The
Celebration of Marriage
In
the Catholic Church the normal place
for the celebration of marriage
is the Parish Church of the bride,
so the priest of the parish in which
the bride lives takes responsibility
for the paper work associated with
the marriage, no matter where the
marriage is to take place. The priest
of the bride’s parish must
have three month’s notice
to allow time for the Marriage Papers
to be completed. Marriage Papers
for the groom are filled in by the
priest of the parish where he is
currently living and again the priest
should be given three months notice
of the Marriage. Documents required:
a recent copy of baptism certificate
and confirmation certificate, a
letter of freedom from parishes
lived in for more that 6 months
since sixteenth birthday, a pre-nuptial
enquiry form filled in by the priest
of the parish. (Couples seeking
to marry abroad will always be asked
to provide a certificate proving
that they have completed a Catholic
Pre-marriage course). These are
brought together and lodged in the
Church where the marriage is to
take place.
Notifying
the Civil Authorities
Couples
must also give notice to the local
Civil Registrar of Marriages (Buncrana
9362196) and fill out the necessary
papers. A visiting priest is welcome
to celebrate a marriage in Buncrana
provided he is a Recognised Solemniser
as registered by the civil authorities.
We would like to stress that it
is the responsibility of the couple
to liaise with the Registrar.
Regarding
the use of our Churches for Weddings
Unlike
some other parishes, we welcome
non-residents gratis (that is, without
charge) to hold their wedding ceremonies
in Buncrana Parish. Such couples
should note that we do not permit
the scattering of confetti/petals,
the erection in the aisle of decorative
arches or the lighting of candles
outside the sanctuary of the church.
All couples should have their photographers
and musicians contact the celebrant.
USEFUL WEBSITE
You will
find more detailed information on
getting married at
www.gettingmarried.ie.
