Sacrament of Matrimony

Weddings at St Alphonsus

Sacrament of Matrimony

Sacramental preparation includes initial interview, canonical interview and Pre-Cana classes.

Church Requirements for Marriage

  1. Updated Birth Certificate and Certificate of No Marriage Record (CENOMAR) original copy from the National Statistic Office. (Please request 2 copies each: (1) for the church & (1) for application of Marriage License [#6]).
  2. Baptismal & Confirmation Certificates are requested from the parishes where both parties were baptized and confirmed.  Each certificate must be marked with “For Marriage Purposes Only” and issued not later than six (6) months.
  3. Canonical Interview: The couple is required to undergo a canonical interview with our priest at least six (6) months before the wedding. Set an appointment with the Parish Secretary after the requirement #s 1 & 2 have been submitted.
  4. Pre-Cana Seminar:  In preparation for marriage, the couple is required to attend this seminar. Ask the Parish Office regarding the schedule of Pre-Cana seminar here in the Parish. The couple may attend the seminar from other parishes. Discovery Weekend and Catholic Engagement Encounter are acceptable. Certificate of Attendance to any of the seminars may be submitted to the Parish Office.
  5. Marriage Banns: a public announcements of the forthcoming marriage. Banns must be posted for three consecutive weeks at the bulletin board of the couple’s respective parishes at least a month before the wedding. A permission from the Bride’s Parish Priest is sought in writing after the Banns have been made.
  6. Marriage License is requested from the City/Municipal Office where either of the couple resides. Must be valid only for 120 days upon issue. If the couple is already civilly married, an NSO authenticated copy of present Marriage Contract must be submitted together with the other requirements.
  7. List of Sponsors: A complete list of full name and address of sponsors must be submitted at least a month before the wedding date.
  8. ID Pictures: Submit 1 piece 2 x 2 colored picture taken recently.
  9. Review of Marriage Contract:  Before the final printing, the couple is requested to check and review the data on the Certificate of Marriage. This is done during the orientation. (Must attend: Maid/Matron of Honor, Best Man, Wedding Coordinator, if possible).
  10. Confession: A week before the wedding, the couple is required to make a good confession at the church of their preference.

Terms and Conditions

  1. Reservation is a “First come-first serve” basis. Reservation fee will be required to block the date and time chosen which must be confirmed in one week, otherwise, the tentative booking will be canceled and the reservation fee forfeited.
  2. Downpayment is given upon submission of the required docs.  Balance is payable two (2) months before the wedding date. NOTE: Downpayment will be forfeited in case of cancellation of the wedding.
  3. Bride and Groom “to-be” must attend the required canonical interview and counseling sessions with the priest of this church. Failure to attend without due notice will result in the Cancellation of the Wedding date.
  4. 2 months or 60 days before the wedding, all documents should be completely submitted free from discrepancies (except for the Banns and Permits which can be submitted two (2) weeks before the wedding at the latest) otherwise the wedding may have to be postponed or canceled.
  5. Notify the Parish Office should you have your own priest. ONLY A PRIEST WITH VALID ‘LICENSE TO SOLEMNIZE MARRIAGE’ AND OF GOOD STANDING AS EVIDENCED BY A VALID ‘CELEBRET’ WILL BE ALLOWED TO BE INVITED. THE COUPLE MUST GET THESE DOCUMENTS FROM THEIR INVITED PRIEST.
  6. Parish clearance for marriage may only be given to 21 years old and above.
  7. Only the Nuptial Rites approved by the National Liturgical Commission using the new Roman Missal can be used in the wedding. The template of the misalette will be sent thru email.
  8. The whole entourage should be present at the church thirty (30) minutes before the wedding starts. Those who are to read during the Rites must coordinate with the Sacristan Major.
  9. The ceremony will start EXACTLY at the scheduled time. (Marching of the entourage should start 15 minutes before the scheduled time).
  10. Wedding Coordinator/Planner and florist must arrange with the Parish Office Manager regarding particular preparations and plans preferred in the church or during the rites. Prohibitions in decorations or set-up that will damage church property will be taken off and charged to the couple.
  11. Guest singers must provide for their own accompaniment and must coordinate with the parish Sacristan Mayor for any equipment to be attached to the church sound system which would require permission from Parish Office.
  12. Shower of petals, coins, bubbles, etc., may be done at the church entrance only. Use of rice is strictly prohibited.
  13. The wedding dress of the bride should be proper for the sacred rites of the church.
  14. Inform the Parish Office immediately for any suspicious-looking visitor to avoid theft.

