Marriage
God created man and woman out of love and commanded them to imitate his love in their relations with each other. Man and woman were created for each other…Woman and man are equal in human dignity, and in marriage both are united in an unbreakable bond. (United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, Ch. 21, p. 279)
Welcome & Congratulations
God bless you for choosing to celebrate your marriage in the Catholic Church. This choice is truly an expression of your faith in God and His Church.
For Christians, marriage is a Sacrament of God’s love reflected in the love of a man and a woman as husband and wife. The sacrament of marriage gives spouses the grace to love one another as Christ loves the church.
The grace of the sacrament thus perfects the human love of spouses, strengthens their indissoluble unity, and sanctifies them on the way to eternal life. (Catechism of the Catholic Church No. 1661)
The Christian home is the place where children receive the first proclamation of the faith. For this reason the family home is rightly called “the domestic church”; a community of grace and prayer, a school of human virtues and of Christian charity. (Catechism of the Catholic Church No. 1666).
Important Information
The Church
Please remember that the Church is always a place of prayer. Be aware of this as you enter the church and if necessary, remind others to be quiet and respectful. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the church or in the parking lot under any circumstances.
Your First Step
Your first step is to schedule a meeting with the priest by contacting the Parish Office at 626-573-0427. At this meeting the priest will explain the requirements for marriage in the Catholic Church, other important details, and your selection of a celebrant.
Finances
Please remember that the Church is not a profit making organization, but Wedding fees apply. Please contact the Parish Office at 626-573-0427. Fees are as follows:
- $1,000.00 Church
- $250.00 Music
- $200.00 Wedding Coordinator
- Altar Servers $20.00
Wedding Date
Before a wedding date can be placed in the St. Stephen Martyr Church official calendar, the $200 non-refundable deposit must be paid. This deposit is included in the wedding fee amount as previously discussed
Documents for Marriage
The required documents for the prospective bride and groom are:
- Baptismal Certificate
Contact the church of your baptism and request an original copy of your baptismal certificate. Baptism certificate should be dated no more 6 months from of the wedding date. A photo copy of the original will not be acceptable. - First Communion and Confirmation Certificate
Contact the church of your First Communion and Confirmation and request a copy of your certificates; photo copies are acceptable. - Engagement Encounter Course Certificate
Proof of your completion of the course is required. Schedules of courses may be found at www.ceeofla.org - Sworn Testimony
Sworn statements from TWO witnesses for the bride and TWO for the groom, preferably parents, will be required. The proper Forms and details will be provided by the priest/deacon assisting you. - Marriage License
A civil marriage license is required. The license is purchased at the Registrar Recorder’s Office,12400 Imperial Hwy., Norwalk, CA 90650; phone number 562-462-2137. Make sure that you bring the original license, the duplicate copy and the pre-addressed envelope to the Parish Center two weeks prior to the celebration of the marriage. - Engaged Encounter/Pre-Marriage Preparation
Engaged Encounter weekend or an approved equivalent is required for all couples getting married in the Catholic Church. Visit www.ceeofla.org or call 888-267-3660 for information about enrolling in your course.
Contact Information
For more information, please contact the Parish Office at least 6 months before your intended marriage date at 626-573-0427.
