Marriage

Enfield/Rathmolyon Parish

Wedding Ceremony Guidelines

 Introduction:

The Priests of the parish congratulate you on your decision to celebrate your wedding in Enfield/Rathmolyon Parish.  We hope your wedding day will be happy and relaxed.  To assist you in organising and planning your day, you will find the following information helpful.

 Booking the Church:

At least one party must be baptised in the Roman Catholic Church.

To reserve the church for your wedding please make contact with either Fr. Michael Whittaker, Parochial House, Enfield 046-9541282 or Fr. Seán Fay, The Presbytery, Rathmolyon 046-955212 and they will fill out a Booking Form with you. A booking form is available here.  While you need to give only 3 months notice, it is advisable to book the church long in advance to make sure it is available on the day required.

In line with Meath Diocesan Policy, Weddings are not permitted on a Sunday or on Holy Days.

 State Requirements:

You must give at least 3 months notice to the Civil Registrar of your intention to marry.

You have to make an appointment to meet the Civil Registrar. This can now be done online at www.crsappointments.ie

For this meeting you will need the following:

• Photo Identification (Passport or Driving Licence).
• Names and Dates of Birth of Witnesses.
• Name of Church where you wish to marry.
• Date of Marriage.
• Name of Priest who will officiate at your wedding.
• If previously married you must provide the Registrar with an original divorce decree or death certificate if widowed.
• Make sure the priest who has agreed to marry you is on the “Lists of Solemnisers”.  If not ask your local priest to have him nominated as a Temporary Solemniser for the wedding.

 Having registered your wedding both parties and the church where your wedding will be celebrated will receive an acknowledgement from the registrar.  You will also receive a green folder containing your Marriage Registration Form (M.R.F), which you must bring to the church on your wedding day.

On the day of the wedding you will complete your civil obligation when you sign the marriage licence.

 Church Documents Required:

Because of the importance of the lifelong commitment that is marriage, the church believes that it is important to give at least 3 months notice of your intention to marry.

 You will need the following documents:

• A recent Baptismal Cert from each party from the church where you were baptised (issued in the last 6 months).
• A Confirmation Cert from your church where you were confirmed.
• A Letter of Freedom stating that you are free to marry.

A Letter of Freedom should be attained from each parish in which you lived for more than 6 months stating that you didn’t get married while you lived there.  Alternatively you may sign a written affidavit before a solicitor of your freedom to marry (Copy of this form can be obtained from the priests of the parish).

• A Record of Attendance at a pre marriage course.  Courses should be booked 6 – 12 months in advance.  Courses run by Accord are the recommended courses for couples getting married in the Meath Diocese.  Contact Accord Navan at 046 -9023146. Or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• When you have all the above documents arrange to meet a priest of the parish who will fill out a Pre Nuptial Enquiry Form with you.  This form asks a number of questions to make sure that you understand what you are undertaking.

 When all documents are completed they will be sent to the church where the wedding is to take place.

 Papal Blessing:

If you wish to apply for a Papal Blessing you will need a letter of Recommendation from a priest in your parish.

The Papal Blessing Parchment can be obtained from Veritas, Middle Abbey Street, Dublin 1. Tel: 01 878 8177 l Fax: 01 878 6507.

 Inter Faith Marriages:

If you marriage is an Inter Faith marriage (one of you is not a catholic), a special permission/dispensation is required for marriage.  Your priest will apply for these.

 Getting Married Abroad:

If  you are getting married abroad, it is absolutely essential for couples to meet with their local priest before making any arrangements.  The meeting should take place at least 6 months prior to the intended date.

 Preparing your Wedding Ceremony:

Ask the priest who is to officiate at your wedding to help you with the task of creating your marriage ceremony.  There are a variety of prayers and readings.  Choose the person(s) who are to read these.  Make sure to have a rehearsal before the ceremony.

 Flowers:

Flowers are usually part of the wedding celebration.  Traditionally Brides would leave some of the floral decoration in the church after the wedding and this is greatly appreciated.

 Music and Songs:

It is advisable to consult the priest about the music you would like for your wedding.

If you wish to hire one of our local church organists please contact the following.

Jordanstown: Ann Cooney 0877626170

Rathmolyon: Aileen Heffernan 046 9555250.

 Websites which may be helpful:

http://www.accord.ie/

http://www.gettingmarried.ie/pages/index.php

www.irishcollege.org

www.groireland.ie/getting_married.htm

 Parish Protocol:

Please try to be no more than 10 minutes late for the celebration of your wedding.

Confetti or Rice is prohibited in the church grounds.

Always remember that you and your guests are in a house of prayer.