Additional Requirements

  1. For Foreigners: Submit “Affidavit of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage” (if not civilly married) from their respective Embassy in the Philippines or certification from the Department of Foreign Affairs if they have no Consular Office here in the Philippines. Please call Chancery Office (RCAM) 527-3955 or 527-3850 for the requirements.
  2. For Mixed Marriages (marriage between a catholic and non-catholic): A Promise and Declaration Form must be filled up in the Parish Office and signed by the priest during the canonical interview. The couple submits this to RCAM for issuance of a “Dispensation” which in turn is brought back and submitted to the parish.
  3. For Divorced or Annulled Applicant: Submit a copy of the official church “Declaration of Nullity” of previous marriage. It will require clearance from the Office of the Archbishop of Manila.
  4. For Japanese Citizen Applicant:  Endorsement form must be secured from the Chaplain of the Japanese Nationals in the Philippines at Traveler’s Life Building, 490 T. M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila, Tel. No. +632 638 8801
  5. For Chinese Citizen Applicant: Endorsement or clearance must be obtained from the Parish Priest of St. Jude Parish, J. P. Laurel St., San Miguel, Manila, Tel. No. 735-6408.
  6. For Widow or Widower Applicant: Submit a copy of the death certificate of the deceased spouse.

Rates and Inclusion of Donation

An appropriate donation given by the couple to the Church will include:

  1. The exclusive use of the church and its facilities.
  2. A copy of the approved liturgy for the wedding will be provided by the parish office (template will be emailed to the couple).
  3. A pair of special kneelers and chairs for the couple inclusive of special St. Alphonsus Nuptial candles. (The couple can bring these home.)
  4. The 2-hour use of the Air-conditioning units, which are turned on 30 minutes before the wedding, and additional fan for the couple.
  5. Sound System with (5) microphones. (Additional Php 500.00 each for the use of devices such as battery charger, lights video equipment, musical instrument, etc. that consumes electricity.)
  6. Use of choir loft & musical organ.
  7. Use of Carillion Bells (optional)
  8. Special chairs with kneelers for the parents of the couple.
  9. Quadruplicate copies of Marriage Contract or Civil Registration of Marriage Contract (duplicate for those who are civilly married).
  10. 2 day Pre-Cana Seminar to be conducted by our Pre-Cana Team inclusive of snacks and lunch.
  11. Canonical Documents to be signed by the couple with priest interviewer.
  12. Services of Church Wedding Officer, Sacristan Major and security aides.

Wedding Guidelines

Commentator, Lectors & Choir

The parish requires a commentator to be assigned by the couple who is well-versed at the Holy Mass Rites but we recommend those duly recognized by diocesan liturgical commission.  

Lineup of the songs to be sung has to be submitted not later than a week before the wedding.  Approval on such lineup will be communicated during the rehearsal day.

Wedding Coverage

Photographers are allowed to take photos on specific areas only.  The altar and the elevated area are exclusively for the priest, the altar servers and the couple.

Please observe the sequence on photo/video coverage after the wedding to ensure proper and orderly proceedings.

Wedding Call Time

The entrance procession must start at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time, or even earlier, for longer entourage.  This is to give due respect to whatever scheduled church activity that follows. Any delay due to the couple’s fault will have adverse consequence especially if it will disrupt scheduled parish activities.

Bible, Rings and Arrhae

Bearers are expected to entrust these symbols to the Best Man or parish church coordinator immediately after their processional march.

Post-Wedding Concerns

The parish allows flower petals and bubbles but done outside the front door of the church for the well-wishers.

Entourage

  • Best Man
  • Groom & Parents
  • Principal Sponsors
  • Secondary Sponsors
  • Groom’s Men & Bride’s Maids
  • Ring Bearer
  • Coin Bearer
  • Bible Bearer
  • Flower Girls
  • Maid of Honor
  • Parents of the Bride (to meet the Bride halfway to the altar)
  • Bride

Sequence of Marriage Ceremony

  • Introduction
  • Entrance of Entourage (with music)
  • Entrance of Presider (optional)
  • Opening Prayer
  • Liturgy of the Word
  • Homily
  • Wedding Rites (only instrumentals may be allowed)
  • Prayers of the Faithful
  • Offertory – Candles (in candle glass), and Canned goods / food items are offered to support the parish program for the poor
  • Installation of the veil & cord on the newly wed
  • Sanctus
  • Consecration
  • Great Amen
  • Lord’s Prayer
  • Nuptial Blessing
  • Kiss of Peace
  • Lamb of God
  • Communion (After communion, cord and veil are taken off)
  • Post-Communion Prayer
  • Sevenfold Blessings
  • Marriage contract signing by the couple ON THE ALTAR TABLE
  • Marriage contract signing by the principal sponsors on their respective seats (assisted by the Maid of Honor / Best Man)

Picture-Taking Sequence

Couple with:

  • Priest
  • Parents of the Bride
  • Immediate family of the Bride
  • Relatives of the Bride
  • Both parents
  • Parents of the Groom
  • Immediate family of the Groom
  • Relatives of the Groom
  • Principal Sponsors
  • Best Man & Maid of Honor
  • Secondary Sponsors
  • Grooms Men, Bride’s maid, flower girls & bearer
  • Friends of the Couple

Choir Instructions

Only the following are allowed to be sung:

  1. Processional Hymn
  2. Gospel Acclamation (Alleluia – if not Lent)
  3. Offertory song
  4. Great Amen
  5. Lord’s Prayer
  6. Communion songs
  7. Songs during Pictorial
  8. Recessional Hymn
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