Marriage

Weddings at Saint Vincent de Paul Parish Marriage Preparation and Wedding PoliciesThe decision you have made to celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage is a great gift to yourselves, your families, friends, and the Christian community.

Marriage is a public witness that symbolizes and expresses the bond between God and humanity. It is a sacrament of vocation that brings challenge, joy, and blessing to everyone.

Roman Catholic theology teaches that the bride and groom are the actual ministers of the Sacrament of Marriage. The exchange of consent and life-long vows is witnessed by the priest or deacon on behalf of the church. Marriage preparation is intended to assist the bride and groom in every way possible as they assume their ministerial role in the Christian community.

The following information is intended to help as you plan and prepare for your wedding at Saint Vincent de Paul Parish. The marriage preparation steps are also required if you plan on having your wedding elsewhere but wish to participate in marriage preparation through Saint Vincent’s. While each wedding is unique, there are also logistical guidelines and parish customs that will be included in your marriage planning and preparation.

Who Can Be Married at Saint Vincent’s?

• Saint Vincent’s requires that the bride, the groom, or both, be registered parishioners for four months prior to contacting the Parish Office to discuss wedding dates and preparation.
• Saint Vincent’s welcomes DePaul University faculty, staff, students, and alumni weddings provided either the bride, groom, or both are Roman Catholic and actively engaged in the practice of their faith.
• Any previous marriages must be resolved by a declaration of nullity before we can discuss marriage at St. Vincent. This applies to Catholics and non-Catholics, as well as marriages performed outside of the Catholic Church.

For more information, please contact Mary Carter at mcarte40@depaul.edu.