Planning A Church Wedding: 2-Year Timeline And Tips

Planning a church wedding two years away gives you plenty of time to prepare. You'll need to consider the church's rules and guidelines, and whether you need to meet with specific members of the clergy. You should also think about the date and time of your wedding, as there may be times of year or times of day that are off-limits. You'll want to check how much time you'll have for the ceremony, and whether you'll be able to rehearse beforehand. It's also worth noting that some churches are very particular about the decor they'll permit, so you may want to check this in advance.

Marriage preparation and coaching

If you're planning a church wedding, it's important to allow plenty of time for marriage preparation and coaching. The Catholic Church, for example, recommends that couples save nine months to a year for marriage prep. This includes evaluating and deepening their readiness to live married life, and gaining insights into themselves as individuals and as a couple.

Marriage preparation programs can take different forms, such as weekend retreats, being matched with a "sponsor couple", or participating in a series of marriage preparation classes offered by the parish or diocese. In the Catholic Church, couples may be required to submit certain documents, participate more in church activities, and go through an intensive marriage preparation process with a priest. This might include multiple sessions with a priest, attendance at a conference or retreat, and other requirements set by the diocese.

In the Church of England, your vicar will provide time and space to think about the vows and the difference they will make. They can also offer marriage discussion or preparation to help you consider the vows together.

When planning a church wedding, it's important to keep in mind that different churches and dioceses may have different requirements. Some parishes are stricter when it comes to documents, and some priests may prefer a more intensive couple coaching, so it's best to reach out to the parish where you intend to get married.

Finally, don't forget to consider the practical aspects of your wedding day, such as how much time you'll have for the ceremony, whether you'll have time to rehearse, and what will happen if you're running late.

Church decor and signage

When it comes to church decor and signage, it's important to remember that different churches will have different rules and requirements. Some churches are very particular about the decor they'll permit, so it's best to reach out to the parish where you intend to get married to find out what's allowed. For example, some churches may not allow flowers or petals to be strewn on the ground, while others may have restrictions on bows or aisle runners.

If you're planning on having custom signs announcing your wedding, make sure to check with the church first. You may also want to consider setting up an arch over the altar, but again, this will depend on the specific guidelines of the church.

In terms of timing, it's important to know exactly how much time you'll have for the ceremony. Will you have time to rehearse beforehand? What happens if you're running late? These are all important questions to ask the church.

If you're planning a Catholic church wedding, it's recommended to save more lead time—nine months to a year—for marriage prep. Different dioceses may have different requirements, so it's best to reach out to the parish and explore their marriage requirements.

Church guidelines and restrictions

Some churches are very particular about the decor they'll permit in their space. For example, California's Wayfarers Chapel doesn't allow couples to bring in bows or aisle runners to preserve the natural setting of the church.

If you're planning a Catholic church wedding, you'll need to save more lead time—nine months to a year—for marriage prep. This includes a whole program of marriage preparation directed towards the couple examining certain areas of their lives, as well as the technical, canonical, or legal aspects necessary for the church. Some parishes are stricter when it comes to documents, and some priests may prefer a more intensive couple coaching.

Depending on the church, it may be mandatory for you to meet with specific members of the clergy. You'll also need to know exactly how much time you're being allotted for the wedding ceremony and whether you'll have time to rehearse beforehand.

Different times of the year or day may be off-limits for weddings. Formal weddings are often held at noon during High Mass when a choir is available. A priest must clear weddings during Lent or Advent. Most priests won't marry couples outside a church, and the wedding often must be held at the bride's home parish. The couple may need permission to marry in a different church and may have to show their baptismal certificate.

Marriage requirements and documentation

Different dioceses may have different requirements, so it's best to check with the specific church you plan to marry in. In general, you may need to show your baptismal certificate. If you're getting married somewhere other than where you live, you may need permission.

It's also important to meet with the priest, pastor, reverend, or any other necessary clergy member. Depending on the church, it may be mandatory for you to meet with specific members of the clergy.

Wedding date and time

When it comes to planning a church wedding, it's important to keep in mind that different churches will have different requirements and guidelines. For example, some churches may have specific times of the year or day that are off-limits for weddings. Formal weddings are often held at noon during High Mass, when a choir is available. If you're planning a Catholic church wedding, it's recommended that you save more lead time – nine months to a year – for marriage preparation. This includes things like couple coaching and addressing the technical, canonical, and legal aspects of the ceremony.

It's also important to meet with the priest, pastor, reverend, or any other necessary clergy member to discuss the details of your wedding. They can help you understand the specific requirements and guidelines of the church. Additionally, you should find out exactly how much time you'll be allotted for your wedding ceremony. Will you have time to rehearse beforehand? What happens if you're running late? These are all important questions to ask when planning your church wedding.

When choosing a date and time for your church wedding, it's crucial to consider the availability of the church and the clergy. Keep in mind that popular wedding dates and times may be booked up quickly, so it's best to start planning early. You may also want to consider any religious or cultural traditions that could impact your choice of date and time. For example, a priest must clear weddings during Lent or Advent.

Finally, don't forget to explore the marriage requirements of the church. Some churches may require you to show certain documents, such as a baptismal certificate. It's also important to note that most priests won't marry couples outside of a church, and the wedding often must be held at the bride's home parish. If you're planning to marry in a different church, you may need to obtain special permission.

Frequently asked questions