The marriage of a Christian man and woman is a sacred covenant, raised by Jesus Christ to the dignity of a sacrament, a symbol of his love for his people. A wedding is a Church liturgy, with every aspect expressing the sense of the prayerful and the sacred.
 
A wedding is for a day, a marriage is for a lifetime. The Church’s responsibility extends not only to guiding the couple in planning their wedding, but to the extent possible, offering available resources to help them prepare for that lifetime together. In the Diocese of Steubenville there is a requirement of a six month period of marriage preparation. It is recommended that the preparations for the marriage begin well before this timeline. During the pre-marriage sessions the couple will complete the marriage information paperwork, take the Pre-Marital Inventory assessment tool, and plan the wedding ceremony.
 
The couple is required to attend a pre-marriage program, here or elsewhere. St. Mary’s Parish program is generally presented twice a year in the spring and fall. Please call the parish offices for information on the upcoming dates.
 
Catholics are encouraged to go to confession as part of their preparation.
 
PARISH REGULATIONS
 
WEDDING WITHIN MASS / WEDDING OUTSIDE OF MASS
TIMES OF CELEBRATION
The wedding of two Catholics is generally celebrated with a Mass, no later than 1:30 p.m. on a Saturday. The wedding of a Catholic and a non-Catholic is generally celebrated outside of the Mass, so that everyone present may fully participate. If this option is chosen, the latest time will be 2:00 p.m.
 
SCRIPTURE READINGS
The couple may choose the first and second readings and the general intercessions from those provided. One to three readers may be appointed to read these selections, but only if they are competent to read with faith and meaning. The parish will provide a wedding planning booklet to assist the couple in planning these selections.
 
MUSIC
The couple must contact the parish music director, Mrs. Janet Berher, at least five months prior to the wedding at 740-296-1195. She will meet with the couple to assist them in choosing their music which is liturgically appropriate.
 
ATTENDANTS
There must be two principal witnesses: Best Man and Maid/Matron of Honor. There may also be additional attendants: bridesmaids, ushers, flower girl and ring bearer. It is recommended that any children involved are at least 4 years old.
 
CANDLES
Only the regular sanctuary candles are permitted – no additional candles may be placed in the church. There is no “unity candle” used in the wedding liturgy.

FLOWERS, NUMBER OF PEWS, AISLE LENGTH, ETC.
Attached are the rules for your florist; please see that they are observed! Scattering of flower petals, rice, bird seed, or confetti is prohibited on the church premises. Bows, floral arrangements, and the like may be affixed to the pews only with soft ribbon or cord, never with wire, thumbtacks, or tape. There are 12 pews per side on the main aisle. The main aisle is 40 feet in length (from the carpeting in the main aisle to the altar steps) in the church proper; to the main doors from the altar is 70 feet in length.
 
PHOTOGRAPHY / VIDEOGRAPHY
Attached are the rules for your photographer/videographer; please see that they are observed! Pictures may not be taken in the sanctuary prior to the ceremony, however, they may be taken in Marian Hall or outside on the church grounds. It is important that any photography afterward be brief, especially if the wedding is celebrated on a Saturday afternoon.
 
FEES
The music director will explain the fees for the music ministry, which are to be paid at least two months ahead of time. A $25.00 maintenance fee is required, check payable to St. Mary’s Church, and presented to the pastor beforehand. If there are altar servers from the parish assisting at the wedding Mass, it is customary to give them at least $20.00 per server. It is also customary to give the officiant a discretionary honorarium in appreciation for his services prior to the wedding ceremony. Non-parishioners may use the church for a fee of $500.00. All fees should be paid prior to the wedding ceremony.
 
REHEARSAL
The rehearsal is generally held on the evening prior to the wedding. It is important that those involved in the wedding ceremony be present at the appointed time.
 
MARRIAGE LICENSE
The marriage license must be an Ohio license, and it needs to be presented to the priest prior to the rehearsal. You may find out specific information about the marriage license at: 
 www.belmontcountyprobatecourt.com/index3.php?topic=marriage.php
 
WEDDING RINGS
The wedding bands should be given to the attendant who will present them for the blessing during the ceremony.
 
RECEPTION LINE
This is to be arranged by the couple. It may be in the entrance of the church (the narthex) or, weather permitting, outside on the patio.  
 
DRESSING SPACE
The bride and her attendants may prepare themselves in Marian Hall, provided it is left in good order. The groom and his attendants generally arrive in their tuxedoes.