Weddings
Congratulations! Star of the Sea Parish shares the joy of your engagement. Our parish churches are truly beautiful buildings for you to celebrate your important day.Marriages may be celebrated at any of the six Churches within the parish, dependent upon availability. Weddings may be celebrated on any day excepting Sundays, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, between Christmas and New Year and on days when the Church has been reserved for other parish functions.
Policy
Marriages celebrated within the Churches of Star of the Sea Parish are celebrated according to the Rites of the Catholic Church.
At least one of the parties to the intended marriage must be Catholic.
Both parties must be free to marry.
The Church’s pastoral role emphasises the importance of preparation for marriage within a faith community and with assistance of the community. Therefore, couples are encouraged to marry within the local parish Church of either spouse, preferably with one of the priests of that parish as celebrant.
If you would like to utilise any of other facilities such as a parish hall for your reception, please contact the Parish Office.
Celebrant
Priests of the parish are available for the marriages of parishioners of Star of the Sea Parish according to the Rites of the Catholic Church.
Couples of whom no party is a parishioner of the parish must seek permission from their own parish priest before the booking can be made. A celebrant from outside the parish may be chosen with permission of the Parish Priest.
Pre-Marriage Education
Marriages in the Catholic Church are between a man and women who have decided to make a commitment before God and the faith community to love and honour each other for the rest of their lives. The sharing of life and openness to children are the special hallmarks of Catholic marriage.
A time of preparation before making this commitment is essential for couples to participate in this sacrament freely and with a full knowledge of the characteristics and expectations of a Christian marriage.
Programs usually involve a relationship self-assessment and an exploration of your relationship with experienced marriage educators and counsellors. As well as an exposition of the church’s teaching on Christian marriage.
The priest will discuss the particulars of pre-marriage preparation with you further. Some options for pre-marriage education are linked here below.
-
Catholic Care
FOCCUS & PREPARE Pre-Marriage Education Programs
-
Smart Loving
Pre-Marriage Education Program
Documentation
Preparation for a marriage ceremony involves both government and Church documentation. Documentation required by the priest who is officiating at your wedding will include original copies of:
Birth Certificates
Passports and/or Drivers Licenses
Baptism & Confirmation Certificates
(for Catholic/Christian parties to the marriage)
Letter of freedom to marry.
(if not resident in Star of the Sea Parish)
Music
The choice of music for your marriage must be submitted to the priest for his agreement. Music selected is to be religious in theme.
Couple have the choice of either an organist/singer or digital music for their wedding. A list of parish musicians can be provided on request. External musicians may also be sought with permission from the celebrant.
Flowers and Decorations
Within Star of the Sea Parish flowers are the responsibility of the bridal couple. These can be arranged through local florists.
Decorations such as bows etc. may be used within the Church. Confetti is not to be used within Church grounds.
Bells
If you wish for the bells to be rung at our Churches, please discuss your request with the celebrant of your wedding.
Fee
The fee for use of a Church within Star of the Sea Parish is $500 (consisting of $250 for the Church & $250 for the celebrant) payable at confirmation of your booking.
