CATHOLIC PARISH MELTON (St Dominic's)

Getting Married at Melton Parish

The Sacrament of Matrimony

God who is love and who created man and woman for love has called them to love. By creating man and woman he called them to an intimate communion of life and of love in marriage: “So that they are no longer two, but one flesh” (Matthew 19:6). God said to them in blessing “Be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28).


The marital union of man and woman, which is founded and endowed with its own proper laws by the Creator, is by its very nature ordered to the communion and good of the couple and to the generation and education of children. According to the original divine plan, this conjugal union is indissoluble, as Jesus Christ affirmed: “What God has joined together, let no man put asunder” (Mark 10:9) Christ not only restored the original order of matrimony but raised it to the dignity of a sacrament, giving spouses a special grace to live out their marriage as a symbol of Christ’s love for his bride the Church: “Husbands, love your wives as Christ loves the Church” (Ephesians 5:25).


Getting Married at Melton Parish

·        BOOKINGS

We cannot guarantee and confirm any wedding bookings more than twelve months ahead of your proposed date. In order to confirm your wedding please complete a Booking Form for Marriage and forward it along with a (non-refundable) deposit of $150.00 to the parish office within 14 days of receipt of this brochure.

Cheque or money order should be made payable to: St Dominic’s Parish (Dishonoured cheques—all fees to be paid by the account holder)

§ By mail to:

Parish Office

St Dominic’s Parish

PO Box 96, Melton VIC 3337

§ Or, in person, during office hours to: 10 Unitt Street, Melton VIC 3337

 

Please note: If we do not receive the form and deposit within 14 days after being sent out or of initial contact/inquiry, your booking will be cancelled.


  • CANCELLATION

If for any reason you wish to cancel your booking, you must do so in writing as soon as possible.


  • FEES

The following fees apply:

§ Ceremony in St Dominic’s Church $300.00

§ Ceremony in St Catherine of Siena Church $400.00

§ Celebrant $400.00

Following the payment of the deposit, the remaining should be paid no later than two months prior to the wedding. A fee of $50.00 will be charged for opening the Church should a visiting celebrant be officiating at the service.


  • DATE

The Church is available all day up to 3.30 pm Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon to 4.00 pm.


  • CONFETTI, etc.

Confetti, rice, rose petals, balloons or similar materials are prohibited both in the Church and the property environs. Bubbles may be used. Failure to comply will incur cleanings cost which will be passed on to the Bridal couple.


  • PHOTOGRAPHY

One professional photographer may take formal photographs in the Church. He/she must agree to follow standard Church practice to be discreet and not enter the sanctuary area during the ceremony. Photographs may only be taken from the front pillar Lectern side during the ceremony and the photographer should not move around excessively. Artificial lighting is not permitted in the Church.

The same rules apply to having a professional video camera operator. Prior to the ceremony, photographers will need to agree, either in person or by phone to observe Church protocol.


  • VISITING CELEBRANTS

Any Catholic priest or deacon registered as a Marriage Celebrant in Australia may officiate. You should include his name and contact number on your application form so that we may contact him. Your marriage celebrant will be responsible for the following:

§ Marriage Papers/Documents In Australia, a priest/celebrant acts on behalf of both the Commonwealth and the Church. He will explain what certificates you need to produce and will complete all documentation for you. It is important to see him early as “The Notice of Intended Marriage” must be completed not more than eighteen months and not less than one month before marriage.

§ Marriage Preparation It is strongly recommended that a couple attend a pre-marriage education program. These programs open up for discussion and consideration of many issues, which contribute to a happy and successful marriage. There are several programs available. Your celebrant will guide you on your choice.

§ Wedding Booklet (Order of Service) He will guide you in the selection of prayers and scripture. Since a Wedding (Ceremony or Nuptial Mass) is the liturgy of the Church, the booklet must be in accord with “The Rite of Marriage approved for use in Australia”.

§ Additional Fee for Unlocking Church A fee of $50.00 will be charged for opening the Church should a visiting celebrant be officiating at the service.

Before printing your wedding booklet, you must submit a copy to the Celebrant for approval.


  • FLOWERS

Flowers are to be arranged by the Bridal couple.


  • MUSIC

Music is to be arranged by the Bridal couple.


  • DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED

It is recommended that the following documentation be taken to the first meeting with the Celebrant performing your marriage ceremony:

1.    Birth Certificate (or extract of)

2.    Baptism Certificate

3.    Confirmation Certificate

4.   Letter of Freedom/Permission to Marry out of your Parish (this only applies to those who reside outside the Parish zones of the Parish of Melton)

5.    If one if more of the couple have been previously married, then all Divorce and Annulment documentation must be provided at this meeting.


  • MEETINGS WITH CELEBRANT

The recommended time to make an appointment to meet with the Celebrant celebrating your wedding is four months prior to the wedding date. However, if either of the married couples has been divorced and an annulment has not been granted, it is suggested that you make your first appointment at least six months prior to the wedding date.


Downloadable Resources