Marriage & Weddings

"Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God;
 everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God...
 God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him".
 1 John 4:7, 16
 

Congratulations on your engagement!
Your decision to enter into the relationship of married life is a serious one, and serves as a wonderful sign of hope and strength to our faith community. While your decision has been reached only after much discussion and prayerful thought, it is but the first step in the process of building a successful marriage. The love you have privately come to realize and share is now to be made public as your family, friends, and parish prepare to support and encourage you in the celebration of your wedding. 

Engagement is a special time - a time of love and preparation. It should be a happy time, a time for enjoying each other and storing up precious memories. It is a time of richer dialogue, greater trust and fuller sharing of your deepest and most personal values. It is a time for reflection and prayer. 

Below you will find a series of Frequently asked questions about weddings at St.Timothy Parish. Please understand that every wedding ceremony is a unique event, and that all final details will be settled only after meeting with the parish staff.
o To schedule wedding meetings and ceremony dates, please contact Kay Schuele
   (384-1100 ext.24)
o To reserve Brodnick Hall, please contact Jennifer Fedders (384-1100 ext.23).
 

Theology of the Sacrament
Click here for informative links on the Sacrament of Marriage.
 

FAQs about Weddings

• We'd like to be married at St. Timothy Church. How do we begin planning?
  Begin by placing a call to Kay Schuele at the parish office (384-1100) to schedule a meeting and a wedding date.
   

• What is involved in the marriage preparation program at St. Timothy?
  1. Meet with the priest or deacon.
  2. Participate in the parish marriage preparation program "In Faithful Love" and a   diocesan program.
   

• How soon in advance of the wedding should we contact the parish?
  We suggest calling at least six months in advance.
   

• Do we need to be St. Timothy parishioners to be married at St. Timothy Church?
  You do not have to be registered parishioners at St. Timothy but must be parishioners in good standing at another parish to have your wedding in our church.
   

• I'm Catholic, but my future spouse is not.  Is that a problem?
  Usually not, but a special type of Church permission called a dispensation is required. You will need to meet with the priest to discuss your situation.
   

• I was previously married and am now divorced. How does this affect my wedding plans?
  There are a number of issues that must be addressed surrounding the matter of previous marriage. You will need to meet with the priest to discuss your situation.
   

• What are the fees for a wedding service at St. Timothy Church?
  The wedding fee is $250. It helps cover the parish expenses and building maintenance and upkeep (including heating and air conditioning). An additional stipend for the priest or deacon should be provided.
   

• May another priest who is a family member or friend preside at the wedding?
  Priests from other Catholic churches are welcome to participate or preside in the wedding ceremony. Visiting presiders are expected to attend the rehearsal.
   

• May ministers from other denominations participate in the wedding ceremony?
  Yes. Please inform the priest or deacon if another minister is participating.
   

• Are there any restrictions on date and time?
  Weddings can take place any time on Friday or on Saturday before 1:30pm or after 6pm. The church must be cleared by 3pm on Saturday for daytime weddings.
  
  Mass will be permitted but generally only if both the bride and groom are practicing Catholics.
  
  No one may enter the church to begin decorating or setup until one-half hour after a regular parish Mass is concluded.
  
  Pictures must be concluded one-half hour after the wedding is completed.
   

• When can my wedding rehearsal be scheduled?
  Rehearsals should take place in church the evening before the wedding if possible. Wedding rehearsals for Thursdays are scheduled at 6:30 p.m. Rehearsals scheduled for Fridays can be at any time. The rehearsal is an important time to practice; all those with a special function in the wedding should attend.
  Please contact Kay Schuele at the parish office (384-1100) to schedule.
   

• What  do I need to know about the music during the wedding ceremony?
  Weddings celebrated at St. Timothy should reflect our Sunday celebrations, drawing from and building upon the parish's musical repertoire. The liturgical music director coordinates all music and musicians. For further information or to schedule a meeting to plan your wedding music, contact the music minister.
  Note: All musicians and vocalists for your wedding have their own fee schedule. Their fees are not included in the fees for the church or the stipend for the presiding priest/deacon.
   

• What  do I need to know about the wedding ceremony decor in the church?
  Special floor to ceiling wedding banners may be set up behind the altar for weddings during Ordinary time.  During other liturgical seasons, the banners for that season will remain.
  
  Please refer to the Wedding Ceremony Decor guidelines for specific information regarding floral arrangements. No unity candle is permitted in church.
  
  Please contact Kelly Stuckenschneider (384-1909) to discuss the decor and schedule a set-up time for the ceremony.
   

• What is the photography policy?
  Still photography and video/audio taping may be done. Flash photography is not permitted during the ceremony. All equipment should be as unobtrusive as possible so it won't distract from prayer. The camera or other equipment should be located by the doors to the worship space.  Photographers are not permitted in the sanctuary. At no time should the photographer be in the aisle or in front of the pews including the procession in. Pictures in the church must be completed one-half hour within after the wedding ceremony's conclusion.
   

• How do I get a marriage license?
  You can get your marriage license in any county of the state of Kentucky. Both parties must be present and supply a state birth certificate. In Boone County, visit the Boone County Courthouse at 2950 Washington St., Burlington, KY.
   

• Is Brodnick Hall available for rental?
  Reservations for weddings can be made one year in advance. Please refer to the Brodnick Hall Policies for cost and policy information.
  Contact Jennifer Fedders (384-1100) to reserve the hall or for more information.