Marriage

Sacred Scripture begins with the creation and union of man and woman and ends with “the wedding feast of the Lamb” (Rev 19:7, 9). Scripture often refers to marriage, its origin and purpose, the meaning God gave to it, and its renewal in the covenant made by Jesus with his Church.  Man and woman were created for each other.

The Sacrament of Marriage is a covenant, which is more than a contract. Covenant always expresses a relationship between persons. The marriage covenant refers to the relationship between the husband and wife, a permanent union of persons capable of knowing and loving each other and God. The celebration of marriage is also a liturgical act, appropriately held in a public liturgy at church. Catholics are urged to celebrate their marriage within the Eucharistic Liturgy.

Our parish welcomes your enquiry about marriage. You are invited to read our Wedding Brochure which provides more information about procedures for weddings in our parish church.  We hope this information will be of use to you in planning your wedding.  Please contact us if you have any further questions.

If you are Catholic, and residing in the Seaford Parish boundary but wish to be married in another Parish, there are two forms to be completed depending on your circumstances.  These must be completed only if one, or both of you, are Catholic.

Take a print out and fill and send us back or fill the online form below;

MARRIAGE PREPARATION
During the time of engagement it is important that you, as a couple attend weekend Mass as part of your spiritual preparation for marriage.  

Those intending to be married in St. Anne’s Parish are required to complete a pre-marriage course prior to the ceremony. It is advised that you complete Marriage preparation course as soon as possible (find more about the preparation course).

Bookings
Bookings for weddings are not taken more than six months in advance.  Please be aware that once your booking for the Church is completed you are required to contact the parish priest as soon as possible.

Fees for the use of the Church
For a wedding couple living in the parish who support the Parish Thanksgiving Program and come to Mass regularly the fee for the use of the Church is $200.00.

For a couple living in the parish who attend mass regularly but do not support the Thanksgiving program the fee for the use of the Church is $300.00.

For a couple living in the parish who do not attend Mass the fee for the use of the Church is $400.00.

For a couple living outside the parish the cost for hiring the Church is $500.00.

The above fee is payable at the time of booking confirmation.

An extra fee of $100.00 (bond) is payable by all couples prior to confirmation of a booking. This bond will be returned, as soon as possible after the wedding. The bond will be forfeited if confetti is used or sacred objects, statues etc. are moved without prior permission.

Please note: The fee for the use of the Church does not include the stole fee (payment) for the priest.

Cancellation
If for any reason you wish to cancel the booking, you should do so as soon as possible either personally or in writing. Cancellations are not taken by phone. In the event of a cancellation there is a fee of $30.00 to cover administrative costs. The balance of your booking fee will be forwarded to you as soon as possible.

Rehearsal
Rehearsal for the wedding ceremony usually takes place in the week before the wedding. The time and date of the rehearsal should be arranged with your Celebrant and the Parish Secretary at least one month in advance of the ceremony.