Marriage
Marriage at St. Mary’s Parish Church, Williamstown
Welcome
We warmly welcome your enquiry about celebrating your marriage at St. Mary’s Parish Church, Williamstown. We are delighted that you are considering our beautiful church as the place to begin your married life together.
Celebrant
The Parish Priest of St. Mary’s, Fr. Greg Trythall, is happy to celebrate the marriage of any couple where either the Catholic bride or groom is a parishioner—that is, a resident within the parish. If neither the bride nor groom is a parishioner, the couple can speak with Fr. Greg about the possibility of being married at St. Mary’s. Alternatively, you may invite another priest to prepare you for marriage, complete the required documentation, and celebrate your wedding ceremony at the church.
Fees and Deposit
Church Use Fee: $900.00
Includes use of the church, flowers, and pew bows (if desired).
Note: This fee may be reduced if a parent of the bride or groom is a regular contributor to the parish.
Booking Deposit: $500.00
To confirm your booking, please return a completed Request for Marriage Form along with your deposit. The remaining balance must be paid no later than one month before your wedding date.
Priest’s Fee: $200.00
This covers the Commonwealth marriage paperwork, a rehearsal (if desired), and the wedding ceremony itself.
(Please note: fees may vary if another priest conducts the ceremony.)
Booking Your Date
You may contact the Presbytery Office to make a tentative booking. Your date will only be secured once the completed request form and $500 deposit have been received.
Required Documentation
Please bring the following documents to your first appointment with the priest who will officiate your wedding:
Baptism Certificate; Obtainable from the church where you were baptised, or from your parents if they have a copy.
Birth Certificate or Passport; If you do not have a valid passport, Commonwealth Law requires a birth certificate plus additional photo ID (e.g. driver’s licence).
If Previously Married; If either party has ever been married—anywhere—the Catholic Marriage Tribunal (Phone: 9287 5542) must declare you free to marry in the Catholic Church. Please discuss this with Fr. Greg.
Flowers
Church flower arrangements are provided in white and cream (neutral tones).
As several weddings often occur on the same weekend, it is not possible to customise the colour scheme for individual ceremonies.
Music
St. Mary’s offers a digital Roland piano, a pipe organ and an electric organ - all ideal for wedding music.
You may also bring your own digital playlist if preferred.
Recommended musicians:
Angela Pezzano – Pianist/Organist & Vocalist – 0414 532 201
Rosaleen O’Brien – Pianist/Organist – 0427 270 743
Emma Kate Tobia – Vocalist – 0408 944 035
Couples are welcome to engage other musicians of their choice.
Please note that you are responsible for contacting and paying musicians directly.
Photography and Video
Photography and videography are permitted during the ceremony, with the following guidelines: No photographs may be taken during the Readings or Sermon. Video recording may continue throughout, provided the videographer remains seated during the Readings and Sermon.
Confetti
Please note that confetti, rice, and flower petals are not permitted inside or outside the church. This policy helps us keep the church and grounds clean for all celebrations. Bubbles are acceptable as an alternative.
Please advise your guests accordingly.
Wedding Rehearsal
A rehearsal is normally arranged a few days before your wedding. Please organise the time first with your celebrating priest, then confirm it with the St. Mary’s Presbytery Office on 9397 6066.
Cancellations
If you wish to cancel your booking, please notify us in writing via email at williamstown@cam.org.au. Cancellations cannot be accepted by phone. All payments will be refunded, less a $100 administration fee.
Further Enquiries
If you have any questions or would like further information about your wedding at St. Mary’s Williamstown, please contact the:
St. Mary’s Presbytery Office
📞 9397 6066
📧 williamstown@cam.org.au
We look forward to assisting you in preparing for this joyful and sacred celebration.
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