WEDDING
Can I get married at:
St Ambrose’s Church, Brunswick
St Joseph’s Church, Brunswick West
St Fidelis Church, Moreland
Our Lady Help of Christians Church, Brunswick East
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?
Prior to your wedding day it is necessary that you both complete a program of marriage preparation. The programs are designed to open up many important issues and help to contribute to your successful, happy and lifelong marriage. There are many programs available for couples preparing to marry in the Catholic Church. In the parish, the FOCCUS program is available to all couples who book a 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.
The parish has a Musical Director who is available to be engaged separately. He plays the organ (St Ambrose Church has a fine pipe organ), piano and guitar and is a vocalist in both English and Italian. He can be accompanied by female singers on request. For more details phone our Director of Music Enrico Costantini on 0417 398 918 or through email at music.enrico@gmail.com
Payment for organists, singers and other musicians is arranged directly with them at an extra cost to you.
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.