Matrimony

The Sacrament of Marriage, or Holy Matrimony, is a public sign that one gives oneself totally to this other person. It is also a public statement about God: the loving union of husband and wife speaks of family values and also God’s values.

Are you interested in having your wedding at St. Charles? Below is a list of guidelines and procedures. We will do all that we can to make your special day run as smoothly as possible.

Wedding Times

Wedding Liturgies are usually on Saturdays between 10:00am and 2:30pm. Other options may be discussed with the celebrant.

Who may perform the ceremony?

A St. Charles priest or deacon usually presides at all weddings. However, with the Pastor’s approval, any Catholic priest or deacon licensed in Ohio and in good standing will be welcome. The visiting priest or deacon will be responsible for your marriage preparation and all necessary paperwork. This will require a letter from the visiting priest/deacon to the St. Charles Pastor confirming your completed preparations, including any dispensations, and the certificate of completion of a Pre-Cana conference or an Engaged Encounter weekend.

Mass

A Mass is the recommended setting for the celebration of marriage between two practicing Catholics. A Liturgy of the Word without Eucharist is the norm for interfaith marriages between a Catholic and a non-Catholic Christian. This enables the non-Catholic party’s full participation in the liturgy.

Music

The sacredness of your wedding will be enriched by your selection of music. The prayerful atmosphere created by the liturgical music will speak to the uniqueness of each part of the Liturgy. Our music director will expertly assist you in choosing selections to best coordinate your musical desires with the appropriate liturgical music. The Sacrament of Matrimony is patterned after our Sunday Eucharistic Liturgy.
Music Guidelines: In keeping with this sacred atmosphere surrounding our act of worshipping God, “pop” songs and music from movies or theater are considered inappropriate. St. Charles usually provides the music for our wedding liturgies. They offer an outstanding group of vocalists, instrumentalists, and soloists, who are very well trained, experienced and extremely familiar with the Church’s Liturgical Guidelines. We follow The Wedding Music Guidelines of the Worship Office of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. It offers a wide variety of selections and an extensive array of choices. We can provide you with a sample CD.
Guest Musicians: Guest musicians are welcome with prior approval of the St. Charles Music Director. The list of songs must be submitted to the Music Director for approval six weeks prior to the wedding date.

Wedding Coordinator

St. Charles will provide you with a wedding coordinator who will assist you with the many details of planning your Wedding Liturgy. This service is required. If a visiting priest is presiding, the Wedding Coordinator will assist at the rehearsal. Once the wedding and rehearsal dates have been set, the Wedding Coordinator will discuss with you all the practical arrangements concerning the use of the Church. She will facilitate all church wedding activities and coordinate the ceremony with the musicians.

Use of the Church

The church is available one and a half hours before and one hour after the ceremony, but no later than 4:20pm. These times may be shortened based on other planned services for that day.

Fees

Church: Registered Parishioners: $250
Non Parishioners: $500
Wedding Coordinator: $100
Altar Servers: Arrangements will be made for 2-4 servers, depending on the size of the wedding. $10 per server (recommended).

Once your wedding date has been set with a priest, please contact one of the wedding coordinators to discuss your wedding further.
Wedding Coordinators:
Helen MacBeth: 434-4224
Sybil Latham: 434-9656