Getting Started

Congratulations on your upcoming Marriage!

Please be assured of our prayers and support for you during this special time for preparation for the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. Below are a few items of interest to help you get started.

How can I Schedule my Wedding?

The couple should schedule an appointment with one of our clergy members for an initial meeting to set a Wedding date by calling the church office. The Wedding must be scheduled at least 6 months prior to the first meeting. Dates are not set over the phone, or by a person other than the bride or groom. Every Catholic must request a recently issued Baptism certificate (within the last six months) from their Church of Baptism. This copy must be brought to the first meeting with the priest or deacon.

The couple must be free to marry in the Catholic Church. If either person has been previously married, no date can be set until their freedom to marry has been determined. For information on how to petition for an annulment, please click here. If an annulment has been granted, the person needs to bring a copy of their marriage certificate, divorce decree and annulment decree to their first meeting.

When does St. Monica celebrate Weddings?

Ordinarily, weddings are celebrated on Saturdays at 10 a.m., 12 noon, 2 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. Other days and times can be arranged, if the Church is available. A rehearsal will also be set when the wedding is scheduled. Usually, the rehearsal is on Friday evening before the wedding day.

NOTE: Wedding Masses between June 1 and through December 2012 will be held in the Cafeteria due to the renovation project.

Who Can Celebrate the Wedding?

Usually the Pastor, the Parochial Vicar or one of our deacons will witness your marriage. A relative or friend who is a priest or deacon is welcome to celebrate your wedding at St. Monica. Any priest or deacon from outside the Diocese of Dallas who plans to celebrate or assist with your wedding will need a current Letter of Good Standing from their Bishop or the Superior of their Order.

Documents Needed

Newly Issued Baptism Certificate

Every Catholic must present a certificate issued within the last six months from their church of Baptism. This document should have notations on the back indicating which Sacraments have been received to date.

Prenuptial Questionnaire

After the Baptismal Certificate has been received, and the preparation programs have been completed, this form is completed with the priest or deacon who is witnessing your marriage. It is necessary to complete the paperwork at least two months before the wedding date.

Affidavit of Free Status

The Affidavit of Free Status is a form which asks a parent or another relative to be a witness to the fact that you are free to marry. These two forms (one for the bride and one for the groom,) can be brought to one of your meetings with the priest or deacon who is officiating your wedding.

Civil Marriage License

If you are being married in Texas, you need a Texas Marriage License. This is obtained from any County Clerk in Texas (Call 214-653-7131 for information and to find the location nearest you). In Texas, there is a 72 hour waiting period before the license may be used, and it expires after thirty days. The nearest office is:

Marriage License Office, North Dallas

10056 Marsh Lane Suite 137

Dallas, TX

If you are being married outside of Texas, you must check on the requirements of that state or country, which may vary from the requirements in Texas.

Fees

There is a fee to use the Church for the Wedding ceremony. For registered parishioners who contribute regularly, the fee is $400. For non parishioners, the fee is $600.

Church Use

For registered parishioners who contribute regularly, the fee is $400. For non parishioners, the fee is $600.

Organist                                                 $200

If an outside organist or musician is used, you are asked to make a donation of $100 to the St. Monica Music program to have someone open and lock up.

Soloist/Additional Musicians                    Fees arranged with Director of Music

Payments can be made in the Church office. No deposit is necessary. Payments should be made at least two weeks before the wedding