Who can celebrate your marriage?

Only a Catholic priest or deacon registered as a Marriage Celebrant in Australia can celebrate marriages at St Patrick’s Church according to the Rites of the Catholic Church.

The parish priest of St. Patrick’s, Lilydale is responsible for marriages of parishioners only. With permission, external Catholic clergy may be permitted to perform marriages at St Patrick's.

Documents required

A birth certificate – not extract of entry. Baptism certificate – from parish of baptism. Testimony of Freedom to Marry – this is obtainable from your parish priest.

Witnesses

Legal requirements state two witnesses, at least eighteen years of age be present at the marriage celebration and to sign the register

Marriage Preparation

Fr Denton will meet with couples five times to oversee their preparation for the sacrament of marriage. This is required to complete the necessary church and civil forms, to prepare for the day of the wedding, and most importantly, to prepare the couple for the rest of their lives together. Please make enquires with the parish priest or the priest celebrating your marriage.

If an external priest is being used it is the responsibility of the couples to ensure they arrange for marriage preparation at least 6 months prior to the wedding and to contact their priest for the necessary papers.

Stole Fees

Whilst there is no charge for the priest celebrating a sacrament, it is customary to show your appreciation for his investment of time in overseeing your marriage preparation. Couples are encouraged to make a donation according to their means. As a guide, most couples make an offering somewhere in the region of $300. (Note well: as a point of comparison in 2020 civil celebrants charge on average $794). The stole fee can be given in advance or on the day. 

The stole fee assists with the the priest's living expenses. It should not be confused with the cost of hiring the church. 

Fees

If you have been contributing to the Thanksgiving program of this parish there is no charge for the use of the church. If one of your parents is contributing to the Thanksgiving, the fee is $400. If you are not a member of this parish or not contributing to the parish thanksgiving program the fee for use of the church is $700 (including GST). If you wish to have your wedding on a Sunday there will be an additional fee of $50.00.

A non refundable deposit of $200.00 is to be paid at time of booking and the balance to be paid 3 months prior to wedding date for your booking to be confirmed. Payment can be made by cash, cheque or credit card over the phone. 

Additional Information

Confetti

No confetti, flower petals or rice may be thrown in the church or in the church grounds. Please advice your guests accordingly or a fee for cleaning may apply.

Music

Because the sacrament of marriage is a sacred action, the choice of music must be fitting for the occasion. Live music is always preferred. Profane recorded music is not permitted. Natasha Marsh (pianist/organist and vocalist) is available for weddings at St Patrick's – tel 0431 237 613. Payment is made directly to the organist. 

Wedding Rehearsals

Wedding rehearsals if required, are arranged with our Wedding Co-ordinator and incur an additional fee of $60 to be paid directly to the coordinator.

Photography

It is requested that the photographer or video camera man introduce himself to the celebrant prior to the commencement of the ceremony.

Flowers

Normal Sunday flowers will be in the church. If you require special flowers or extra arrangements you will need to provide these yourselves. Please note that there are no flowers in the Church during Lent. Please discuss this with our Wedding Coordinator.

Pew Bows

We have pew bows available for use. Please contact our wedding co-ordinator through the parish office.