Brunswick Moreland Catholic Community

Marriage: A Covenant of Love and Fidelity

Marriage is a beautiful and sacred covenant that celebrates love—real, enduring, and life-giving love. In the Sacrament of Marriage, a man and a woman stand before God, family, friends, and the Church to commit their lives to each other. This commitment is not only for moments of joy, but also through challenges: in good times and bad, in sickness and in health.

At the heart of this sacrament is God’s faithful love. Just as God never abandons His people, He remains present with the couple throughout their journey, strengthening and guiding them through every season of life. Their love becomes a reflection of His unbreakable bond with us.

Marriage also bears fruit. It creates a home where love grows—often through children, but also through acts of service, forgiveness, and daily sacrifices. The couple becomes a visible sign of Christ’s love to the world.

In choosing to love each other fully and faithfully, spouses live out a holy vocation. They are not alone—God walks with them, sustaining their promise with grace.

The Sacrament of Marriage is more than a celebration. It is a mission—to love as God loves: freely, totally, faithfully, and fruitfully.

Our Churches

Getting Married at Brunswick Moreland Catholic Community

A Catholic wedding must include at least one partner who is a baptised and confirmed Catholic. Please always check with the Parish Priest as there may be other considerations.

How do I know if my preferred date and date is available?

If you would like to enquire about the availability of dates, please contact our parish on 9380 1023 during office hours (Tue - Fri 9am to 2pm) or you can contact us by email: bmcc@cam.org.au

Dates when weddings cannot be booked in our parish:

• 1st Sunday in March - any year (Sydney Road Street Festival/Moreland Council event)

• Palm Sunday to Easter Monday - any year

• 01 November - any year (Solemnity: All Saints)

• 02 November - any year (All Souls Day)

• 24 December to 26 December - any year

Note: if your booking is on a day which is not listed above but which is a Solemnity in the Roman Catholic Church, the scripture readings of the day are mandatory. Always check with the Parish Priest first.

Should I attend the Marriage Preparation program?
Before your wedding day, it is essential that both of you complete a marriage preparation program. These programs are designed to help you explore key aspects of married life and support you in building a strong, happy, and lasting marriage.

There are various programs available for couples marrying in the Catholic Church. One recommended option is the FOCCUS program offered by CatholicCare Victoria, which is available to all couples booking their wedding in our parish.

What are the fees?

For the booking fee for the church/priest is $1,000 which includes the church and stipend for the priest.

There are additional costs for FOCCUS preparation-for-Marriage program, music (see below).

What documents do I need to present?

• Full birth certificate, not an extract (if born overseas, a NAATI certified translation of a birth certificate plus a valid passport is also required)

• Record of Baptism (for Catholics and other Christians - dated within 6 months of the wedding)

• Freedom/Permission to Marry Letter (from the parish in which you reside - for Catholics)

• Proof of Confirmation in the Catholic Church (present the original Cert. Confirmation)

• For anyone previously married - please check documents and processes required with the Marriage Facilitator

• Photo ID (Australian driver’s license/valid passport)

What are the music requirements for my wedding?

The choice of music for your wedding should be in keeping with the sacred nature of the ceremony. Please check with the Celebrant before finalising your music selection.

Behaviour

It is the responsibility of the Wedding Party and their families to ensure that you and your guests behave in a manner that is respectful of the Church and the Sacrament of Matrimony. The drinking of alcohol or smoking on the grounds of the Church is not permitted. No confetti, rice or drones or any similar choices are not permissible. At all times, the sanctity of the church and the sacramental nature of the ceremony must be upheld. There is no wifi in either of our churches.

Do I get to have a rehearsal before my wedding day?

Usually, a Rehearsal is held in the evening a couple of days prior to your wedding day. Please ensure that your Celebrant is available to run the rehearsal.

I have read and understood this document. How do I proceed?

Please contact the Parish Office (9380 1023) during office hours (Tue - Fri 9am to 2pm) or you can contact us by email: bmcc@cam.org.au

Subsequently, Parish Priest will organise these meetings once the booking is confirmed.

We wish you all the best with the planning of your marriage ceremony and pray that God blesses your new life together.