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.

If Fr Dean Mathieson is your celebrant, please contact the Parish Office to arrange a meeting with him eight (8) months prior to your wedding.  Please provide the following documents prior to your first meeting with Fr Dean:

• 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, (Tel: 1300 369 367).
  
  
• Copy of Driver’s License or Passport.
  
  
• Baptism Certificate issued within 6 months of the date of marriage.  In the case of baptised persons, a Baptism Certificate can be obtained by contacting the parish where the Baptism took place.  When doing so please have your full name, date of birth, parents’ names and, if known, date of baptism.
  
  
• Confirmation Certificate for the Catholic party.
  
  
• Letter of ‘Freedom to Marry’ is required for all Catholics not living in either Toorak or Armadale Parish.  This is obtained from the Groom’s Parish Priest.
  
  
• Letter of ‘Permission to Marry’ is required for all Catholics not living in either Toorak or Armadale Parish.  This is obtained from the Bride’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, you are required to complete a marriage preparation program well before the celebration of your wedding.  These programs are designed to open up many issues which contribute to a successful and happy marriage.  Fr Dean (or your Celebrant) will guide you in your choice and explain the preparation details at your first meeting. 

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 and pew decorations must be arranged by the Church Florist, Leigh Clark from Florian Florist.  Leigh is contactable on 9827 2025 or 0412 147 237 or email lThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Leigh is obliged to ensure that the placement of flowers and choice of colours is in accordance with the needs of the Liturgical Season.  You also agree that you will not interfere with any of the art and environment that may be in the Church during the various liturgical celebrations of the year.  Leigh's fee and payment are to be discussed directly with him.

For information about the flower arrangements already in the Church, please contact Carmel Negline, aThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Flower petals, confetti, rice, bubbles and other various items are NOT to be thrown/released on the Church grounds or in the Church.

Music

All matters regarding music must be discussed and approved by our Director of Music/Organist is Conrad Helfrich.  Conrad is contactable on 0418 392 997 or emailThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Conrad will help you with the choice of music.   Conrad’s fee and payment are to be discussed directly with him.

Secular love songs, pre-recorded music, portable keyboards or acoustic guitars are not permitted in our churches. The Church is equipped with one of the finest organs in Melbourne.

(Click here to read about our historical organ)

Booking Time