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Welcome!
The staff of Saint Patrick's Basilica extends congratulations on your engagement! Your decision to enter into marriage is a serious
one, and can serve as a wonderful sign of commitment, faith, and hope to many around you. If you are considering a wedding here at
Saint Patrick's Basilica, the following guidelines will help answer many of your questions and help you plan your wedding day, in
which you enter into marriage in the sight of God and before your family and friends. We invite you to read them carefully.
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Introduction
In the words of the marriage ritual, those who marry
enter into a union which is most sacred and most serious, a union which was established by God Himself. By it, He gave to man a
share in the greatest work of creation, the work of the continuation of the human race. And in this way He sanctified human love and enabled
man and woman to help each other live as children of God, by sharing a common life under His fatherly care.
Because God Himself is thus its author, marriage is of its very nature a holy institution, requiring of
those who enter into it a complete and unreserved giving of self.
In the eyes of the Church, marriage is a life-long covenant by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the
whole of life. Marriage is ordered by its nature to the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring. Marriage between
persons who are baptized has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament.
The marriage of any Catholic is governed not only by divine law but also by canon law of the Church, without prejudice to the competence of
the civil authority concerning the merely civil effects of the marriage bond.
PART I: Preliminaries
- The first thing you will want to do is to contact us to check for available dates and times at our parish for your wedding. Saturday is
the customary day (Sorry, we do not do weddings on Sundays) and the times set aside for weddings are 12:00 noon and 2:00pm. Since we have
only a limited number of spaces available for weddings and some paperwork needs to be done beforehand we suggest contacting us
at least six months in advance. A year in advance is even better! Wedding ceremonies are
discouraged during Lent. Before we can actually reserve a date and time for your wedding the two of you will have to meet privately with one
of the parish priests.
Contact our parish office at 613-233-1125.
For Those Previously Married
For anyone wishing to marry in the Catholic Church and who has been previously married a Declaration of Nullity or Freedom to Marry
is needed before a wedding date may be booked. These are issued by an ecclesiastical Marriage Tribunal. This step is necessary even
if the previously married party is non-Catholic or if the previous marriage was entered into outside the Catholic Church. This step is
not necessary if the former spouse has passed away. If you have any questions please speak with one of our parish priests.
Documentary Requirements:
You have chosen to exchange your vows of love and fidelity in the Catholic Church, and your faith is an important determining
factor in how you will enter into this intimate relationship of marriage. The Church is responsible for discerning your intentions
and capacities for making this promise, and is required to assemble various documents.
- Prenuptial interview
Until the couple's freedom to marry in the Catholic Church is established we are not authorized to book a date for their wedding.
This is the purpose of the prenuptial interview. It is a straightforward process and nothing to worry about. Simply make an
appointment with one of our parish priests for this interview. If you are not personally known to the priest proof of identification
should be brought with you to the interview. If both of you, or if the Catholic party, lives outside the Archdiocese of Ottawa our
priest can give you directions as to where and by whom the prenuptial interview and wedding file need to be completed.
- Certificate Of Completion Of A Marriage Preparation Course
Marriage Preparation Courses are designed to assist the couple in building a successful marriage by deepening their understanding of
each other and by addressing issues of communication, finances, psychology, faith, sexuality, and family life. Saint Patrick's offers
a weekend course twice a year (April & September). If you wish to register pick a form up at our office. Payment must accompany
registration (cheques should be made out to "Saint Patrick's Basilica"). You may take a Marriage Preparation Course at another
Catholic parish or through the Archdiocese of Ottawa. To get the most out of such a course we would recommend you take it well
before the wedding date.
- Baptismal Certificate
In the case of Catholics the Baptismal Certificate should be newly issued and dated within six months of the wedding ceremony (although
it is acceptable if it is dated any time after your initial interview with the priest). Catholics should contact
their parish of baptism, inform them of the upcoming marriage, and either pick up the Baptismal Certificate or have it sent to their
personal address. For Baptismal Certificates coming from a Catholic church outside Canada please include the name and complete mailing
address of the church.
In the case of a fiancé(e) who is a non-Catholic Christian a copy of his or her original baptismal certificate will suffice plus a
signed letter from the parent(s) stating that he or she has never been previously married. The letter should be dated and have contact
information. In the case of a fiancé(e) who is non-Christian a signed letter from his or her parents will suffice. It should state
that he or she has never been baptized, never been previously married, be dated and have contact information. If your parents are both
deceased the letter should come from someone who has known you since childhood (such as a brother, sister, aunt or other relative) and
can vouch for your marital history. These are essential documents and should be collected as early as possible and brought to our office
to be kept in your wedding file.
