Weddings

Congratulations on your engagement!

Your decision to enter into the relationship of married life is a serious one, and it serves as a wonderful sign of hope and strength to the Prince of Peace community.

This information is intended to help you prepare not only for the wedding day but for marriage, a lifetime experience of hope and joy, a faithful promise you have both chosen to offer and receive “in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health,” to love and honor each other all the days of your lives!

Steps to Receiving the Sacrament of Matrimony

Complete Marriage Request Form

Once you submit the marriage request form, our coordinator will assist you through every step of the process.

Marriage Request Form

Meet with a Member of the Marriage Preparation Team

Together we will lay out the plans and customize your journey.

Complete Compatibility Study

This tool highlights your strengths as a couple and identifies areas for growth to strengthen your relationship.

Meet with a Marriage Counselor

You will meet with a Marriage Counselor to discuss your relationship, review compatibility study results, and explore ways to enhance your bond.

Meet with a Mentor Couple

You will select or be matched with a married mentor couple who will guide you through the Witness to Love marriage preparation program.

Learn More

Meet with a Priest or Deacon

You'll meet with a priest or deacon to pray, review compatibility study results, delve into the Sacrament of Matrimony, and explore various aspects of married life together.

Meet Our Priests and Deacons

Complete Natural Family Planning Class

Discover beautiful paths to planning your family together.

Register for an NFP Class

Plan Your Wedding Ceremony

Choose the music and Scripture readings for your wedding ceremony.

Learn More

Celebrate Your Wedding Day

Rejoice in the love of a lifetime, today, tomorrow, and for the rest of your lives.

Invest in Growing Your Marriage

After your wedding, keep strengthening your marriage by joining a couples' group, staying connected with mentors, and engaging in parish activities.

12 Great Dates

Important Information

Required Documents
  1. Baptismal Certificate or a Profession of Faith Certificate issued within six months from the Catholic church of your baptism or where you became a Catholic, with any sacramental notations listed on the back.

  2. Four Witness Affidavits of Freedom to Marry, two for the groom, and another two for the bride (provided by the coordinator). They must be completed and returned to the coordinator.

  3. A valid civil marriage license issued by any County Clerk’s office in the State of Texas. We ask that you bring your marriage license to the Parish Office one month before the wedding.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHEN AND WHERE ARE WEDDINGS CELEBRATED?

CHURCH 

Wedding day Hours (starting) Rehearsal day Hours (starting) 
Saturday 11 AM & 2 PM Friday 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM 
Friday 2 PM Thursday  7:30 PM 

 

CHAPEL 

Wedding day Hours (starting) Rehearsal day Hours (starting) 
Saturday 11 AM, 2 PM, 4:30 PM Friday 5 PM – 7:30 PM 
Friday 5 PM Tuesday only 7 PM  

 

LENT – CHURCH 

Wedding day Hours (starting) Rehearsal day Hours (starting) 
Saturday 11 AM & 2 PM Friday 4 PM & 5 PM
Friday 11 AM, 2 PM, 4:30 PM Thursday  7:30 PM 

 Special weekday/weekend wedding dates are permitted if the parish schedule allows.

The wedding party has the use of the church or chapel and areas for dressing for no more than one hour before the ceremony and thirty minutes after the conclusion of the ceremony. The ceremony must begin and end on schedule. Please designate a family member or friend to care for your items.


WILL WE HAVE A REHEARSAL?

Rehearsals are generally the evening before the wedding. However, some may be scheduled on other days due to prior events already scheduled. Rehearsal times are generally 5:30 pm, 6:30 pm, or 7:30 pm. During Lent, rehearsals are scheduled on Thursdays to accommodate Lenten services.

Our Liturgical Wedding Coordinators conduct rehearsals, which last no longer than one hour. All members of the wedding party, including attendants, ushers, parents, lectors, etc. should attend.


SHOULD MASS BE CELEBRATED AT OUR WEDDING?

The Catholic Rite of Marriage takes place within the Sacred Liturgy – the Church’s praise of God. By its nature, Sacred Liturgy is a celebration of the universal Church. The wedding liturgy reflects this aspect when a groom and bride profess their solemn vows to each other before God and His people assembled. To manifest our corporate worship and as we do at Sunday Mass, each wedding begins with a liturgical procession with the cross of Christ leading, the priest/deacon, and then followed by the wedding party. Then a gathering hymn unites our minds, hearts, and voices as we begin our worship, praising God and asking His blessings upon the church and the couple marrying.

The Rite of Marriage may be celebrated during a Mass, or a Liturgy of the Word with no Holy Communion.

Rite of Marriage during a Mass is the norm when both the groom and bride are practicing Catholics.

Rite of Marriage outside of Mass – Liturgy of the Word with no Holy Communion is the norm when a Catholic marries a baptized non-Catholic.

Rite of Marriage outside of Mass – Liturgy of the Word with no Holy Communion must be used when a Catholic marries a non-baptized person.

To prepare for the Sacred Liturgy, you receive a book, Together for Life, that outlines your choices for prayers and Scripture readings. Please select lectors who are comfortable reading in public. Practicing Catholics and/or practicing baptized, non-Catholics may read the first and second readings.

With the Rite of Marriage during Mass, you are to choose two practicing Catholics to present the gifts of bread and wine. Since we as Catholics believe these gifts will become the Body and Blood of Christ, it would be inappropriate to ask a non-Catholic to present these gifts when his or her faith tradition does not believe in the real presence of the Eucharist.


