Matrimony
On behalf of the parish community of St. Pius X, congratulations on your engagement and upcoming wedding! The sacrament of matrimony is a covenantal union in the image of the covenants between God and his people. This divine covenant can never be broken. In this way, marriage is a union that bonds spouses together during their entire lifetime.
Registered parishioners should make arrangements one year in advance. Please note that there are no Sunday weddings.
Couples should call the Parish Office at (203) 255-6134.
Important Notes
Donations and Fees
We are honored that you have chosen to celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage at our parish. While there is no charge for the sacrament itself, there are suggested donations and standard fees listed below that cover services and expenses related to your wedding.
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Church Donation: $500
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Clergy Stipend: A free will offering traditionally given to the celebrant
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Altar Server Gift: $20 is typically given to each server
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Organist Fee: $350
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Cantor Fee: $250
Flowers
As at any Mass, the altar is the focal point; for it is there that the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. Couples are asked to refrain from ordering excessively large floral arrangements and an extensive number of arrangements because these overwhelm the altar and distract from the Eucharistic celebration and from the marriage ceremony itself. Pew decorations are permitted, but should be modest in size and number. Any decorations or other items that are the property of the florist must be removed immediately after the ceremony.
If there is another wedding on the same day, you may wish to share the cost of flowers for the church. Please note that during the Christmas and Easter seasons the sanctuary may already have flowers, so additional arrangements may not be necessary.
As a gesture of thanks, please leave floral arrangements at the Church. They will serve as a visible reminder to the parish community that the sacrament of matrimony has just been celebrated, and will enhance the beauty of our parish celebrations, just as your marriage enhances the beauty of our parish life.
Punctuality
Please make every effort to make sure the ceremony and rehearsal begin at the scheduled time. There are often multiple events taking place on the same day and if one runs late, it will impact the other liturgies. Weekend wedding times at Saint Pius X are Saturdays between 11:00 A.M. and 2:30 P.M. Weeknight or Friday evening weddings can be scheduled. No Sunday weddings.
Altar Servers
Photographs and Videography
We request that professional photographers and videographers check in with the celebrant concerning appropriate times for pictures and places where they may set up their equipment. Bright lights are not allowed. Very little movement should take place in church. Please inform your professionals of these guidelines.
Receiving Line
Many couples find it convenient to have their receiving line in the vestibule or outside on the sidewalk in front of the church steps. Others prefer to omit this. The choice belongs entirely to the couple.
Rice, Confetti, Rose Petals, Birdseed, etc.
We do not permit tossing rice, confetti, rose petals or birdseed as the couple is leaving the church. This is for safety and environmental reasons and to prevent these materials from being tracked back into the church.
Runners
Runners are not allowed in church.
Unity Candles
Unity candles are not used in the celebration of the sacrament of matrimony.
Liquor
The distribution or consumption of alcoholic beverages on church property before, during or after the rehearsal or wedding ceremony is not permitted. Please apprise members of the wedding party, guests, and the limousine operator of this important guideline.
Cleanup
Please arrange to have any pew decorations, stray flower petals, leftover programs, etc. cleaned up immediately after the wedding. Most weddings end shortly before the Saturday evening Mass – your assistance in tidying the Church is greatly appreciated!
