Marriage

“This is my commandment: ‘Love one another, as I have loved you.’”

— John 15: 12

Marriage is the beautiful sacrament by which the spouses join themselves for life to the other in an unbreakable bond of love. As you plan for marriage, in the first instance you should contact your local parish to discuss the requirements for your marriage in the Catholic Church. Email stkessogs1@gmail.com with your name, postal address and location of your wedding.

To help you prepare for this wonderful sacrament, the Church offers a marriage preparation course which seeks to explore the beauty of the Church’s teaching on marriage and sexuality, in order that the couple might more fully give of themselves to each other in marriage, after the example of self-giving love of Christ on the Cross.

Please make sure to contact the Parish Office at least six months prior to your proposed date of marriage to give sufficient time to complete the marriage preparation and the pre-nuptial paperwork.

Couples who live outside of the Parish but would like to get married in our Parish are welcome to do so. Please contact the Parish Office for more information.

Church Arrangement and Clean-Up                    

• The arrangement of the church before and after the ceremony is respectfully entrusted to the couple.
• This includes floral decorations, seating arrangements, and any liturgical items brought in for the celebration.
• After the ceremony, the couple is kindly requested to ensure the church is returned to its original state, with all personal items and decorations removed promptly.

Music and Liturgy

• All music selections must be liturgically appropriate and approved by the parish priest or music director.
• Secular songs are not permitted during the liturgy.
• Readers and other liturgical participants should be practicing Catholics familiar with their roles.
• Organist: If you would like the Church to get in touch with an organist and vocalist for your wedding, please let us know and we will direct you accordingly.

Photography and Videography

• Photographers and videographers must be discreet and respectful of the sacred nature of the ceremony.
• Flash photography and movement in the sanctuary during the liturgy should be avoided.
• Please inform your media team of these expectations in advance.

Punctuality and Rehearsal

• Couples are expected to arrive on time for both the rehearsal and the wedding ceremony.
• A rehearsal will be scheduled in the days leading up to the wedding, and all key participants should be present.

Documents and Donation

• All necessary documents (baptismal certificates, freedom to marry forms, etc.) should be submitted at least one month before the wedding.
• Church: There is no charge to receive the Sacraments. However, we ask that to offset the running costs of the Parish churches, borne by its parishioners, a donation of £100 or more is made before the wedding at either church. If you are a UK tax payer, you may consider gift-aiding this donation.
• Celebrant: It is also customary to give an offering for the Priest or Deacon who celebrates the wedding, the suggested figure is £100.

Reception and Parish Grounds

• If the parish grounds are being used for photos, please ensure respectful behavior and proper clean-up.
• Smoking or vaping is not permitted on church property.

Final Note

Your wedding is not just a personal milestone, it is a sacramental witness to God’s love. We are honored to walk with you on this journey and pray that your marriage will be filled with grace, joy, and lasting peace.

If you have any questions or special requests, please contact the parish office on 01360770300 or 07300418374 from 10.30am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.

With every blessing,

The Parish Team