Wedding Preparation Guidelines

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1.  Be sure to secure a marriage license for your wedding in the state in which the wedding will occur. 

 

A legal marriage requires a license from the appropriate jurisdiction.  This is the county clerk of the state in which the marriage will happen.  In other states it may be the city or county clerk's office of the wedding site.  You will need to appear in person, provide identification and pay a fee, usually $30. Requirements vary among locations and you should contact the licensing authority in which you are to be married for exact details.

Marriage licenses have an expiration date that is generally 60 days after issuance.  A license should be applied for no less than 10 business days before the wedding date to avoid any problems.  Please check with the appropriate agency in your area for details.

You will need to have the license available on the wedding day where it will be signed by Fr Jim who will give you a commemorative certificate. 

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To obtain a CERTIFIED copy of Marriage Certificate for name change, etc. contact the appropriate agency approximately 10 business days after your wedding.   The completed and signed license is returned to the appropriate jurisdiction the first business day after the wedding. Officiant will provide a commemorative certificate on the wedding day and, if requested, will email bride/groom an electronic copy.

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2.   Make sure you provide the officiant(s) with your selections of prayers, readings, vows and blessings at least 1 week prior to the ceremony along with the names of any readers if you have any.  See Sample Ceremonies.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the officiant.  We are dedicated to making your wedding day special.

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3.  If you are planning on creating a program for your guests, you can find suggestions at Sample Programs. You can also find outlines for both the Wedding Ceremony and Nuptial Mass at the same link.

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4.  Music is an important part of your wedding ceremony.  Sample Wedding Music provides s list of some of the more popular selections used by couples. 

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WEDDING DAY CHECK-OFF LIST

A. Suggestion: Place the following in one large sized envelope:

  ____ Marriage License and Envelope (usually provided by the issuing agency)

____ To obtain a CERTIFIED copy of Marriage Certificate for name change, etc. contact the appropriate county agency approximately 10 business days after your wedding. The completed and signed license is returned to the appropriate jurisdiction the first business day after the wedding.

____ Officiant will provide a commemorative certificate on the wedding day and, if requested, will email bride/groom an electronic copy

B. Ceremony Items as they apply:

  ____  Rings (moisturizer)
  ____  Ring Bearer Pillow
  ____  Unity Candle plus 2 Tapers (hurricane covers recommended for outdoor weddings)
  ____   Runner (also white duct tape)
  ____  Veil, Cord (Latin, Filipino custom)
  ____  Coins (Latin, Filipino custom)
  ____ "Roses to Parents"

   ____  Sand Ceremony Items

   ____  Wine Ceremony Items

   ____  Unity Cross Ceremony

Place the following in one large sized envelope:

   ____ Marriage License
 
  ____ Fee Envelope  _______
            (Payable to Fr Jim Balija)

 

The Ceremony:

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The Officiant will direct you to the web site for a sample marriage ceremony with links to prayers, reading, blessings and vow options. If you wish to choose specific readings, please identify them and share them with the Officiant at least one week prior to the ceremony so that he can prepare his materials for your big day. Friends and families are encouraged to participate by reading the scripture and/or non-scripture passages you have chosen as well as the petition prayers.

For more details come to Sample Ceremonies for links to ceremony options.

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