Pastoral Services
Matrimony
FAQ about getting married at St. Boniface Church:
Who can be married at St. Boniface Church?
We ask that at least one of the parties be from the parish or have a connection to it, e.g. their parents are members of the parish. People from other parishes would be expected to arrange for marriage in their own parishes. If you are not sure if you "qualify", give us a call.
How much does it cost?
There is a $450 to $700 donation for use of the church. It is customary to give the priest a stipend. The fee for the wedding coordinator is $100. The fee for musicians is $175 per musician. This will be arranged when you meet with our music director, Emett Loera, (714) 267-1200.
How far in advance should we contact the church?
You might be surprised to learn that most couples give us 9 to 18 monthsadvance notice. but the minimum is 6 months from the day you have your first meeting with a priest or deacon.
How do we get started?
Call the church at (714) 956-3110 for an appointment with a priest or deacon to discuss your classes, paperwork, etc. Afterwards, the priest/deacon will schedule a wedding date.
What if my fiance/fiancee is not Catholic?
We welcome ecumenical and interfaith couples. The length of preparation time is the same as Catholic couples. However, there are some very important things that need to be kept in mind. The couple needs to sort out the implications of two faith traditions for themselves and for their children. We can be of help in this matter if you want.
What if my fiance/fiancee is not Christian?
We welcome interfaith couples. The fact that one is Catholic and the other is not Christian does not, of itself, keep a couple from being married at St. Boniface Church (or in any other Catholic church). There are some very real challenges, however, that the couple needs to address. We can be of help in this matter if you want.
What if I have not attended Mass regularly in a long time?
Since marriage is a sacrament of the church, it will be important to take positive steps to return to the regular practice of the faith. One reason for taking 6 months or more to prepare for marriage in the Catholic church is to give the couple the time and the opportunity to do this.
Must I have been confirmed?
Normally, one would be confirmed before getting married. For more information about our adult confirmation or first communion classes, please contact Sr. Vickie Brady, (714) 956-3110 ext. 102.
If one of us have been married previously, can we still be married in the church?
It will be important to make an appointment with one of the priests before anything else. He will explain your situation and offer help. No marriage date will be set while a previous marriage situation remains unresolved.
If I get married in another church, will I remain a Catholic in good standing?
Since marriage in the Catholic Church is a requirement for Catholics, a person who marries elsewhere without special approval cna no longer consider himself to be in good standing. He is not excommunicated, i.e. denied entry into the Church, but he is not entitled to receive Holy Communion nor act as a godparent or sponsor for baptism, confirmation, etc, until such time as the marriage has been validated according to the laws of the Catholic Church.
Can divorced people receive Holy Communion?
Yes, as long as they are not living with another person or are in another marriage not sanctioned by the Church.