The Sacrament of Matrimony

“The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament.” — Catechism of the Catholic Church 1601

Marriage is a vocation — a sacred covenant that requires prayer, preparation, and commitment. At Holy Ghost, we are honored to walk with couples as they prepare for this lifelong calling.

Who May Marry at Holy Ghost

To book a wedding at Holy Ghost:

  • Either the bride or groom must be an active, practicing parishioner for at least one year before reserving a wedding date
    OR
  • The parents of either the bride or groom must be active, practicing parishioners

Due to the shortage of priests, we cannot accept weddings for non-parishioners, even if the reception is in the area.

The pastor does not celebrate weddings outside the parish due to parish schedules. If you wish to have your wedding celebrated in another parish or chapel, you must find your own priest to officiate. We will gladly assist parishioners with the necessary paperwork.rea.

Before Booking Your Reception

Do not book your reception until you have confirmed your wedding date with the parish priest.

Steps to Prepare for Your Wedding

1. Meet with the Pastor

  • Contact the parish office 6 months to one year before your desired wedding date to schedule your first appointment.
  • No reception should be booked before this meeting.

2. Gather Required Certificates

  • Provide new copies of the following:
  • Baptismal certificate
  • First Communion certificate
  • Confirmation certificate
  • Birth certificate (for non-Catholics)

Sacramental certificates can be obtained from the church where the sacrament was received. If that parish has closed, contact the local diocese for record storage information.

3. Spiritual Preparation

Attend Mass every Sunday and on Holy Days of Obligation.
If you are not practicing your faith, the wedding may be postponed until you are properly disposed to receive the sacrament.

4. Marriage Preparation Classes

The Diocese of Providence requires pre-marriage classes. Book these early — they fill up quickly.
Marriage Preparation Program Book — click here

5. Music

  • All wedding music must be planned with our parish music director, Fran Garrepy, who is contracted to play for every wedding at Holy Ghost.
  • Speak with her after any weekend Mass or through the parish office to choose appropriate sacred music.

6. Readings

  • Choose three readings:
    • First Reading: Old Testament
    • Second Reading: New Testament
    • Gospel: chosen and read by the priest
  • The Responsorial Psalm is sung by the organist.
  • You may choose readers for the First and Second Readings and Intercessions (must be practiced readers).
  • Give your final choices to the pastor well in advance.

You can find the readings here.

7. Church Fees

  • Church fee: $200 (payable to “Holy Ghost Church” at least one week before the wedding)
  • Music director: $150 (paid directly before the wedding)
  • Altar servers: $10 each (given by the best man on the wedding day)

8. Flowers & Decorations

  • Real flowers only; they remain in the church after the wedding.
  • May be placed beside the altar or before the Blessed Virgin Mary, never directly in front of or on the altar.
  • Aisle runner length: approx. 50 ft.
  • Pew decorations: bows or flowers may be tied or attached with elastic — nothing taped, tacked, or screwed.
  • Candles in the aisle are prohibited due to fire regulations.
  • Unity candles are optional and placed on a side stand, not the altar.
  • No rice, confetti, flower petals, or similar items may be thrown.

9. Photography & Videography

  • Photographers/videographers must meet the priest before the ceremony.
  • They must remain outside the sanctuary and be discreet.

10. Rehearsal

  • Schedule about two months before the wedding.
  • Be punctual — the priest may have other commitments after.
  • Bride and groom (if Catholic) should go to Confession before the wedding Mass. All Catholics in attendance are encouraged to do the same.

11. Wedding Day Etiquette

  • Catholics must fast for one hour before Communion (water and medicine permitted).
  • No alcohol before the ceremony — drinking may invalidate the vows. If the bride or groom is found to have been drinking, the wedding will be cancelled.
  • Champagne should not be opened on church property.

Questions?

Please contact the parish office to discuss your wedding preparation.