Guidelines for Weddings
Saint Anthony’s Church of East Falmouth
 

Dear Friends,

Congratulations on your decision to be married. We are happy that you have chosen to exchange your vows at St. Anthony’s. This parish since 1924 was the home for Portuguese-American Catholic’s and a parish for area Catholic’s since 1977; it has a unique heritage in a very impressive setting. It is, however, more than a beautiful church, it is the center of worship for this  faith community. We are happy that this sacrament is to be celebrated in St. Anthony’s and we extend a  warm welcome.

1. Marriage offers us a special opportunity to deepen our faith, and in some cases to rediscover our faith.  For this reason the Diocese of Fall River requires  a Marriage Preparation Program.
     
2. The wedding is a solemn occasion. We will assist you in many ways to  help celebrate the day of your wedding, but also to assist your preparation for the Sacrament of Marriage as a life long commitment.

a) The couple themselves choose the Scripture Readings, Prayers, Vows and Blessings. Customarily family members or friends serve as the Lector at your    wedding.
           
b)Music is an important part of your wedding ceremony; couples should contact our Director of Music; Susan Pennington at 508-548-4956 to employ her for your wedding.  If a couple wishes to use another organist, this should be discussed with her.

c)The celebrant for your wedding can be a priest relative or friend, other clergy members   are welcome at Saint Anthony’s, however, this should also be discussed well in advance for legal and canonical permission.

Other Considerations:

a)  Flowers:  If you provide flowers for the Sanctuary, two matching arrangements  are recommended. Flowers should remain in the church following your wedding.   

b)  Runners: The use of an aisle runner is NOT allowed because of the hazard they present.     

c)   Photographs: The photographer should check with the presiding priest prior to the wedding.  Videotaping is possible as long as no additional lighting is used.

d)   Rehearsal:  We attempt to arrange a mutually convenient time. The members of your wedding party are asked to be on time, to minimize any conflicts with other events. The average  length of a wedding rehearsal is 60 minutes.
                
e)  Offering:  It is customary for the bride and groom to make an offering to the church at the time of their marriage. This is not a fee for the priest.  It is a contribution to the parish whose  services and facilities are available by virtue of the regular generosity of all the  parishioners and visitors to Saint Anthony’s Church.  The  fee  for registered parishioners is $300.00 and $500.00 for others who are not parishioners of Saint Anthony’s. A monetary gift should also be given to each Altar Server; we suggest $20.00 each. If you choose you may also give a personal offering to the priest who officiates.

f)  License:  A Marriage License is to be obtained from any City or Town Hall in Massachusetts. (As of 1/01/2005 blood tests are no longer required.)

g)  Wedding Candles  or Unity Candle:  is not an official part of the ceremony.  If it’s use is important to you it can be an option, however, candles are not supplied by the parish.               
              
h)  Rice/Confetti/Felt Hearts/Flower Petals:  The throwing of such items is not permitted.

i)  Legal Address: 167 East Falmouth Highway, East Falmouth, Massachusetts 02536 ~ Telephone: Voice: 508-548-0108     FAX 508-457-1723

 j)  Wedding Times:  We attempt to limit the number of  weddings to two a day and require a minimum of two and a half hours between weddings.  The last  afternoon wedding on Saturday is Two O'clock, the evening 5:30 pm.

k)  Pew Markers:  If you choose to use pew markers -Tape, Glue compounds, Pins, Nails etc. are prohibited.

l)  Front Doors: Door hooks are provided on the inside exterior doors for  Baskets/Wreaths The inside door—Bows, Wreaths, etc. are prohibited.
 

Documents Required: 

The following documents are needed. Current certificates of Baptism and Confirmation *(no more than  1 year old) for both the     bride and groom. A current photo or snapshot of both the bride and groom.
         
NB: The above documents and photo should be brought to the initial meeting at St. Anthony’s. (*For Non-Catholics a photocopy of the original certificate is sufficient.)

      Sometimes additional documents are required. You will be asked to obtain these documents at the  
      initial meeting.  The preparation for your marriage is more than just setting the date and time. It is
      also the preparation for a lifetime and the reception of a sacrament. Normally couples will meet with
      the parish priest several times.

The initial meeting is to set the date and time and to establish the  freedom to be married. 
                
The  second meeting is to review the Marriage Preparation Inventory that we mail to you and you complete.                                                                                                                                                                                   
The final meeting before the  rehearsal is to discuss the readings, etc. that you have chosen. This is usually 4 weeks prior to your wedding, your Marriage  License  must be brought at this time.     
 

For directions Click on Schedules/Directions