Parish Wedding Guidelines
Congratulations on your engagement! The staff and people of the Church of the Assumption share your joy and wish to be of service to you as you prepare for your new life together. We hope you find these guidelines helpful in the planning of your wedding celebration.
Marriage Preparation | The Date | Requesting a Priest/Deacon | The Wedding Party
The Fees | The Rehearsal | Liturgical Celebration | Documentation | Other
| Time of Celebration | Readers |
| Selecting Music | Wedding/Unity Candle |
| Church Decorations | Gift Presenters |
| The Procession | Presentation to the Blessed Mother |
Time of Celebration
When both parties are members of the Catholic Church, the wedding should take place within a Nuptial Mass . If one of the parties is a baptized member of another Christian denomination, the wedding may take place at a Nuptial Mass or a Nuptial Ceremony (which does not include Holy Communion). If one of the parties is unbaptized, the wedding can take place at a Nuptial Mass only with the written permission of the Bishop of Camden. Otherwise a Nuptial Ceremony will be conducted. Keep in mind that the Eucharist cannot be offered to those who are not in communion with the Catholic Church.
Selecting Music
Music is an integral part of any wedding celebration. As it is a sacred celebration, only approvedliturgical music is permitted before, during and after your wedding liturgy. Please contact our parish Director of Music, Joan Connor at 652-9981 who will be happy to assist you in planning the music for your wedding liturgy and assist you with the process of hiring music ministers.
Singers and principal accompanists are required to have at least some training in Catholic liturgical music. We request that you choose them from among those who regularly minister to our parish community. Additional instrumentalists are welcome to participate providing that a trained liturgical music minister is present to direct them.
Church Decorations
Two baskets of flowers for the Sanctuary are sufficient. However, flowers are not permitted in the Sanctuary or elsewhere in the Church during Advent or Lent. Colors should be coordinated with the seasonal environment within the Church.
If there is more than one wedding on a given weekend, we encourage the respective couples to combine resources and share the cost of decorations.
The use of a white aisle runner is discouraged, as it is unnecessary, cumbersome, sometimes even dangerous, and rooted in superstitious practice. Pew markers (ribbon, bows, etc.) are permitted, but they may not be affixed with tape or other adhesives.
Seasonal decoration in the Sanctuary and elsewhere in the Church can be dismantled or rearranged only by hiring a member of the parish Church Environment Committee to accomplish what is often a complex process. We encourage you to consider this when choosing a date for your wedding.
The Procession
Since the celebration of marriage is a rite of the Church, we encourage the practice of a true liturgical procession at the beginning of the ceremony. This includes the altar servers and presiding priest and/or deacon, the members of the wedding party, the bride and groom and their parents. Readers who are not members of the wedding party also could participate in the procession, as well as Eucharistic Ministers (if they are needed).
The Readers
Members of the wedding party or other invited guests may be chosen to proclaim the Scripture readings and Intercessions (Prayer of the Faithful) chosen for the celebration. Trained Lectors or public speakers are preferable, but those who are not must be sufficiently rehearsed. Up to 3 persons may be selected for this ministry.
Wedding/Unity Candle
The lighting of a wedding/unity candle during a wedding liturgy is discouraged, as it draws attention away from the real symbols of marriage-the wedding rings. The lighting of a candle would be more suitable as part of the blessing/grace at the reception banquet.
Gift Presenters
If your wedding will be celebrated during a nuptial Mass, two members of the wedding party or other invited guests (with or without an escort) may also be chosen to present the gifts of bread and wine to the priest. Please note that the gifts are limited to the bread and wine to be consecrated; no other articles may be included in this procession.
Presentation to the Blessed Mother
The custom of placing a flower before the statue of the Blessed Mother at the end of the ceremony is optional.
for Catholics | for ALL couples | for those previously married
for those never been baptized | for those baptized in another Christian denomination
For Catholics
A newly issued baptismal certificate from the Church of baptism (please do not submit originals or photocopies of originals).
For ALL Couples
Marriage license (to be submitted at the wedding rehearsal).
NB Other forms may be required in unusual cases (e.g. marriage of minors, distant relatives, etc.)
* Forms are available through the priest/deacon preparing you for marriage.
If you have any questions about this information, please do not hesitate to call the Parish Office (609-965-4021). Good luck with your wedding plans, and may God bless you with a lifetime of happiness, peace and, most of all, love!
For those Previously Married
Copy of previous spouse’s certificate of death or copy of divorce decree and Church annulment.
For those Never Been Baptized
Affidavit of freedom to marry.
Affidavit of non-baptism, except if the party is Jewish or Muslim
For those Baptized in another Christian Denomination
A photocopy of the original baptismal certificate. If the original cannot be located, a newly issued certificate from the Church of baptism; if this is not possible, a signed affidavit of baptism.
Affidavit of freedom to marry.
Rice, Confetti, etc.
Throwing rice, confetti, birdseed and other matter is not permitted. If desired, this custom is more suitable when the married couple leaves their reception banquet.
The launching of helium-inflated balloons is also not permitted, as prevailing winds take them out to sea, where they eventually fall to the surface and pose a serious hazard to marine life.
Photography/Videography
The hiring of professional photographers/videographers is encouraged. They may use flash equipment, if necessary. However, they are never permitted to enter the Sanctuary (the raised area around the altar) and are asked to be as unobtrusive as possible. Prior to the ceremony, they should check with the priest or deacon for any other directives.
Guests may also take pictures during the ceremony, but they are never to leave their seats in order to do so.
Alcoholic Beverages
The use of any alcoholic beverages on Church grounds is strictly prohibited. This includes a champagne toast following the ceremony, a custom that is more appropriate at the reception banquet. Kindly notify the members of your wedding party, your guests, and your drivers/ Limousine Company of this prohibition.
While your guests are encouraged to fully enjoy this celebration, we strongly discourage the use of any alcoholic beverages prior to their arrival. Members of your wedding party exhibiting any sign of alcohol or drug use will not be permitted to participate in your wedding liturgy. Please be sure to make them aware of this restriction.