Marriage
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Congratulations!
We are delighted to walk with you as you prepare for the sacrament of Holy Matrimony. Whether you are already part of our parish family or are considering becoming parishioners, we are honored to accompany you on this joyful journey to the altar.
Throughout the preparation process, you will meet with either a priest or deacon, as well as a married couple from our community. These conversations—scheduled at times that work for everyone—are a chance to reflect together on the beauty and challenges of married life, as well as to talk through the details of your wedding Mass or service. Our hope is that these steps not only help you plan for your wedding day but also strengthen the foundation of your life together as husband and wife.
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A sacramental marriage is a profound mystery and religious covenant involving a deeply personal (and public) commitment on the part of both individuals.While it is understandable that you will be concerned with many details regarding the liturgy, the reception and the honeymoon, the first priority is your spiritual preparation for entering into this sacred and perpetual union. The following information will assist you in planning for your ceremony and for your life together thereafter.
Planning Your Wedding
Please do not hesitate to call with any questions you may have. We will do our best to answer your questions and to make your wedding day a joyous beginning for your marriage. A member of our staff will be in touch with you to congratulate you and to follow up on your request.
410-727-3848
[email protected].
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Preparing for Your Marriage at St. Ignatius
Congratulations on your engagement! We are honored to walk with you as you prepare for the Sacrament of Marriage. Below are the essential steps that every couple will complete before their wedding day.
1. FOCCUS Inventory
This is a one-time questionnaire covering 16 themes related to marriage. Once completed, you’ll meet with a priest, deacon, or facilitator to go over the results together. It’s a great way to celebrate your strengths as a couple and talk through areas where you can grow.
2. Baptismal Certificates- Catholic partners: A recent (within the last six months) baptismal certificate with an official church seal is required. Please note: photocopies cannot be accepted.
- Non-Catholic partners: Evidence of baptism from your church community is also required.
3. Premarital Inquiry
At one of the initial meetings with the priest or deacon, you’ll go through a short series of questions. This is meant to confirm that you understand the meaning of your marriage vows and that you are both ready and eligible to be married in the Church.
4. Marriage License
A city marriage license must be obtained before your wedding day and presented to the officiating priest or deacon (at or before the rehearsal).
For more information, call the Marriage License Bureau of Baltimore City at 410-333-3780.
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Pre-Cana Preparation for Your Wedding
Preparing for marriage is an exciting journey, and we want to support you along the way. In addition to the preparation you receive at St. Ignatius, you will also participate in a program with other couples: Below are several options for Pre-Cana that you can choose from—pick the one that best fits your schedule and style:
Option 1: Online Preparation – Witness to Love
This flexible, online Catholic marriage program can be completed at your own pace. Once finished, your priest or facilitator will review the feedback with you to celebrate your strengths and talk through areas for growth.
Option 2: Engaged Encounter Weekend
Spend a meaningful 48 hours together (alongside other engaged couples) diving into the joys and challenges of married life. This retreat-style weekend is both enriching and spiritually uplifting, giving you time to focus on each other without distractions.
Option 3: GIVEN – A Day Retreat
This one-day retreat offers couples a chance to reflect on their relationship, deepen their faith, and connect with other engaged couples. It can also be combined with the mentor couple or online preparation for a more personalized experience.
Option 4: Couple-to-Couple
Meet with a married parish couple over four or five casual sessions at times that work for both of you. Together, you’ll talk about the real-life joys and challenges of marriage and learn from the wisdom of those already living it.
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While every couple’s journey to the altar is unique, there are certain situations that may require additional steps in the preparation process. We share these here so that you can be aware of them early on and avoid unnecessary delays.
1. Couples Not Registered at St. Ignatius
If neither the bride nor groom is a parishioner of St. Ignatius, you will need permission from your own pastor to celebrate your marriage outside of your home parish. This ensures that your parish is aware of your plans and can support you as you prepare for the sacrament.
2. Previous Marriages
If either or both parties have been married previously, the Church must first determine whether an annulment is necessary. According to Archdiocese of Baltimore guidelines, a wedding date cannot be set until all necessary annulments have been granted.
3. Permissions and Dispensations
In some cases, special permission from the Archbishop is required:- Marriage between a Catholic and a baptized non-Catholic Christian: The Catholic party must request permission from the Archbishop. This is called a permission for mixed religion, and the form is submitted to the Archdiocese several weeks before the wedding.
- Marriage between a Catholic and a non-Christian: The Catholic party must request what is called a dispensation for disparity of cult. This request is also made to the Archdiocese several weeks in advance of the wedding.
These permissions are routine but important, and we will guide you through the process to be sure everything is in place before your wedding day.
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Wedding Days
Weddings at St. Ignatius will be available only at 10:00 a.m. or 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays.
We cannot accommodate evening weddings.
We recommend that, when you schedule your wedding, you also schedule a time for the rehearsal, usually no later than 6:00 p.m.
A deposit is required to reserve the church at the time the wedding is initially scheduled.
The Ritual
Wedding couples are encouraged to take an active role in planning their marriage ceremony.
Ordinarily, the liturgy is prepared in conjunction with the officiating priest or deacon, who will acquaint the couple with the liturgical options available.
A wedding rehearsal is required for all couples.
“Candlelight” ceremonies are not permitted at St. Ignatius.
The Officiant
The parish priests of St. Ignatius have the primary responsibility to officiate at the marriages of their parishioners.
Friends or relatives of the wedding couple are also most welcome to officiate at weddings at St. Ignatius, but they will need to receive delegation from the pastor.
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The deposit is required to reserve the church at the time the wedding is initially scheduled, and the music coordinator fee is to be paid when the Wedding Music Planner Form is submitted.
All other fees must be paid at least one month prior to the date of the wedding.
- Organist or pianist – $300
- Vocalists and solo instrumentalists – $250
- The St. Ignatius Choir (four voices) – $950
- String quartet – $850 and up
- Harpists – $350 and up
- Other ensembles are negotiated separately.
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