Marriage

WEDDINGS AT HOLY TRINITY PARISH

Thank you for your interest in getting married at Holy Trinity Parish. There are a few things you need to know if you are planning your wedding at Holy Trinity Parish church.  To book the church for your wedding, please read the information below.

1. Holy Trinity Parish churches.

    1. Holy Trinity Church, Queenscliff.
    2. Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Ocean Grove.
    3. Holy Family Church, Barwon Heads.

2. For a marriage to proceed at Holy Trinity Parish church.

At least one of the parties must be a baptised (Roman) Catholic.

3. What days can we get married at Holy Trinity Parish church?

Our churches are available for weddings on Saturdays and can offer weddings on other days during the week on request. Marriages are not celebrated on Sundays and on the following days: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday, and on days when our churches have been reserved for other parish functions. We require at least six months’ notice prior to your proposed wedding date in order for all paperwork to be completed and a marriage course to be undertaken prior to the wedding. 

4. Who can officiate at our wedding?

Any Catholic priest or deacon registered as a Marriage Celebrant in Australia may officiate. Holy Trinity parish priest is available to celebrate your wedding. Any priest who does not have the faculties of the Archdiocese of Melbourne must submit the requisite warranties to the Vicar General’s Office and forward a copy of the permission to the Holy Trinity Parish Office at least one month prior to the wedding.

5. Do we have to complete a marriage preparation course before our wedding?

Yes, the Archdiocese of Melbourne requests that couples undertake an approved marriage counselling course prior to their wedding. These programs are designed to open up many issues that contribute to a successful and happy marriage.

There are parishioners at Holy Trinity Parish who run a similar program. Contact Michael 0419 543 019 or Susan 0408 809 636 (Accredited Prepare /Enrich Facilitators). Your celebrant will guide you in your choice and provide further information if required.

6. Will it be a wedding ceremony or nuptial Mass?

A wedding ceremony is when only one party is Catholic, or both are Catholic but do not wish for a nuptial Mass. A nuptial Mass is generally only possible when both parties are Catholic. A wedding ceremony or nuptial Mass is the official liturgy of the Church and must be in accordance with The Order of Celebrating Matrimony approved for use in Australia. Therefore, readings must be scriptural. It is normally expected that a couple will print an order of service booklet to encourage guests to participate in the service. The Parish Office/your celebrant will provide you with a template.

7. Documents required for your wedding. 

 7.1 – Proof of date and place of birth.

    1. If born in Australia, a copy of the official birth certificate or extract of entry is required.
    2. If born overseas, an Australian or overseas passport is required.

7.2 – Official photo ID.

    1. Driver’s licence; WWCC card; Passport or proof of age/photo card

7.3 – If you were baptised in a Catholic Church.

    1. A copy of an extract of the entry of your Baptism (no more than 6 months old), obtainable from the parish where you were baptised.

7.4 – Letter/form from your local Parish Priest on Parish letterhead.

    1. A ‘Freedom to Marry’ for the groom.
    2. A ‘Permission to Marry outside your local parish’ for the bride.
      (your local parish is the parish in which you currently reside).

8. Government Requirements

8.1 – Notice of Intended Marriage. 

Your Celebrant will help you to complete this form. This form is to be signed by both parties, before the celebrant or an authorized witness at least two months prior to the wedding.

8.2 – Declaration of no Legal Impediment to Marriage.

This form is to be signed before the Celebrant prior to the wedding, normally a few days before the wedding or on rehearsal day. ‘By signing the Declaration, you declare that you believe that you are of marriageable age, and that there is no legal impediment to your marriage’ (The Marriage Act 1961).

8.3 – Marriage Registry.

After your wedding, your marriage celebrant will register the marriage with the Victoria Registry of Birth, Deaths and Marriages.

9. Other requirements

9.1 – Rehearsal. 

You can contact the parish office to organise a rehearsal time and date. Usually, the rehearsal can be conducted a couple of days prior to the wedding.

9.2 – Flowers. 

Flowers in the church are regular for our weekend liturgy and there is no cost. If you wish to add extras, please contact the Parish Office – this is at your own cost. Ribbons on the pews are to be arranged and supply by the couple.

9.3 – Music. 

The choice of music for your wedding should be in keeping with the sacred nature of the ceremony.  It is best to check your choice of music with the Celebrant before you have finalized your selection with your musicians or vocalists. Payment for organists, singers and other musicians is arranged directly with them, at an extra cost to you.

 9.4 – Confetti.  

Rice, paper confetti or anything similar, should not be thrown in church or church grounds. Bubbles, flower petals or any biodegradable confetti are allowed in the church grounds.

9.5 – Smoking / Alcohol: 

Smoking and consumption of alcohol in the church grounds is not permitted. We ask that you advise your wedding party, family, friends, photographers and car drivers about this matter before the wedding day.

 10. Fee to use the church.

A wedding at Holy Trinity Parish costs $1,000 ($700 for using the church and $300 for celebrant’s stipend). A deposit of $500 is required to secure the booking, and the balance of $500 is to be paid four weeks prior to the wedding date. $100 of the fee is non-refundable in the event of a cancellation.

 

If you would like any other information about weddings at Holy Trinity Parish, please contact the Parish Office on 5258 1673 on Tuesday to Friday between 10am to 1pm or email at queenscliff@cam.org.au.