddings a grace-filled time in our lives. The Church invites its members to celebrate their weddings within the context of Christian prayer, recognizing marriage as a vital sacrament in our faith.

We take great care to ensure that the prayers during this sacred moment are reverent, graceful, and beautiful, open to the movement of God's Spirit among us. Our sacramental celebrations, including marriage, are always rooted in Scripture, providing nourishment and strength through God's Word. These sacraments are celebrated as a community, gathering our brothers and sisters in faith for their prayerful support. Our celebrations are enriched with song, prayerful gestures, and the silence in which we hear God's voice.

Special attention is given to Catholics planning to marry someone of another religious tradition. The Church seeks to ensure that both spouses understand the significance and responsibilities of an inter-religious marriage, recognizing God's providence in this lifelong commitment.

The guidelines for celebrating weddings at St. Vincent de Paul are influenced by the Code of Canon Law of the Roman Catholic Church. Generally, members of our parish (registered for at least one year) are welcome to celebrate their wedding here at St. Vincent de Paul.

Roman Catholics who reside within the parish boundaries but do not have an established relationship with our parish community should speak with one of our clergy about forming a connection with the parish if they are considering a future wedding here. Former parish members should consult both their current pastor and St. Vincent's priest or deacon if they wish to celebrate their marriage at St. Vincent de Paul. Others should discuss their specific circumstances with the pastor to determine the best course of action.

Couples considering marriage should contact the parish office either before or shortly after their engagement. This should be done no later than six months before the planned wedding date.

There are three essential steps required for the Sacrament of Marriage at St. Vincent de Paul:

1. An initial interview that verifies that the couple is free to marry and has the necessary maturity and intentions to marry. This initial interview occurs in the first meeting with the priest or deacon preparing you for marriage.
2. A donation to support the church and reserve the date of the wedding.
3. Completion of a marriage preparation program. Whether you undergo marriage preparation here at St. Vincent de Paul or elsewhere, the priest or deacon preparing you will orient you to all that is involved in the first meeting.
    

Please make out the check to “St. Vincent de Paul Church” with the following things listed in the memo section: the word “wedding”, date of the wedding, last names. You may also submit your donation online.

 

Congratulations on your engagement, and we look forward to working with you.

(202) 488-1354

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