SHOULD WE HIRE A WEDDING COORDINATOR?

Since the Catholic Church adheres to the rubrics for its Sacred Liturgy, we will assign two Liturgical Wedding Coordinators for your liturgy. If you do hire a consultant or coordinator, we respectfully request they honor all aspects of the Church’s liturgy. Moreover, they do not conduct the wedding rehearsal or interfere with the ceremony itself. Your consultant or coordinator may assist if they are requested to do so.

It is important to inform the wedding coordinators/planners that you and your wedding party are required to arrive at the church one hour before the wedding. 


WHAT KIND OF MUSIC SHOULD WE HAVE?

Our Worship Ministry will assist you in planning your music for the ceremony. You will receive a booklet, Together for Life, that will aid in the selection of readings, prayers, blessings, and music. Please schedule your meeting with our Worship Ministry two months before your wedding.


ARE WE ALLOWED TO DECORATE?

Flowers and other décor are permitted as part of the wedding environment as long as they do not distract from the focus of the liturgy or cause damage to the church, chapel or furnishings. Liturgical decorations may not be changed or moved.

The following policies are in place to ensure the appropriate placement and use of flowers, candles, and other decorations, and to ensure the beauty and sacredness of the church and chapel are respected and maintained.

  • Decorations are not required. The natural beauty of the church or chapel and its décor already enhance the dignity of the ceremony.
  • Seasonal decor (Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter) may not be changed or moved. During these times, additional décor should be appropriate to the season.
  • All existing plants, flowers, and pedestals in the church or chapel are to remain in place.
  • If flowers or plants are to remain in the church or chapel after the ceremony, please inform the Office of Worship in advance. If you choose to donate your flowers, you may request a letter for tax purposes. Please consult with the Office of Worship for this as well.
  • Artificial bouquets, floral arrangements, greenery, and plants are not allowed inside the church or chapel at any time.
  • Ribbon or tulle netting may be used for bouquets to be placed on chairs or pews. Tape, Velcro, staples, clamps, floral pins, etc., are not allowed on the chairs or pews.
  • Carpet runners are not allowed.
  • Flower petals (real or artificial) may not be thrown or dropped down the aisle. Rice, birdseed, confetti, flower petals, bubbles, etc., may not, under any circumstances, be thrown on the church grounds.
  • Existing sanctuary candles are used in the ceremony. The candelabrum may be used, but the florist must provide adequate plastic floor covering under the candelabrum to protect the tile/carpet. The candelabrum must be non-drip. Aisle candles may not be used.
  • The church and chapel are available for floral setup no earlier than one hour before the ceremony.
  • Florists are responsible for reclaiming any décor provided immediately after the ceremony. No items are to be left in the church or chapel for temporary storage. The church and chapel should be left in the same order as they are found.

IS PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY ALLOWED?

Since the church is a sacred place of prayer and worship, appropriate professional and reverent behavior is expected at all times on church premises. The overriding principle of a photographer or videographer is to be inconspicuous and discreet. The taking of photographs must never distract the bride, groom, and their guests from the Liturgy.

Please encourage your guests to silence their cell phones and refrain from flashing or holding the phone up during the ceremony for recording.

Before contracting with your photographer/videographer, please be sure the following policies are acknowledged and will be followed:

  • The photographer/videographer must check in with the Liturgical Wedding Coordinator before the wedding begins.
  • Pictures/video or the use of drones may be taken in the church or chapel no earlier than one  hour before the ceremony and ending 20 minutes before the start of the ceremony
  • Setup of photographic equipment must be completed 20 minutes before the ceremony begins. It is important that the ceremony begins on time.
  • Neither the photographer nor the videographer is allowed in the area in front of/near the tabernacle. The videographer is encouraged to remain stationary throughout the ceremony. Photographs may be taken in the preparation areas.
  • No artificial lighting or flash photography during the ceremony. Please do not stop or interrupt the procession once it has begun. All photographs should be respectful of the sacredness of the church, i.e., no inappropriate poses.
  • No hidden  photography/videography is allowed, such as cameras in bouquets etc.
  • After the ceremony, photography/videography is limited to 20 minutes to ensure vacating the church or chapel in the 30-minute time frame is respected.

    WHAT KIND OF ATTIRE/DRESSES SHOULD WE WEAR?

  • Each bride should carefully select a wedding dress that is appropriately modest for her size and body. This same principle applies to the bridesmaids and Maid/Matron of Honor dresses. Strapless or sleeveless dresses are permitted, however plunging necklines or very low cut dresses should be avoided as they are not appropriate. Remember, this is a sacred event that accentuates your inner and outer beauty and nothing should distract from that.
Information about Natural Family Planning
Sign Up to Volunteer with Our Wedding Ministry

If you have a passion for helping people prepare for the Sacrament of Matrimony, please consider serving as a volunteer minister for our Wedding ministry!

 

Sign Up to Volunteer with the Marriage Preparation Team

 

Sign Up to Volunteer to be a Marriage Sponsor Couple

 

Sign Up to Volunteer to be a Wedding Coordinator

Contact Us

Christy Wright

Coordinator of Marriage Preparation and Weddings

Oscar Kellert (Bilingual)

Marriage Preparation Coordinator (Spanish)

That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one body.
Genesis 2:24
Connect with Us!
Call us during our office hours Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at 281.469.2686 or send us a message below.
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