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Marriage Application Process: Step 2

- Applications

Your agreement below attests that you have read, understood, and agree to abide by the OLPH Marriage polices.
CHURCH REQUIREMENTS
The Diocese of Fresno calls for a six-month preparation period to enable the couple with the Church's help to prepare spiritually for their wedding and, more importantly, for their married life together. The preparation includes, but is not limited to the following steps:
- The first step in planning your wedding is to meet with your pastor. When you come to this meeting, please bring with you a current copy of your Baptism certificate.
- As part of your preparation, you will be asked to attend a retreat for engaged couples. This is a special time specifically designed to deepen and enrich your relationship with each other.
- It will be required to obtain the testimony of four witnesses (relatives or friends of long standing) who can vouch for your freedom to marry.
- It will be necessary for the couple to obtain a marriage license from anywhere in the State of California.
All the above information and paperwork is to be completed at least one month prior to your wedding.

TYPES OF CEREMONY
The norm for practicing Catholics is a Nuptial Mass. For a marriage between a Catholic and a non-Catholic, a Nuptial Mass is permitted though not recommended, as the non-Catholic party would not be able to receive Holy Communion. However, a Nuptial Mass is never permitted for a marriage between a Catholic and a non-baptized person. You can be assured that whatever type of wedding you have it will be both beautiful and memorable, highlighting the love you have for each other and the prayers and best wishes of your family and friends. Please note that whatever you choose, we will do our best to make any non-Catholic guests feel welcome and comfortable.

WEDDING COORDINATOR
The OLPH Wedding Coordinator will schedule a meeting with you one month prior to your wedding to answer any questions you may have. The Coordinator will be at the rehearsal as well as to direct the wedding party on the day of your marriage.

FEES
The stipend to the church is $650.00. A minimum non-refundable deposit of $200.00 is due at the initial scheduled meeting to secure the date of the wedding. Payment of the remaining balance ($450.00) must be completed no later than one (1) month prior to the date.

MUSIC
Musician fees are additional. The fee is $200 for one instrumentalist and one singer. Additional musicians are available upon request ($100 each). Only OLPH musicians may be scheduled for the ceremony. Mariachi music is not permitted during the Mass. The OLPH Music Director will contact you one month prior to the ceremony to discuss hymn choices and your preferences.

BRIDAL PARTY
Because of the space available in the sanctuary, the maximum number of attendants is 16 (8 bridesmaids, 8 groomsmen). Please help us maintain the reverence and dignity of the Lord’s house by informing members of the wedding party to refrain from chewing gum and imbibing alcoholic beverages prior to the wedding rehearsal and ceremony, and to come in proper dress. Anyone coming to the church intoxicated will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony, including the bride and/or groom.

FLOWER GIRLS
Flower girls may not drop petals, either real or silk, during the procession or ceremony. Care should be taken in choosing flower girls who are over five years of age, since sometimes a large social gathering may be overwhelming. Flower girls under 5 years of age will not be permitted to participate in the procession. No ring bearers are permitted.

DRESS GUIDELINES
Out of respect for the sacredness of the Mass, dresses must not be low cut and they must cover the shoulders. If the dress style does not cover the shoulders, it will be necessary to wear a shawl or covering during the Mass. There are no exceptions allowed. The same dress guidelines apply for the bridesmaids. There is no bride’s room for the use of the bridal party. Everyone must arrive at the wedding ready to go.

SYMBOLS
In addition to the rings, the following symbols may be included in the ceremony, if desired: coins, lazo, Bible and rosary, and a bouquet for Our Lady. Any gifts of religious articles will be blessed at the end of the Mass. No other symbols may be incorporated into the ceremony (unity candle, pillow, etc.) and should be saved for the reception.

COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS
Check with the Wedding Coordinator for the current COVID-19 restrictions and safety protocols. Depending upon the current status of COVID-19 on the day of the ceremony, restrictions may be required. This may include seating limitations (social distancing and a maximum capacity of 75 people inside the church), restrictions on processions, and face mask requirements.

RICE AND BIRDSEED
Throwing rice or birdseed, as well as guests blowing bubbles, is strictly prohibited on Church property for insurance reasons.

REHEARSAL
Your rehearsal will be the Friday prior to your wedding, and will take approximately one hour. The rehearsal allows members of the wedding party to become familiar with the environment and the roles they will assume as part of the liturgy. Since multiple rehearsals may be scheduled on the same evening, it is expected that all participants will be prompt and on time.

FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS AND DECORATIONS
Floral arrangements may be placed at the step of the sanctuary and may also be added in the entrance of the church (no arches are allowed indoors). No bouquets or decorations are permitted within the sanctuary, nor may the existing decorations in the sanctuary be moved or altered. Pews may have bows or simple flower arrangements on them (no pins, tape, or glue may be used to attach). No floral arrangements or decorations are allowed during the season of Lent. Please see the Florist/Decoration Policy for complete guidelines.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY
The sanctuary may not be entered at any time during the ceremony by any photographers. Artificial lights may not be used during the Mass. Photographer's dress must be appropriate for the church. No flash photography is allowed during the Mass. Other ceremonies or Masses immediately follow our weddings, and in view of this only 15 minutes of photography is allowed in the sanctuary immediately following the ceremony. Please see the Photography Policy for complete guidelines.

WEDDINGS MUST BEGIN ON TIME
Due to the busy schedule of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church as well as out of respect for the professional schedules of the priest and ministries involved, we ask that you make every effort to ensure your bridal party and guests arrive early so that the celebration of your wedding begins on time. Please follow the Wedding Coordinator’s guidance regarding arrival time. If you arrive fifteen minutes late and you are scheduled to celebrate your marriage within the Mass, the Mass will no longer be celebrated. Instead, the priest will perform the Rite of Marriage outside the Mass.

Out of respect for everyone, there are no exceptions to any of the above-stated policies.
Agreement to the Policies
The maximum number of form submissions has been reached. This form is currently not available.
- Out of respect for everyone, there are no exceptions to any of the above-stated policies.
- Name of Bride and Groom REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
- My phone number REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
- Email REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter an email address.
- I have read and understood the parish policies described above, and agree to abide by them.
  I Agree Please select this field.
- I understand that my deposit of $200 is non-refundable if cancelled.
  I Agree Please select this field.
- I understand that changing the date of the Wedding ceremony after it has been scheduled would entail a $100 processing fee.
  I Agree Please select this field.
- I understand that these safety protocols may change by the time of the Wedding ceremony. They may be more or less restrictive, depending upon the current COVID-19 situation and the state, county, and diocesan guidelines.
  I Agree Please select this field.
- We agree to respect the busy schedule of the church, priest, and ministries involved. If the ceremony starts 15 minutes late, I understand the Mass will no longer be celebrated. Instead, the service will be shortened to a Liturgy of the Word.
  I Agree Please select this field.
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