Contemporary Catholics are often searching for a non-judgmental, sacramental experience different from that offered by the institutional church. You may want to have a Catholic wedding but may not be permitted, for various reasons, by the institutional church. The American National Catholic Church offers you an alternative.
Those entering into second marriages, those experiencing religious differences with the church and others will find openness and acceptance here. We provide marriage services in a compassionate manner. Perhaps you have concerns about perceived barriers? We treat you with the same care Christ gave to all who came to him. Read through the following Frequently Asked Questions to see how we can walk with you on your journey to the altar.
CAN I GET MARRIED AT MY VENUE?
The choice of location for your wedding is yours. Depending on weather and other factors ceremonies may be held out-of-doors. You may hold your wedding at our church, or arrange to use another church or chapel. Hotels, banquet halls, private homes, museums and other locales are other options. A wedding consultant or an internet search can yield additional suggestions. If your wedding location is a distance from the parish, a travel stipend may be requested to assist with fuel, tolls, and lodging if necessary.
CAN I PERSONALIZE MY CEREMONY?
We will be pleased to assist you in personalizing your wedding ceremony. There are many ways in which this can be accomplished. Options for readings, both from the scriptures and other sources, which speak to marriage are available. Ceremonies that speak to various ethnic groups such as the coin, rope and veil, hand fasting or jumping-the-broom ceremonies can also be accommodated. Unity candles, roses to parents and other more contemporary activities can be easily included. Discussing your wishes with Fr. Matthew is the best way to assure that your day is special. On average a nuptial ceremony outside of mass will take approximately 25 minutes.
HOW MUCH DOES A WEDDING COST?
The officiant from St. Joe’s receives $650 to assist with marriages. This stipend or honorarium is inclusive of: a meeting with the couple, preparation of your ceremony, local travel to venue, officiating, and processing the marriage license. These services may vary based on the needs and desires of the couple. If you should choose to use our church, there may be additional fees to secure the use of the facility and for music. The initial non-refundable deposit of $350 is used to secure the date and the remaining balance is due prior to the start of the wedding. No one is ever denied the sacraments because of financial distress. Please contact a priest to discuss alternative options.
WHAT ABOUT THE WEDDING LICENSE?
You will be required to obtain your wedding license prior to your wedding date. You will need to go to the Town Clerk in the community where the ceremony will be taking place, NOT where you currently or will live.
WHAT ABOUT GLBT WEDDINGS?
In the American National Catholic Church, we affirm the dignity and worth of all people and believe that GLBT equality is a civil right. As such it would be an honor to work with you in planning the religious ceremony that you may have thought was not even possible.
HOW DO I SECURE A DATE ON THE WEDDING CALENDAR?
Simply contact St. Joe’s by email or by phone. It’s as easy as that! At the bottom of this page is a copy of the contract used to secure your wedding date on our wedding calendar. Please complete this form and send your non-refundable deposit of $350 to secure the date on the wedding calendar. Our parish currently only has one priest; therefore, calendar dates are secured on a first-come, first-served basis. Unfortunately, we cannot secure a date without a deposit.
WHAT ABOUT THE REHEARSAL?
Our priests typically do not do a rehearsal unless there is a mass being done at the parish. A rehearsal is done by the venue or a coordinator and involves walking and standing, mostly for the bridal party. When the priest arrives early before your ceremony they will connect with your venue contact and other vendors there (musician, photographer, videographer, etc.) to coordinate details regarding the ceremony. If your venue does not provide a coordinator for a rehearsal, you can download a guide here.
RESOURCES:
Send To:
St. Joseph of Arimathea ANCC
680 Racebrook Rd.
Orange, CT 06477