St. Pius X Catholic Church Wedding Guidelines

We are honored to be part of such a joyous occasion in your life.  To assist you in preparing your ceremony, we are providing you with some guidelines.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact Lydia Riojas at 968-7471 or Esther Torres at 968-6800.

GENERAL

• Must submit required documents within one month of initial meeting, failure to do so may result in postponement of wedding.
• No gum chewing, beepers, cellular phones
• No throwing of rice, bird feed or flowers allowed in or out of the church
• Meet with Esther Torres to select readings for the ceremony at least 1 month before the wedding.  At that time, provide her with a list of the wedding party to assist her in preparation of the rehearsal.  She can be contacted at 969-3161 (home) or at 968-6800 (work).

MARRIAGE LICENSE:

We cannot perform the marriage ceremony if you obtained the license 72 hours prior to the marriage.  We suggest it be obtained at least 1 week in advance; it is good for 30 days. DO NOT get married by the Justice of the Peace, if you do, you will have to wait one year to have the marriage convalidated.

LECTORS:

Only 2 lectors are required; trained lectors are preferred. Lectors must be fully initiated in the Catholic church (Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation)

PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER:

• Set up equipment at base of altar
• Allowed on the altar only during exchange of vows, blessing of wedding items and unity candle
• Absolutely no moving around or flash pictures during reading of the Word and consecration.
• We ask family members and friends not to use flash photography as it will interfere with your photographer's pictures.

MUSIC:

No secular music is allowed.

FIRST WITNESSES:

If married, they must be married by the Catholic Church.

FLOWERS:

Flower arrangements must not cover the ambo (pulpit).

UNITY CANDLE:

You are responsible for the candles and candle holders.  If you purchase the items separately, be sure they fit appropriately.  We have found that sometimes the side candles do not fit adequately or they are different sizes.

Here is a list of the traditional wedding party.  Most of the participants are optional.

Wedding Party List

• Bride  
• Groom  
• Maid of Honor and/or Matron of Honor  
• Best Man  
• Bride's Parents
• Groom's Parents  
• First Witnesses
  • Arras (Coins)  
  • Lasso  
  • Book & Rosary  
  • Bible  
  • Flower Girl  
  • Ring Bearer  
  • Unity Candle  
  • Cojines  
  • Ushers
  • Bride's Maids and/or Jr. Bride's maids  
  • Groom's Men