Congratulations!

We wish you every blessing as you prepare for your upcoming wedding. We are honored and excited that you have chosen Saint Vincent Martyr Parish to celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage. We warmly invite you to become active members of our parish community and to make our sacred space your spiritual home. Marriage is a lifelong commitment, and it is our privilege to guide you through this sacred journey. Our priests and Marriage & Pre-Cana Ministry Team are here to support you every step of the way.

The Marriage Preparation Process

The marriage preparation process typically takes approximately one year. In certain special circumstances, this timeline may be adjusted at the discretion of the pastor. During this time, you will meet several times with the priest who will officiate your wedding.

Your First Meeting

At your initial meeting:

• You and the priest will become acquainted.
• The marriage preparation process will be explained.
• Required paperwork will be reviewed.
• You will receive guidance on next steps.

The number of meetings (minimum of two) will be determined by the priest based on your individual needs.

Preparing Your Wedding Mass or Liturgy

The officiating priest and a parish music minister will help you plan your celebration. Together, you will determine whether it is more appropriate to celebrate:

• The Rite of Marriage within a Mass, or
• The Rite of Marriage outside of Mass (Liturgy)

Wedding Date Policy

Wedding dates are held for one week after we receive your completed intake form. To officially secure your date, the wedding agreement must be signed and returned within that time.

Parishioners are given preference at the discretion of the Pastor.

• To be considered a parishioner, you must be registered and actively tithing for at least 12 months.
• Weddings are not celebrated on federal holidays.

Pre-Cana Requirement

Saint Vincent Martyr offers two Pre-Cana sessions annually (spring and fall). You may also attend Pre-Cana at another parish.

Pre-Cana and Theology of the Body are required for all couples. A certificate will be issued upon completion.

Required Documentation

Pre-Nuptial Investigation (PNI)

Completed by the couple and the officiating priest.

Baptismal Certificates

Non-Catholics

Proof of baptism (original certificate or a letter from the church of baptism) is required.

Additional Situations

Additional documents may be discussed during your first meeting.

Marriage License

• New Jersey residents must obtain a license from the clerk in their town of residence.
• Non-residents must obtain a license from the county office in Madison, NJ.
• Submit Parts 1–4 of the license to the parish office no later than one week before the wedding.

Music

The parish Director of Music will assist you in selecting appropriate liturgical music.

• All music must be sacred and appropriate for a liturgical celebration.
• No secular music is permitted.
• The Music Director serves as organist/cantor unless otherwise arranged.
• The music stipend is $500, covering the organist, singer, and planning services.

Use of outside musicians must be approved and may incur additional costs.

Contact:

Peter Solecki, Director of Music

973-377-4000 ext. 256

[email protected]

Rehearsal

• Usually scheduled the evening before the wedding.
• Weekday rehearsals cannot be scheduled before 3:00 PM (unless approved).
• All members of the wedding party should attend.
• Duration: Approximately 45 minutes.

Church Fee

The priest will confirm the wedding fee according to the parish fee schedule found on the Intake Form.

• Due 30 days prior to the rehearsal.
• Supports the parish (does not go to the officiant).
• Church fee: Check payable to: St. Vincent Martyr Church

It is customary to offer a separate honorarium to the priest, apart from the church fee, as a gesture of appreciation.

Flowers & Decorations

• Floral arrangements may be placed in the altar area (not on the altar).
• Pew decorations and bubbles (including flowers and bows) are permitted
• Tape, wire, and aisle runners are not permitted (Diocesan policy).
• No scattering of petals, rice, birdseed, or confetti.
• Seasonal church decorations may not be removed.

Photography & Videography

Photography is permitted, but discretion is required as this is a sacred liturgy.

Photographers must check in with the officiating priest before the ceremony.

Transportation & Logistics

• Limousines may drop off on Green Village Road or in the driveway between the church and rectory.
• No parking in the driveway.
• Punctuality is essential. Late arrival may result in a shortened ceremony.

Visiting Priests

If a visiting priest will officiate, he must:

• Contact the parish directly
• Receive permission from the Pastor
• Provide a letter of good standing if he is from another diocese. 

Questions & Contacts

Scheduling & Planning:

Susan Paladino

973-377-4000 ext. 106

[email protected]

Church Facility & Decorations:

Marlene Dolan

[email protected]
 

We look forward to walking with you as you prepare to celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage. May God richly bless your engagement and your life together.