GETTING MARRIED THIS YEAR?
Couples who intend to get married in St. Mary's and who have not already been in touch with Fr. Terry please do so as soon as possible. We like couples to allow at least six months between contacting us and the date of the wedding.

MEETING WITH THE PRIEST.

As with most things these days there is quite some paperwork involved in getting married. At the initial meeting with the priest you will be asked to help him fill in a Pre-Nuptial Inquiry form. This is information with regards to both of you, where you live, where you were baptised, etc. After this meeting he will advise you on obtaining the following documents.....

CATHOLIC PARTNER.
[1]. A copy of your baptismal certificate, to be issue ONLY SIX MONTHS prior to the wedding. [If you have one from the day you were baptised as a child this is NOT acceptable.] This can be easily obtained from the parish priest where you were baptised. We suggest, if you cannot visit the priest conveniently, that you write to him enclosing a stamped addressed envelope.
[2]. If you are not resident in St. Mary's parish a LETTER OF FREEDOM from the Parish priest within whose boundary you live will have to be obtained and you will need his permission to get married at St. Mary's Church.

NON-CATHOLIC PARTNER.
[1]. You will need proof that you have been baptised in a Christian Church. If you are not a Christian the priest will explain the proceedure.
[2]. You will also need a letter from your parents indicating that you are free to marry and that you have never been married before.

Once these documents have been received you will be asked to sign the form in the presence of the priest.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSE.

The Catholic Church requires that all engaged couples prepare for their marriage. In St. Mary's we offer a course at least once a year, sometimes twice, depending upon demand. Both partners are requested to attend. If it is difficult for couples to attend this course we can make arrangements for alternatives either at "Marriage Care" or "Engaged Encounter". The priest will discuss these options with you.

MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE.

In order to fulfill the Civil Law you will require a Marriage Certificate issued by the Registrar of the district in which you live. For those living in the City of Birmingham this can be obtained from the Registry Office in Broad Street. By law you must give fifteen days notice but we suggest at least FORTYFIVE days. When you go to the Registry Office they will ask you who the authorised person is and this will be Fr. Terry Fee. You must have with you your BIRTH CERTIFICATE. Once you have the Marriage Certificate in your possession you MUST bring it back to St. Mary's as soon as possible. WITHOUT THIS CERTIFICATE YOU CANNOT BE MARRIED AT ST. MARY'S.

[If you live in St. Mary's parish and we are having to deal with the paperwork because you are getting married somewhere else we will discuss these details separately at our initial meeting with you.

PREPARING THE CEREMONY.

Will we have a Nuptial Mass or a Wedding Service? The priest will talk this out with you and help you to come to the best decision. He will also help you to choose the Scripture readings which will be used at the service. Take time and effort over the readings, don't just leave it up to the priest. Also he will help you with any music which must be Christian based. Finally, a WEDDING REHERSAL will be arranged which will take place during the week prior to the Wedding. Required at the rehersal will be the bride, groom, best man, bridesmaids, father of the bride [or whoever is giving her away], and the readers. Other members of the family are also very welcome to attend if they wish.

FEES PAYABLE.

As you will appreciate there is much work to be done on your behalf in order to prepare for your wedding. Therefore we will have to make a charge of £100. which includes the Legal Registration fee. We would be gratefull if this could be paid, at the latest, on the evening of the rehersal.

MUSIC AND FLOWERS.

MUSIC: We suggest that you contact Mrs. Josie Plummer [422 8804] who will advise you on this matter. She will also discuss with you as to whether you would like the choir and/or musicians and she will advise you of the charges and fees payable.
FLOWERS: These need to be arranged with the ladies who look after them at St. Mary's, [we will give you the name of the contact nearer the date] or you can arrange for another florist to do them for you but do please let us know if you choose the latter option. If there are two or more couples getting married on the same day we will let you know and suggest that you get in contact with them to see if you could share the cost of the flowers, or florist, between you all.

CELEBRATING AFTER THE CEREMONY.

No doubt you will be having a Wedding reception afterwards and if you are not sure where this could take place we can make some suggestions to help you. If you are not already aware St. Mary's does have a Parish Centre which is available for hire for such events. If you would like more information about the centre please contact the Manager there.

Now that you have made contact with us in preparing for your Wedding, we do ask you to stay in touch. If you change telephone numbers, addresses, or if your plans have to be changed for any reason then please do contact us immediately. We are always available for assistance during the time of preparation. Please don't hesitate to contact us and we will do our very best to be of service.