Designed in the early English Gothic Revival style, St Mary's Catholic Church has been hosting weddings for nearly two centuries.
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We at the Parish welcome you to celebrate your wedding in our beautiful historic Church. Please read our FAQs below carefully before enquiring.
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Can I get married at St Mary’s?
A Catholic wedding must include at least one partner who is a baptised Catholic.
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When can St Mary’s hold our wedding? What time?
The Church can be booked for a wedding at the following times:
Weekdays 4.00pm
Saturdays 12pm, 2.00pm, 4.00pm
Sundays 1.00pm, 3.00pm
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How do I know if my preferred date is available?
If you would like to enquire about the availability of dates, please complete and submit the enquiry form on the contact page of our website or call us at 03 9287 5530 during office hours (Tuesday to Friday 9am to 5pm).
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Who will be my wedding celebrant?
St Mary’s has two parish clergy, Fr. Jerome Santamaria and Deacon Jim Curtain who can officiate your wedding. If you wish to have a Nuptial Mass on a Sunday, you have to find your own priest. And if you know another priest and wish to have him celebrate your wedding, please inform Fr Jerome and the Parish office.
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Should I attend the Marriage Preparation program?
Prior to your wedding day it is necessary that you both complete a program of marriage preparation. The programs are designed to open up many important issues and help to contribute to your successful, happy and lifelong marriage. There are many programs available for couples preparing to marry in the Catholic Church.
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Details of organisations and/or individuals who runs the marriage preparation course will be provided to you after you have booked with us.
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What are the fees?
For those who are not regular parishioners of St Mary’s the total cost for the use of the church is $1900 which includes an offering to the priest of $400. (If you choose to bring your own priest the fee for the use of the church is $1500.)
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When are the fees due?
If you wish to proceed with your wedding booking, full payment is required within 30 days of your initial appointment.
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Once payment is made your booking will be confirmed and will be entered into the church diary. If payment is not made within the required time period the reservation will be cancelled.
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If you need to cancel your booking two months or more before your requested date a full refund will be made. In the event of late cancellations (under two months) a fee of $300 will be retained by the parish.
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What are the music requirements for my wedding?
The choice of music for your wedding should be in keeping with the sacred nature of the ceremony. Please check with the Celebrant before finalising your music selection with your musicians.
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Our Parish musicians would be happy to hear from you should you have any enquiries and wish to book them for your wedding. Details will be provided upon request. Payment for organists, singers and other musicians is arranged directly with them at an extra cost to you.
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My fiancé(e) and I recently moved interstate/overseas for work. Can I still be married at St Mary's?
Yes. We have held a handful of weddings for couples living interstate or overseas. These requests must be submitted more than 6 months prior to the wedding date. Wedding documentation must be prepared and done by your local Parish priest before they are forwarded to us.
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Information about the Church for your wedding:
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Flowers
Couples may choose to arrange flowers for the wedding day, a flower display can be placed on the each of the two stone pedestals behind the railing at the back of the altar. If only one display is chosen then it can be placed in front of the lectern.
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Pew Decorations
St Mary’s provides fabric bows for the pews. Couples may choose an alternative option if they wish.
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Bells
The Church Bells will be rung after the wedding ceremony to ring in the new marriage.
Confetti/Rice/Flower petals
These are not permitted in the Church or on the grounds as it voids the Parish Insurance. (They are regarded as liability hazards). Bubble blowing is permitted.
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Car parking
Bridal party cars are allowed to park on the grounds. Guest parking is on Dandenong Road and Westbury Street. St Mary’s has no allocated car parking on the grounds and will not be permitted on the day. We request that your guests are advised of this before your wedding day.
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Behaviour
It is the responsibility of the Bridal Party and their families to ensure that you and your guests behave in a manner that is respectful of the Church and the Sacrament of Matrimony. The drinking of alcohol or smoking on the grounds of the Church is not permitted.
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Do I get to have a run through of the program before my wedding day?
Rehearsal is held in the evening a couple of days prior to your wedding day. Please ensure that your Celebrant is available to run the rehearsal. Please contact the parish office to arrange a mutually agreeable time.
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I have read and understood this document. How do I proceed?
You are required to meet our Parish Priest Fr Jerome or Parish Deacon, Rev Jim Curtain, if you wish to book St Mary’s for your wedding. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss his availability and brief details of the ceremony. If you wish to bring your own celebrant, you may inform us during this initial meeting.
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Please phone the parish office on 03 9287 5530 during office hours (Tuesday to Friday 9am to 5pm) to arrange this appointment.
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We wish you all the best with the planning of your marriage ceremony and pray that God blesses your new life together.