- Record Of Confirmation
When a Catholic receives the Sacrament of Confirmation ordinarily a notification is sent back to the parish of baptism and it is recorded
in their register. This should appear on your newly issued baptismal certificate. If it does not appear then a copy of your original
Confirmation certificate will suffice. Please note that a Catholic can still be married in the Church without being confirmed but it
is highly recommended that you receive the Sacrament of Confirmation before you get married. If you decide to seek Confirmation kindly
contact our parish office as soon as possible. If approached early enough we can give you the necessary preparation.
- Civil Marriage License
This is a necessary civil document for your marriage. All persons marrying in Ontario must obtain an Ontario Marriage License. It is
obtained from the provincial government through City Hall. Please consult the priest before obtaining it. Marriage licenses are valid
for only 90 days and so should never be obtained earlier than 3 months before your wedding. However, please do not leave it too late.
Obtain the civil license no later than one month before the wedding date. The priest or deacon performing the marriage is responsible
for completing and returning it to the Registrar General's Office and so it needs to be brought to the parish to be included in your
wedding file. Please note that our parish does not use Banns of Marriage.
Church Fees:
Saint Patrick's Basilica is a vital parish providing for the spiritual needs of its parishioners, as well for those of commuters and
visitors to the downtown core. Your wedding offering assists us in covering the expenses incurred by the parish in helping to celebrate
your wedding day. These expenses include maintenance and upkeep of our beautiful and historic church building (including heating, lighting
and repairs), cleaning of the basilica and surrounding environment before and after your wedding, and priest and staff time needed to
prepare and celebrate your wedding. As of August 1, 2009 the parish offering for weddings is $900. This fee includes the music consulting
services of our organist Ms. Francesca Bailey, and her services as organist at your wedding, if so desired. The engagement of another
organist or additional musicians and singers, if desired, are your responsibility and does not impact the Basilica fee of $900. Further
information on wedding music is provided below.
This Basilica fee can be paid in full immediately upon booking your wedding or in two installments: $250 non-refundable down payment
at the time of booking and the balance of $650 no later than two weeks before the wedding. If you cancel your wedding with us then
all payments except for the $250 non-refundable down payment will be refunded.
PART II: The Wedding Celebration
- The Ceremony:
You probably already have many ideas about the kind of wedding liturgy you would like to have. One of the first things to consider is
whether you will be having a Nuptial Mass with Holy Communion or a Wedding Ceremonywithout a Mass or Holy Communion. Things to
consider in choosing are your own religious backgrounds and which of the two celebrations best suits the assembled guests. Saint Patrick's
Basilica wants all your guests to feel welcome. Yet it would be a disservice to pretend there are no divisions within Christianity or
differences with other religions. Specific concerns to ask yourself: Are those attending coming from a Catholic background or will there
be many other Christians or non-Christians represented? Will the celebration of a Nuptial Mass with Communion make a significant number of
your family and guests feel awkward or excluded from fully participating?
With this in mind we recommend a Nuptial Mass with Holy Communion for a Catholic marrying another Catholic, and where both families are
significantly practicing Catholics. We recommend a Wedding Ceremony without Holy Communion for (1) a Catholic
marrying a non-Catholic Christian, or (2) for a Catholic marrying a person of another religion, and
(3) for Catholic families which are largely non-practicing. Your priest or deacon can help you determine which
option is best for your circumstances. He can also assist you in planning many of the other details for your ceremony.
A wedding is a joyful and exciting occasion but please keep in mind that Saint Patrick's Basilica is not a venue being rented like a reception
hall or restaurant. It is a sacred place for witnessing your vows before God. Respect and decorum need to be observed at all times.
- Readings And Liturgical Prayers:
We will provide you with a booklet that contains a wide selection of befitting Scripture readings as well as various prayers and blessings.
Non-scriptural readings, song verses, or poems are never permitted in place of the Bible. You are welcome to choose relatives or friends
to proclaim the readings from the Holy Scriptures and the "Prayer of the Faithful (i.e. General Intercessions). The Gospel reading is
reserved to a priest or deacon.
- Music:
At a Catholic wedding the emphasis must be on liturgical music that gives honour and glory to God, whose blessings we invoke on the union
of the bride and groom. As the wedding ritual puts it: "Music in Catholic worship must express the worship of God for the mystery of love
he created and transforms in this sacrament." For this reason the Basilica does not allow any secular music — such as popular love songs
or themes from movies. Neither do we permit recorded music.
The couple, in consultation with our Music Director and Organist, Francesca Bailey, should plan music for the wedding jointly. She has a great
deal of experience and expertise to share. If requested she can make particular recommendations. Ms. Bailey can also recommend soloists, choral
ensembles and instrumentalists. For a selection list of appropriate wedding songs click here.
