Charging For Weddings: Catholic Church Policies And Practices

The Catholic Church does not charge for sacraments, but it is customary for couples to make a donation to the church. The amount of this donation varies depending on the church and the couple's circumstances, and it is often left to the couple's discretion. Some churches, however, have been known to charge high fees for weddings, which has caused controversy among parishioners. In addition to the donation, there may be other costs associated with a Catholic wedding, such as fees for musicians, marriage preparation courses, and marriage licenses.

Donation to the church

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that sacraments are not for sale. However, it is customary for the couple to make a donation to the church. The amount of the donation varies depending on the church and the couple's circumstances. If the couple are registered parishioners, the suggested donation may be minimal or waived entirely, on the assumption that they are already supporting the parish through regular financial contributions. Some churches may suggest an amount or a range, while others may leave it to the couple's discretion.

Couples who marry in a historic chapel or church should consider that their donation is an important source of support for the upkeep of the building. If a couple is unable to afford the suggested donation, they should speak to the priest, as these amounts are often not set in stone and can be adjusted based on financial need.

In addition to the donation to the church, there may be other fees to consider, such as the musician's fee and the celebrant's stipend. It is important to ask about the suggested donation and other fees when planning a Catholic wedding, as different dioceses and parishes may have different requirements.

Music ministers and other performers

The choice of music and performers varies depending on the preferences of the couple and the guidelines of the parish. Some churches have specific requirements, such as the inclusion of certain hymns or restrictions on non-church songs. It is crucial to coordinate with the priest regarding any external performers or special musical requests.

The fees for music ministers and other performers can vary. Some churches include these fees in their overall charges, while others allow couples to pay the musicians directly. The costs for musicians can range from $100 to $300 or more, depending on the number and type of performers. For example, a couple may choose to have an organist, a cantor, and other singers, each of whom would receive a stipend for their contribution.

It is worth noting that some couples may opt to include altar servers in their wedding ceremony, and it is customary to offer a small donation or stipend to them as well.

When planning a Catholic wedding, it is advisable to refer to the parish's marriage policy or directly consult the music director to gain a clear understanding of the musical expectations and associated fees. By doing so, couples can ensure that their chosen musicians are well-informed and appropriately compensated for their role in making their special day memorable.

Celebrant's stipend

The services of the priest or deacon are free, but it is customary to offer a stipend, or "freewill offering", to the celebrant. This is separate from any fees or donations to the church itself. There is no set fee for this, and it is left to the couple to determine an appropriate amount. This is usually placed in a clearly marked envelope and given to the celebrant, although it is not customary for them to distribute the stipends.

The amount of the celebrant's stipend will depend on various factors, such as the couple's budget, the time devoted to the rehearsal and wedding, and the effort put into the marriage preparation process. It may also be influenced by local customs and circumstances, with some priests in poorer nations still depending on stipends for their income. In general, it is not safe to assume that the entirety of a "standard offering" or "suggested donation" will go to the priest, as some may be directed towards other costs, such as heating, lighting, cleaning, or the services of the parish organist and altar servers.

While there is no required amount for a celebrant's stipend, it is important to note that Canon Law notes that the clergy deserve appropriate remuneration for their spiritual ministry. Additionally, making an offering for a wedding can be a meritorious act in itself, demonstrating financial sacrifice and adding significance to the ministerial act being requested.

Prenuptial investigation

A prenuptial investigation is a process that takes place before a couple gets married in a Catholic Church. It involves a series of steps and requirements that the couple must fulfil to ensure they are prepared for the sacrament of marriage. Here is an overview of the prenuptial investigation process:

• Initial Meeting with Priest: The couple meets with the priest to express their intention to marry. The priest will discuss the significance of marriage as a sacrament and provide an overview of the prenuptial investigation process.
• Paperwork and Documentation: The couple will be required to provide various documents, such as baptismal certificates, confirmation certificates, and proof of completion of any necessary marriage preparation courses. They may also need to obtain a dispensation if there are any impediments to the marriage.
• Marriage Preparation Courses: The Catholic Church typically requires the couple to undergo some form of marriage preparation. This could include pre-Cana courses, retreats, or counselling sessions. These programs aim to educate the couple about the sacrament of marriage and help them develop the necessary skills for a successful Catholic marriage.
• Interviews and Questionnaires: The priest or a designated representative will conduct interviews with the couple separately and together. These interviews delve into their backgrounds, family histories, religious practices, and understanding of marriage. The couple may also be asked to complete questionnaires or inventories that assess their compatibility and readiness for marriage.
• Witness Testimonies: The priest may request testimonies or letters of recommendation from individuals who know the couple well. These could be family members, friends, or other members of the parish. The testimonies provide additional insight into the couple's character, faith, and suitability for marriage.
• Liturgy Planning: As part of the prenuptial investigation, the couple will work with the priest and the church's wedding coordinator to plan the details of the wedding liturgy. This includes selecting readings, music, and other liturgical elements. The couple may also discuss any cultural traditions or personal touches they wish to incorporate into the ceremony.
• Finalising Legal Requirements: Before the wedding can take place, the priest will ensure that all legal requirements are met. This includes obtaining the necessary licences and documents, as well as ensuring that any previous marriages have been annulled or dissolved.
• Final Meeting with Priest: In the days leading up to the wedding, the couple will have a final meeting with the priest. This meeting serves as a culmination of the prenuptial investigation process, allowing the priest to assess the couple's readiness for marriage and provide any last-minute guidance or blessings.

The prenuptial investigation process can vary depending on the diocese and the specific requirements of the church. It is designed to ensure that the couple understands the sacred nature of marriage and is well-prepared to enter into a lifelong sacramental union. While there may be associated fees for certain aspects of the wedding, such as the use of the church building, music, or marriage preparation courses, the sacrament of marriage itself is not for sale. The amount charged by Catholic churches for weddings can vary, with some charging nothing at all, while others charge several hundred or even thousands of dollars. These fees are typically used to cover the costs of maintaining the church building and paying the staff involved in the wedding.

Pre-Cana

Marriage preparation is required for all couples who are going to take the Sacrament of Marriage in the Catholic Church. The course will address each of the "Must-Have Conversations" prescribed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Many courses go well beyond those "core topics".

A marriage preparation program should be dialogic, not diagnostic. The experience is intended to present concepts and learning opportunities for those who have not been previously exposed to certain aspects of Catholic teachings. It is also a great opportunity for couples to talk about issues that, while possibly understood as individuals, may not have been discussed with each other as a couple. Pre-Cana is all about starting and facilitating dialogue in a deep and meaningful way.

These conversations will be important for couples in their upcoming marriage and will ensure they are both in agreement — or at least understanding — of each other's beliefs and values. Topics covered include "family of origin" (existing family roles, expectations, and traditions gained from individual upbringing), financial considerations, communication skills, career goals and practical issues, conflict resolution, intimacy and sexuality, Natural Family Planning (NFP), and the spirituality and theology of marriage.

• Single-day (usually Saturday) events with groups of engaged couples
• A series of meetings with a priest or deacon, which may span 4-8 weeks
• Guided sessions with a sponsor couple that will serve as mentors facilitating the course
• Online courses or hybrid experiences, sometimes called "blended learning" (a combination of online components and face-to-face interaction)
• Weekend retreats (often referred to as Engaged Encounter weekends) with other engaged couples
• A Premarital Inventory survey (leading brands are FOCCUS, Prepare/Enrich, and Catholic Couple Checkup)

The Catholic Church commonly recommends that couples complete their Pre-Cana program six months before their wedding date. This allows plenty of time to work through the many discussions, well in advance of the actual wedding.

Frequently asked questions