Marriage Prep FAQs

Do you have to be a member of the Church of Saint Paul to get married at the Church of Saint Paul?
At least one of the engaged couple or their parents needs be a registered and active member of the Church of Saint Paul or you must live in the geographical boundaries of the church with the intent of becoming members of the church. If you would like to register to be a member of the Church of Saint Paul, please call the Parish Office at 763-757-6910 or click here.
 
What are the charges for the COSP Marriage Prep Program?
COSP Marriage Prep Fees:
(includes FOCCUS Inventory, preparation materials and manuals, use of Church facilities for ceremony and rehearsal, consultation with liturgist)
$250 Prep & Ceremony
$175 Prep Only (Ceremony elsewhere)
$150 Ceremony Only (Prep elsewhere)
Please note: Your sponsor couple and marriage prep coordinators are not compensated for their mentoring.

Additional fees include:
$250-$330 Retreat fees
$160-$200 Natural Family Planning Course
$100-$200 Clergy Stipend (optional, suggested amount)
$20 Altar server (optional, suggested amount)
$400 (approx.) Musicians ($100 for each musician) *
$50 Sound Engineer *
$50 Screen Operator (optional) *
$50 Camera Operator (optional) *
 
* These fees should be paid separately.  The Church of Saint Paul liturgy coordinator will send you a link for payment after your music and sound costs are determined.
 
Through participating in a marriage prep program, you are eligible for a $75 discount from the county on the marriage license (usually $115).  After you complete the Marriage Prep Requirements,  a Statement of Premarital Education Form (notarized and printed on COSP letterhead) will sent to you by the Parish Office.  Present it when you apply for your marriage license at the county office.  (Marriage Licenses are valid for six months after the application date. For more info: www.anokacounty.us/234/Marriage-Licenses
 
How long does it take to complete the COSP Marriage Prep program?
Most couples complete the program in six to nine months. Couples attend a pre-marriage retreat, Natural Family Planning Course, and meet with their sponsor couple to discuss the results of the FOCCUS Inventory and to receive mentoring that will help build a healthy marriage. The program should be started at least six months prior to your wedding date.
 
One of us has been married before.  Will that prevent us from booking a wedding date?
In the Catholic Church, all previous marriages must be nullified before marriage preparation may begin and a wedding date is booked. This applies to both civil and church weddings, for Catholics and non-Catholics alike. If an annulment is needed, Father Jim can explain that process and help you begin. 
 
When can weddings be scheduled?
Typically, weddings are scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday or 5 p.m. Friday.  There are no weddings on Sundays or Holy Days of Obligation, or during the season of Lent.
 
When do rehearsals take place?
Rehearsals are usually 5 p.m. Friday (Saturday wedding) or 5 p.m. Thursday (Friday wedding). Rehearsals last about an hour. All participants (wedding party, lectors, parents, etc.) should attend if possible; business casual attire. Bring your Marriage License; it will be signed after the ceremony.
 
Do those participating in the ceremony have to be Catholic?
Baptized Christians of other faiths may read the first and second readings or a person of the Jewish faith may read the Old Testament reading. Those chosen to present the gifts of bread and wine for consecration should be practicing Catholics. Consult with our coordinator of liturgy regarding roles like extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion and altar servers.
 
May we have another Priest or minister participate in our wedding?
In an interfaith marriage that takes place in a Catholic church, the religious leader of the Christian party is invited to take part in the ceremony to the extent allowed by Church norms.

A visiting Priest or Deacon who officiates weddings at the Church of Saint Paul must receive a letter of delegation from the pastor of the Church of Saint Paul. The visiting Priest or Deacon must understand and agree to follow the marriage preparation guidelines of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, as well as the wedding liturgy guidelines of the Church of Saint Paul.

A cleric from outside the Archdiocese of Saint Paul & Minneapolis must have the Testimonial of Suitability for ministry from his own religious superior or Bishop before he is allowed to exercise ministry with this archdiocese. The cleric should have his diocese send the testimonial to the archdiocese. 

May we have our own musicians?
The Church of Saint Paul Liturgy Coordinator will guide you in choosing your music and obtain musicians based on your preferences and budget. Musicians who are not from the Church of Saint Paul must demonstrate competency with the Catholic liturgy. 

I was baptized at another Catholic Church and I can’t find my Baptismal Certificate.  What do I do?
The Baptismal Certificate you need to submit must be issued within six months of your wedding.  Contact the place of baptism and request that a Baptismal Certificate with sacramental notations be sent to the church where the ceremony will take place.  The church of baptism records all sacramental records.  The document will verify that you are “free to marry” according to the up-to-date sacramental record.
 
What types of decorations are allowed in the church?
Flowers may be placed on the pedestals in the back of the Sanctuary, on the floor in front of the candelabra if used, or on the floor on either side of the front steps of the Sanctuary.

Flowers/greenery and/or bows may be placed on the pews on either side of the center aisle using only floral hangers. The use of tape, staples, glue, etc. on the pews or any other furnishing is not permitted. Silk or plastic flowers are not permitted on the Altar.

No aisle candles or aisle runners are permitted due to safety reasons.
 
Can we bring in food for the wedding party?
Yes, light snacks and refreshments are permitted. Be sure to have someone clean up after the ceremony. No alcohol (including wine and champagne) is allowed on the church property.
 
Is there anything our photographer or videographer should know?
Upon arrival, the photographer and videographer should check in with your Sponsor Couple. The photographer and videographer should be as discreet as possible, acknowledging that the church is a sacred place of prayer and worship. They should remain behind the assemble of the people (behind the middle aisle). The area on the north side of Church (near the Mary Grotto) is a beautiful place for photos.