Marriage

Congratulations on your Engagement!

When a man and a woman discern a vocation to marriage, they transition from their intimate pledge of love and devotion to one another to a more formal engagement. At least 7 months before their desired wedding date, they seek out a priest to learn more what the Church teaches a about the sacrament of marriage. The sacrament of marriage is a public, liturgical act that introduces one into the ecclesial order, and creates rights and duties in the Church between the spouses and toward their children (cf. CCC 1631). Christian marriage is a beautiful sign of the love that Christ has for his Church. Your wedding marks the beginning of your vital contribution to the Church's mission, which is founded upon the sacramental bond of marriage.

Ready to Prepare for Marriage?

St. Vincent’s Church is happy to be part of your vocational journey and is dedicated to helping you set a solid foundation for your lifelong union. To begin, please call the parish office at (213) 749-8950 or contact us through this website to set an appointment. 
 
Your seven-month preparation process is designed to prepare you both for the sacrament of marriage. The first step for the engaged couple is to meet in person with the priest. Before your first appointment with the priest, please familiarize yourself with the Wedding Checklist and our Marriage Guidelines. They contain critical information, including necessary documents, key dates, deadlines, and policies to guide you every step of the way. 


Engaged Retreat Registration

Marriage FAQ's

  • What Times/Dates are Available to Schedule a Wedding?

    St. Vincent's schedules weddings on Fridays at 4:00 p.m. and on Saturdays at 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.  Please call the parish office at (213) 749-8950 to inquire about available dates. 

  • What is the Cost of a Wedding at St. Vincent's?

    The cost of a wedding is $1,850.00 to be paid in full at your first appointment. The fee may be paid in cash, debit card or credit card.  We do not allow payment in installments. A refund of $1,550 will be issued if you cancel 8 months prior to the wedding. No refund will be issued if the cancellation is 7 months or less prior to the ceremony. If you wish to change the date or time of your wedding, there will be a $300 charge. Only one rescheduling is allowed. 

  • What Documents Do I Need for My First Appointment?
    1. Each Catholic person must obtain an original copy of your Baptismal Certificate with the parish seal issued within the last 6 months. Obtain also an original copy of your certificates for First Communion and Confirmation.  Copies of these records may be obtained from the church where you first received the sacrament. You will need to bring them to your first appointment.
    2. If you need to receive one or more of the above sacraments, please contact Sr. Alicia Lopez here at St. Vincent’s at (213) 740-8950 or the director of faith formation at your local parish.  If you are preparing to receive one or more of the sacraments, you will be required to present a letter from the program director where you are enrolled stating that you are registered to receive the sacrament(s). 
    3. If you have been married before in a religious or civil ceremony, please bring copies of all marriage certificates, licenses, and divorce decrees or documentation regarding any previous annulments. 

  • Can I be Married in the Catholic Church if I am already Civilly Married?

    Yes.  At your first appointment, please discuss this with the priest.  Please remember to bring all previous marriage licenses, divorce decrees, or previous declarations of nullity. 


    If you are an older couple with children, St. Vincent's has a program called Bodas Comunitarias that allows couples to receive the sacrament of marriage in June each year free of charge. Please see the priest for more information or call Alex and Veronica Salas at (323) 254-6338. 

  • Can a Baptized Catholic Marry a Non-Catholic?

    Yes. In the Catholic Church, a Catholic can marry a non-Catholic under certain conditions. This is called a mixed marriage. There are two basic situations to consider. When a Catholic, on the one hand, wishes to marry a baptized non-Catholic, permission of the local bishop is required to be formally recognized (that is, licit). In the case of a marriage between a Catholic and a non-baptized person on the other hand, a dispensation is necessary for the marriage to be valid. In both cases, it is essential to receive permission from the local bishop and that both spouses are open to having children. In addition, the Catholic parent must commit to remaining Catholic and to baptizing the children and raising them as Catholics.