As our Music Director, Ms. Bailey is entrusted with the task of judging the suitability of musical selections within the context of a
Catholic wedding ceremony. Ms. Bailey must approve all music decisions for our church. This applies to all events of whatever nature in
the Basilica, as does the ban on recorded music.
As our organist, Ms. Bailey is available, at no extra charge as indicated above, to play at your wedding. She does
not attend the wedding rehearsal.
You may also engage another organist, outside instrumentalists, singers or soloists at your expense. Any music they
wish to play or use must be submitted (with texts) to Ms. Bailey for approval at least two months before the wedding date.
Music Director & Organist, Francesca Bailey, may be
contacted at 613-233-1126 ext. 561 or by
. What follows below is a description of the points at which music is used in a typical wedding ceremony:
Prior to the beginning of the liturgy there is a Prelude consisting of about 15 minutes of instrumental music as guests arrive and are
seated. Music during this time is usually selected at the discretion of the organist/instrumentalists. Often the prelude is comprised
entirely of a solo organ repertoire but the utilization of other instruments is possible.
The seating of the mothers of the bride and groom can be accompanied by its own special music. The Processional is played as the bridal
party begins to walk up the aisle. Depending on the number of bridesmaids, flower girls, etc. separate musical selections can be played
for the bridal party and for the bride.
The Responsorial Psalm can be sung but it requires the presence of a cantor.If there is no cantor the Psalm is spoken. An acclamation
("Alleluia") may be sung just before the proclamation of the Gospel.
If there is a Unity Candle music can accompany its lighting. As the lighting of the candle takes very little time (maybe a minute) the
music should be a brief extract.
For those planning a Wedding Ceremony without a Nuptial Mass the next musical moments are the Signing of the Register followed by the
Recessional that concludes the service. The Signing of the Register usually allows for one fairly lengthy musical piece. The wedding
Recessional is best accompanied by a festive musical selection.
If you are planning a full Mass the liturgy continues with music during the Offertory. As this takes very little time a short instrumental
selection suffices. The next opportunity for music is at Holy Communion. Depending on how many people receive Holy Communion, or come up for
a blessing, time may permit for a couple of musical selections. Finally there is the Signing of the Register and the Recessional, each of which
allows for its own fairly lengthy musical piece.
- Rehearsal:
Rehearsals should be booked well in advance of the ceremony. They are best performed the evening before the wedding, when most members of
the wedding party are in town and when the rehearsal will be fresh in people's minds. The rehearsal times on Friday are usually 5:30pm or
6:30pm. As with the ceremony itself, punctuality is presumed. Thursday rehearsal times are generally not available. Rehearsals last about
45 minutes to one hour.
Anyone taking an active part in the wedding ceremony should be at the rehearsal. This would include
ushers, readers, bridesmaids, groomsmen, etc. If there is to be a flower girl/s or ring bearer they too should be present
at the rehearsal. It is suggested that children performing these roles be at least 4 years of age.
- Flowers:
Arrangements of flowers are left to the couple's choice. Flowers may be left
in the basilica after the wedding ceremony or they may be taken to the reception hall. Please plan with someone in your
wedding party to remove any runners, pew markers, flowers, programs, boxes, etc. immediately following the ceremony.
- Photographs & Video Recording:
Photographers and videographers and their assistants are welcome. Because of the sacred nature of the church and the ceremony they must
maintain a respectful decorum at all times. They are to be reverent and discreet. They are not to stand on pews. Nor may they come into
the sanctuary (i.e. beyond the communion rail) during the service. If there is a Mass and Communion they are not to take photographs during
that part of the ceremony. At the signing of the register a designated photographer may enter the sanctuary. Flash photographs are to be
kept to a minimum. No extra lighting equipment is to be used. Photographers and videographers should introduce themselves and consult with
the priest or deacon before the ceremony.
- Confetti, Rice & Flower Petals:
We respectfully ask that no confetti, rice, or bird seed be thrown inside or outside the Basilica. We also ask that flower petals not be
scattered (silk petals are negotiable). Rice or bird seed is hazardous as people can slip and fall. Flower petals can stain the marble
floor or carpeting when crushed under people's shoes. And cleaning up any of these materials after each wedding can be burdensome.
- Parking:
Metered on-street parking around the basilica is currently free on Saturdays. We have a small parking lot on Gloucester Street that is
available for wedding guests. Saturday parking is also permitted, during the wedding ceremony only, at the school yard of Saint Patrick's
Adult School on Nepean Street, across from the church office. Please be aware of the time issues involved - spaces may be needed by others
after your wedding.
