Frequently Asked Questions
When can we schedule our wedding date?
After completing the Prenuptial Inquiry and FOCCUS/REFOCCUS Assessment and review with John and Toni Logan.
What days of the week and times are weddings celebrated?
Weddings are typically celebrated on Friday evenings at 5:00pm or Saturdays at 10:00am and 1:00pm. Other days of the week are permitted, providing that both the church and priest are available. Weddings cannot be celebrated on Sundays.
Are there any days that weddings are not permitted?
The Catholic Church does not permit nuptial masses and other ritual masses on November 2, the Feast of All Souls or on other solemn feasts, such as Solemnity of Mary (Octave of Christmas) Jan 1, Christmas Day, and during Holy Week. Marriages during the Season of Lent are not encouraged. We do not schedule weddings at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel on the first Friday or Saturday of every month.
When and where will the rehearsal be held?
The rehearsal is typically held in the church the night before the wedding at 5:00pm. If for some special reason, the day before the wedding does not work, an alternate date can be arranged.
Who will preside at our wedding?
We invite you to meet with our parish priests if you are going to marry at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. A priest/deacon will be assigned to the wedding based on their schedule. A couple may request a specific parish priest/deacon. The request will be honored as long as the priest/deacon’s schedule permits. Guest priests are also welcome to celebrate the wedding.
What time are we able to arrive at the church?
The church is available an hour and a half before your scheduled wedding time on the day of the wedding and half an hour after the wedding ends. You are welcome to take pictures before, during, and after the wedding. We ask that photographers be respectful and limit their movement during the wedding. Flash photography is allowed prior to and after the wedding, but not during the mass or ceremony.
Will the marriage be celebrated within the celebration of Mass?
If both the bride and the groom are Catholic celebrating a marriage within a Mass is recommended since the Eucharist is our main sign of unity. This entire liturgy will be approximately one hour in length. If either the bride or the groom is not Catholic, it is recommended the marriage be celebrated without a Mass. Since at present, Catholics and other Christians do not have shared communion, it would be inhospitable to have only the bride or the groom receive the Eucharist. This communicates a strong symbol of disunity. This entire liturgy will be approximately forty minutes in length.
Is there a dress code for the bride and bridal party?
As an act of reverence, the Catholic Church seeks modesty of dress for the bridal party. Shoulder-baring dresses (halter-style, spaghetti straps, or strapless) for the bride and bridesmaids are not considered appropriate attire for the wedding ceremony. While it is not prohibited to have dressed of these styles at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, it is required to cover the shoulders, either with a wrap, shrug, or other garment.
Can we have flowers, pew bows, and runners?
You are welcome to bring flowers to decorate the church except during the season of Lent. However, your bridal party is welcome to carry flowers all year. You may use pew bows but please do not use tape to attach them (rubber bands, floral wire and pipe cleaners work just was well). Aisle runners are a nice touch to a wedding, they do however create an issue of tripping by guests and wedding party. They are permitted, but not recommended.
How many witnesses or people in the bridal party should we have?
The size of your bridal party is up to you. The Catholic Church does require that you have two witnesses present. These witnesses must be at least 16 years of age and they do not have to be Catholic. However, the State of Arizona requires that the witnesses signing the marriage license are at least 18 years of age.
What kind of music can we have at our wedding?
The music you select for your wedding must be liturgical in nature. Secular music is not permitted during the liturgy. Although you are strongly encouraged to use Our Lady of Mt. Carmel musicians, if you chose to use a liturgical musician that is not affiliated with our parish you are still required to meet with our Wedding Music Coordinator.
Who will help plan the marriage liturgy?
One of our Wedding Coordinators will assist you in planning the details of the liturgy. She will schedule and conduct your rehearsal, finish preparing the marriage license, as well as be present on your wedding day from the time you arrive to the time you depart, making sure all details are complete. Plan to meet with the Wedding Coordinator at least four weeks before the wedding and feel free to call her with questions regarding flowers, photography, etc. anytime leading up to that meeting.
What Scripture readings will be used, how do we select them and who should read them?
The recommended readings are in the book "Together for Life" and are the readings most appropriate for this liturgy. You will receive this book when you meet with Toni Logan.
You need to select THREE readings for your wedding: one from the Old Testament/Hebrew Scriptures, one from the New Testament/Christian Scriptures, and one from the Gospels in the New Testament. When you have made your Scripture selections, select ONE wedding guest to read the Old Testament/Hebrew Scripture reading and ONE wedding guest to read the New Testament reading. The priest/deacon will read the Gospel from the New Testament.
If you are having a Mass, the readers must be Catholic. Select one person, to read the Prayers of the Faithful. The person reading the Prayers of the Faithful does not have to be Catholic. Please remember in your choice of readers to select people who read clearly and distinctly, who can project their voice, and who are not afraid of a microphone. Give all the readers their reading well in advance so they can practice. Please, consider also selecting readers who can attend the rehearsal so that they can practice in the actual space and with the sound system. If you are having a wedding Mass, you will also need 2 people to bring the gifts of bread and wine forward. The gift bearers do not have to be Catholic.
What role does Hospitality play?
To be welcoming, hospitality always plays an important role. It speaks of gratitude to friends and family when the bride and groom greet and welcome their guests upon arrival. It creates a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, putting people in a celebratory and participatory mood. Since your guests have been invited to share in this special day in your life, it dispenses with formality by putting emphasis on the relationship of the couple to the guests. It may also help relax and calm you during the time you are waiting for the liturgy to begin. It is a beautiful way of expressing gratitude and appreciation to guests for their presence. Although this is optional, it is worth your consideration.
Ushers/Greeters: Ushers and greeters could be inside or outside welcoming people and distributing
Worship Aides: You can be assured your guests are greeted if you choose people for this role who are welcoming by nature.
Guest Book: If you plan to have a guest book at the church, it is good to have a person placed at the book to welcome guests and invite them to sign the guest book.
What about wedding customs?
Flowers to the Blessed Mother: This practice is a personal religious devotion. It consists of taking flowers to the statue of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. The couple silently asks Mary to remain close to them throughout their marriage. This custom is optional, so if it is not important to you personally, we do not suggest you add it to your ceremony.
Lazo & Arras: This Hispanic custom is optional. Again, if it is not important to you personally, we do not suggest you add this to your ceremony.
Holding a Crucifix during the Vows: This practice is optional but encouraged. The couple can purchase a crucifix to be used during the nuptial mass and remain in their home as a reminder of their covenant with God and each other.
