Welcome to our partnered Parishes, and congratulations on your upcoming Nuptials.  Marriages are celebrated only according to the rites of the Catholic Church.  This means that at least one party must be baptised and should be a confirmed Catholic and both parties are free to marry.  (Divorced persons sometimes think that they are automatically debarred from re-marrying in the Catholic Church, but if you are in this category please note that it is important to talk to a priest before any decision to marry elsewhere is made.  Each case is different and worthy of attention).  If you have any queries please talk to the priest or deacon who will marry you.

Marriage can be celebrated in either of our two Churches:  St Peter's Toorak and Our Lady of Lourdes Armadale.  

A list of frequently asked questions has been compiled for couples wishing to marry.

Who will celebrate the Ceremony for us?

Any Catholic Priest or Deacon registered with the civil authorities as a Celebrant of Marriage and who enjoys the faculties of the Archdiocese may officiate.  Couples usually ask their Parish Priest to officiate at their wedding.  Please indicate this on the booking form.  If you wish to have a different Celebrant, please include his name and contact details on the booking form.

Catholic Church Teaching about Marriage

It is the ordinary teaching of the Catholic Church that marriage between two baptised persons is a sacrament which confers the grace of Christ on both parties and reflects the union between Christ the bridegroom and the Church his bride.  So it is a serious decision which merits careful consideration.

Marriage between a baptised and a non-baptised person is regarded as a serious and binding union but not as a sacramental union.  It also warrants careful preparation and thought.

Marriage Papers

Parties to a wedding must complete a series of documents before marriage, required both by Church and Government authorities.  These papers need to be completed with the priest who is the marriage celebrant not more than twelve months and not less than one month before the marriage.

In order to complete these papers at your first meeting, you will need to provide the celebrant, the following documents:-

1. Birth Certificate for Australian-born citizens/current Passport for non-Australian citizens.  For persons born within the State of Victoria, the Certificate is obtainable from the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages, 595 Collins Street, Melbourne (Ph: 1300 369 367).
   
   
2. Baptism Certificate issued within 6 months of the date of marriage.  In the case of baptised persons a Baptism Certificate can be obtained by writing to the parish where the Baptism took place.  When doing so please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope and give your full name, date of birth, parents’ names and, if known, date of baptism.
   
   
3. Letter of Freedom required for all Catholics not living in either Toorak or Armadale parish.  This is obtained from the bride’s or groom’s parish priest.

All documentation remains in the Parish archives.

Declaration of Freedom

Civil law requires that both parties sign a Statutory Declaration before marriage that they are free to marry.  This declaration is usually made at the time of rehearsal.
 

Who may be a witness to our Marriage?

It is a legal requirement that there are two witnesses at least 18 years of age.  They must be present at the marriage celebration and sign the wedding register.

Marriage Preparation

As marriage is such a significant occasion it is strongly recommended that you attend a marriage preparation program well before the celebration of the wedding.  The Celebrant will also help to prepare you but a course is necessary. 

During the time of engagement you should pray and come to Mass as part of your spiritual preparation for marriage.  The Marriage Preparation Program run by CatholicCare Victoria is strongly recommended. https://www.catholiccarevic.org.au/directory/services/pre-marriage-education

Flowers

Flowers are arranged by the Church Florist who is obliged to ensure that the placement of flowers and choice of colours is in accordance with the needs of the Liturgical Season. 

The florist is Leigh Clark at Florian Florists, Toorak, 0412 147 237.  Please contact him to discuss your requirements and cost.  We ask that you deal with Florian for the church flowers because the florist knows the layout of the Church.  All floral arrangements should be kept simple and appropriate. 

Confetti (paper or biodegradable), rice, petals, leaves, and bubbles are NOT PERMITTED in the church or its grounds because care of the environment is important.

Music

Since you have chosen our church we expect you to adhere to our regulations.  Recorded music (CD or iPod) and acoustic guitars are not used in our churches; both have fine traditional organs.  The organist will advise you on the choice of music and singing. If, however, you want a string quartet or a harpist you must arrange this through the Parish Secretary, Madeline Dimasi, 03 9068 8600, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Click here to read about our historical organ)

Music is an important part of your wedding.  Couples are asked to select sacred music that reflects and enhances the sacrament of marriage and the sanctity of the Church.  Sacred music takes its words from the Bible, religious poems or a hymn.

The church Organist at St Peter’s is Conrad Helfrich (Tel:  0418 392 997).  His fee is $300 +gst.  

The Church Organist at our Lady of Lourdes is Phillip Byrnes (Tel:  0417 126 974).  His fee is $300 no gst.

Remuneration is arranged directly with them.  

Booking Time and Fees