- Wedding Invitations:
For wedding invitations use the church address, not the office mailing address. The church address is:
Saint Patrick's Basilica
220 Kent Street
(the corner of Kent and Nepean Streets)
- Wheelchair & Disability Access:
There is a ramp leading into the Basilica on the Nepean Street side of the church. There is a wheelchair accessible washroom near the
ramp entrance. The basement washrooms are also wheelchair accessible. Ramps leading into the basement are on both sides of the church.
PART III: Options
Flowers, Pew Bows & Runners:
The basilica is beautiful and so you need not go into extra expense to try to augment it. Arrangements of flowers are left to the couple's
choice. They may be left in the basilica or taken to the reception. Flowers may be placed near the altar of sacrifice but not on it. Your
florist must provide any stands or pedestals used. Pew bows are allowed as long as they are not affixed by pins, tacks, nails, staples or
glue. Elastic bands, string, plastic pew clips or ribbons are suggested. Some mild adhesive tape is permitted to aid in affixing them so
long as it will not damage the finish on the pews. Decorating is generally done an hour before the ceremony. Please arrange that a designated
person(s) will remove any decorations, unity candle, boxes, etc. immediately following the ceremony. Sorry, we do not
supply an aisle runner. The centre aisle is 100 feet (30.5 metres) in length.
The Unity Candle:
The Unity Candle has emerged in contemporary times as an additional "symbol of unity" at weddings. Although this is an acceptable
addition the real symbol and sacrament of unity are the vows. The rings you exchange as a sign of your love and fidelity also
symbolize the permanence of the marriage vows (a ring forms a circle symbolizing no beginning and no end). Unity candles are not
supplied by the church. They can be obtained at any number of retail outlets, such as Liturgica, Desmarais & Robitaille, Michael's, etc.
Cultural Wedding Traditions:
Some Catholic cultures have additional rituals in their wedding ceremonies, such as the 'arras' and 'lazo'. If these are part of your
cultural heritage please consult the priest or deacon performing your wedding.
Wedding Programs:
Wedding programs are optional. They can be helpful in guiding the unfamiliar through a Catholic wedding ceremony, acknowledging the
wedding party and parents, and as mementoes. In terms of the content that is up to the couple. We would recommend simplicity. Excessive
detail can lead to guests looking too much at the program instead of at the actual ceremony.
Before having any program printed make an appointment with the priest or deacon who will be presiding at your wedding. He can preview it
to make sure everything is in the right order and nothing important is left out. We have sample programs that can be viewed for ideas.
Just ask. Please consider leaving us a few of your programs as samples too.
Below are outlines for programs. Items printed in italics indicated variables that you should list in the finished product.
Optional items are given in [brackets]:
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Program For A Nuptial Mass
(with Communion)
Musical Prelude
[Seating Of The Mothers] music title & composer
Introductory Rites
Processional music title & composer
Greeting
[Lighting Of Family Candles]
Penitential Rite
Opening Prayer
Liturgy Of The Word
First Reading scripture reference
Responsorial Psalm psalm number
Second Reading scripture reference
[Gospel Acclamation]
Gospel scripture reference
Homily
Rite Of Marriage
Exchange Of Vows
Blessing And Exchange Of Rings
[Lighting Of Unity Candle] music title & composer
General Intercessions
Liturgy Of The Eucharist
Offertory music title & composer
Eucharistic Prayer
Lord's Prayer
Nuptial Blessing
[Sign Of Peace]
Holy Communion music title & composer
Prayer After Communion
Concluding Rite
Final Blessing
Signing Of The Register music title & composer
Introduction Of The Newlyweds
Recessional music title & composer
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Program For Marriage Ceremony
(without Mass & Communion)
Musical Prelude
[Seating Of The Mothers] music title & composer
Introductory Rites
Processional music title & composer
Greeting
[Lighting Of Family Candles]
Opening Prayer
Liturgy Of The Word
First Reading scripture reference
Responsorial Psalm psalm number
Second Reading scripture reference
[Gospel Acclamation]
Gospel scripture reference
Homily
Rite Of Marriage
Exchange Of Vows
Blessing And Exchange Of Rings
[Lighting Of Unity Candle] music title & composer
General Intercessions
Lord's Prayer
Nuptial Blessing
Concluding Rite
Final Blessing
Signing Of The Register music title & composer
Introduction Of The Newlyweds
Recessional music title & composer
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May your wedding ceremony be beautiful as you begin your married life together..
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Copyright © 1995 - 2010. Saint Patrick's Basilica, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.
