Matrimony

“But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother [and be joined to his wife], and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate.” (Mark 10:6-9)

If you wish to be married at St Lawrence Catholic Church, please contact the parish office AT LEAST 6 months before your desired wedding date. The Catholic Church teaches that cohabitation prior to marriage is sinful and therefore a hindrance to proper preparation for the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. Couples who are living together will be asked to live separately during the marriage preparation time.

The priests and the deacon of the parish prepare all couples and officiate at weddings. Roman Catholic priests or deacons who are relatives or close personal friends are welcome to officiate at weddings if they are in good standing with their Bishop or religious superior and have the religious and civil authority to officiate at marriages in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Marriage Preparation:

  • Meetings with Priest: All couples will have several meetings with a priest who will assist them in preparing for marriage and the wedding.
  • Conference for the Engaged: All couples are required to participate in this weekend conference by the Diocese of Arlington.
  • Natural Family Planning: Couples are normally required to attend these classes, usually 2 hours long and 3 or 4 in number.
  • FOCCUS: Couples must complete this personality profile, after meeting with the priest.
  • Music Selection: All matters related to wedding music (selection, musicians, cantors, etc.) must be coordinated and approved by the Director of Music for St. Lawrence, Mr Raymond St. Pierre. Wedding music must be sacred music and comply with norms established by the Diocese of Arlington and the parish.
  • Altar Flowers and Other Decorations: couples should talk to the priest doing their marriage prep regarding all floral arrangements for the altar and other decorations in the church, such as pew markers.
  • Photography: Photographers must be respectful of the sacred nature of the ceremony and the church. During the ceremony the photographer may not use flash, block the congregation, enter the sanctuary, or be a distraction to either the priest, the couple, or the congregation.

St. Lawrence Catholic Church
6222 Franconia Road
Alexandria, VA, 22310
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(703) 971-4378
(703) 971-0331
Email the Office

©2024 St. Lawrence Catholic Church