Christ the King Wedding Policies
ARRANGING YOUR MARRIAGE
Our Marriage Preparation Program takes a minimum of six months to complete; therefore, we strongly recommend you begin the program at least ten to twelve months before your proposed wedding date.
You are eligible to be married at Christ the King if either one of you live within the parish boundaries or if you or your parents are registered members of the parish. Any exceptions need to be handled privately with a priest. Contact Deacon Jacob in the Parish Office for an appointment. To register for the introductory class for marriage preparation, call the parish office, 871-1904. These classes are usually held the second Thursday of each month.
In asking to be married here in this community, you are stating that you want the members of your Christian community to witness and support you through your preparation program and your married life, in thought and prayer. To this extent, it is advisable that you get to know people from the community of which you have chosen to be a part. If this is done, your wedding day will truly be a celebration of our whole community at Christ the King along with your family and friends. With Christ in the center, we as a parish can partake in welcoming you and helping you start your sacramental life.
At the time of the first phone call, only a reservation will be made for the introductory class. We do not set wedding dates or times until after you have completed
Why such an extensive preparation?
At Christ the King we believe sacraments are to be celebrated within a community. We are hoping with this program to form community among the engaged, and for you with our larger community. We plan to include time for you to visit with the other engaged couples each month before attending your particular session that evening.
Practical Points About Your Ceremony
TIME: Saturday is the normal day for weddings. They can be scheduled at 10:00 or 11:00 AM, and 1:00 PM, or 6:00 PM or later. Other days can be arranged on consultation with the presider. Weddings are not scheduled on Sundays or during Lent.
CEREMONY: We suggest that you do not make any plans for the ceremony until you have met with your wedding coordinator. At that time you will be provided with a list of available musicians, appropriate liturgical music and a planning book. We hope to work with you to make your day memorable.
WEDDING COORDINATOR: This coordinator will assist you with your liturgy, plans, coordinate and conduct the rehearsal, and be present at the wedding to handle details.
FLOWERS: Flowers are not allowed on the altar, but may be placed on the floor or on stands. Appropriate locations will be discussed in liturgy planning. Nothing can be pinned or taped to chairs. Bows must be attached with the clips that we provide. Other than the altar candles, NO CANDLES ARE ALLOWED IN THE CHURCH.
BUILDING: Flower petals are not to be dropped. Aisle runners cannot be used due to the placement of the font. We ask that the florist remove any boxes, stands, etc. when the ceremony is complete. We cannot assume responsibility for these items.
RICE, ETC.: We cannot permit rice, confetti, or birdseed to be thrown at the bride and groom, because it is a hazard to those walking in the courtyard or parking lot.
PHOTOGRAPHS: We ask that you follow the guidelines we have set up at Christ the King so that in taking your pictures, you will not disrupt the flow of the liturgy.
Flash pictures are permitted before and after the ceremony and while the couple comes in and goes out, but not during the marriage ceremony. Check with the wedding coordinator for places to stand during the ceremony. You may choose appropriate positions for the entrance procession and recessional, but must stay in one stationary position during the ceremony. Pictures can be taken one-half hour before the wedding and for one-half hour after the ceremony, depending on other services scheduled in the church. Video cameras are allowed, but persons using them must check with the coordinator for positioning. Only natural light is allowed.
REHEARSAL: The day and time of the rehearsal will be arranged with the coordinator and/or the priest. Normal rehearsal time is Friday evening. We ask that you be prompt to the rehearsal because several may be scheduled that evening. Please approach this preparation in a holy and prayerful manner and therefore, dress properly and refrain from drinking on church property and smoking in the church.
PRIEST: You may have a priest from outside the parish perform your ceremony, but these arrangements must be made in agreement with our parish priest.
CHURCH OFFERING: We are often asked about an offering to the church at the time of a wedding. If you wish to make an offering, you are welcome to do so. This would be separate from the $300 fee for the marriage preparation program. This $300 fee is non-refundable.
MUSIC: There are several musicians and cantors currently involved in CTK music ministry who are available for weddings. The fee for musicians is arranged with the musician and the wedding party. Because music is an integral part of liturgy at CTK, if you wish to use other musicians, special permission from the Director of Music is required.
Note: In making any offering and paying the musicians’ fees, you may wish to do this at rehearsal time. This seems more practical for all concerned rather than the busy time before or after the wedding itself.