What days are weddings held?
Weddings are scheduled at 11:00 am or 1:00pm on Saturdays: however, they can be celebrated on other days of the week.

• A dedicated space: We consider weddings so special that we recognize they should be done in a place that is set aside for them. Obviously, weddings do not need to be the only thing toward which the space is dedicated. You may point out that Las Vegas wedding chapels fill this requirement.

• A sacred place: When we describe something as sacred, we are recognizing it as blessed by God or touched by God. Many places that are not churches also fall into this category.

• A consecrated place: The Church teaches us that, sometimes, we take a place (or even a person!) and set them aside from “common” use for sacred use. This is a movement of the Holy Spirit from the people of God through our clergy, which culminates in a ritual where we say, ‘This place is special.'”

There are circumstances in which the Bishop of a diocese may grant special permission for a couple to wed in another location, but that would only be for serious reasons.

What time should we arrive for our rehearsal?
Rehearsals are typically scheduled the day before the wedding at 6:30pm 

How long does the rehearsal last?
Every wedding party is unique, but we have found that an hour allotted for rehearsal is more than adequate.

Who should come to the rehearsal?
A good rule of thumb is that if you are “walking or talking” you should be there.  The normal contingent is bride and groom, wedding party, flower girls, ring bearer, lectors (readers), parents, grandparents (if they are being escorted to their seats), and other people with an assigned role in the ceremony, e.g.:  ushers.

We have our own wedding coordinator. Will he/she run the rehearsal?
Many couples engage a professional planner/coordinator for the entire score of events surrounding the wedding ceremony.  However, for the religious ceremony in the church, the parish wedding coordinator is in charge of the rehearsal. 

When should we arrive on the wedding day?
One hour before the ceremony is the suggested arrival time unless other arrangements are made.

Where do the Groom and Groomsmen wait?
Typically, they arrive before the bride and wait in the designated area assigned at the rehearsal.  

Where do the Bride and Bridesmaids wait?
There is a bridal waiting room near the front of the church.  The wedding party should come fully dressed.  The bridal room is only suitable for waiting and for finishing touches (corsages, final instructions, photos, etc.).

Do you think we should have ushers?
Most weddings here do not have ushers, but then that is a choice of the bride and groom. Some weddings have the groomsmen serve as ushers until a few minutes before the ceremony begins.

Who should be part of the wedding procession?
Tradition is that parents (step-parents) and grandparents are escorted to their seats just prior to the procession of the attendants and bride.  Other guests should be already seated by this time in the ceremony.

How many groomsmen or bridesmaids can we have?
There are really two parts to this question:  (a) how many can process and (b) how many can be in the sanctuary when the vows are exchanged?  As to the latter, each church has its own constraints of architecture and space.  The practical limit is to have the bride and groom, Maid(s) of Honor and Best Man (Men).  More than that and it becomes crowded and lines of sight to your guests and photographers become blocked.  As to the question regarding limits for the procession, there are no limitations.  However, the first pew only comfortably holds 6 to 8 people.

Are there any guidelines for the flower girls and the ring bearer?
Children age 5 and older are welcome to participate in these roles.

Can the flower girl sprinkle the aisle with flower petals?
The short answer is “no” but discuss it with the church coordinators.

Can the ring bearer bring the rings to the priest? 
The ring bearer generally does not have the rings.  Most often, the Best Man has the rings.

Can additional musicians be part of the celebration? 
All such additions are subject to prior approval of the Director of Music. Please note that these professionals have their own fees apart from the fees of Our Lady of the Rosary.

Can my “cousin” be a cantor? 
The right cantor not only provides vocal accompaniment but also leads your guests to participate.  Our parish organist is an accomplished vocalist.  In addition, other cantors from our parish and local Catholic parishes in the area also assist us from time to time. The decision about cantors is at the discretion of the Director of Music.

How do I prepare for my meeting with the Director of Music?
Yes, by giving some thought to the nature of the music to be used in your ceremony.  The music should be appropriate in three areas:  liturgical, pastoral and musical.

• Liturgical – The music must necessarily be sacred, appropriate to this celebration of love, and appropriate in use for this occasion.  The text of songs must be drawn from Holy Scripture and liturgical sources, be sacred in nature, and consistent with Catholic teaching.
• Pastoral – The music must promote participation by your family and guests.  Some texts by their very nature should always be sung by the whole assembly, e.g.:  the Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamation and acclamations within the Eucharistic Prayer and reception of the Eucharist.  The music should be easy for your guests and you to sing.
• Musical – The music must be technically, aesthetically, and expressively good, and the musicians must be competent in their liturgical understanding.

What are the fees for my organist and cantor?
The fee is arranged through the Director of Music.  The fee includes one consultation to choose the music for the wedding. The music fee is due on or before the rehearsal.

Our Lady of the Rosary Church welcomes photographers and videographers to participate in creating a memorable wedding day for our brides and grooms.  Therefore, we ask that you comply with the following guidelines once the ceremony begins (the bridal party procession) in order that the sanctity of the religious ceremony is maintained.

• Photographers and videographers must be dressed appropriately for a place of worship.
• Once the religious ceremony has begun, there are limitations on where you can be. No photographers or videograpers are allowed within the sanctuary (the altar area) during the ceremony.  Photographers may shoot in the center aisle no farther forward than the last guest.  They are free to move in the side aisles without obstructing the view of the wedding guests.  Videographers, however, must remain stationary from either the side or rear of the sanctuary.
• Once the procession of the wedding party begins until the wedding party has processed from the body of the church, no flash photography is permitted.  Only available light photography is to be used. No direct video light is to be used at any time in the church.
• During the ceremony, there is to be no unnecessary movement which would distract from the sacred and solemn nature of the wedding ceremony.
• Pictures and videos can be taken before the wedding.  There will be approximately 30 minutes after the wedding for additional photos and video footage.
• Please respect the sanctity of the church.  Help us by not taking photographs or videos we would consider inappropriate shots (i.e.:  bride on groom’s knee, bride lying on the altar steps, the wedding party posed on the altar steps, etc.).
• We have an audio connection in our sound system that is available for videographer use.

When can the florist arrive to begin decorating?
One hour before the ceremony.  Someone needs to ensure that any flowers brought in (including pew bows) are removed after your wedding.  If you would like to leave the altar flowers for the church, please let the parish wedding coordinator know at the rehearsal.

After the Ceremony
We would ask that the wedding party refrain from throwing rice, birdseed, flower petals, bubbles or anything at all in the church, or anywhere on church property.