Marriage
The Second Vatican Council described marriage as “an intimate partnership of life and love which was established by the Creator and endowed by him with its own proper laws” (Gaudium et Spes 48). “What a marriage is derives not just from social conventions but from the very nature of man and woman as they came from the hand of the Creator” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1603).
Thank you for your enquiry about you pending marriage. Marriages require a six month notice including Pre-Marriage Education and the lodging of all official documents. Please find information below that may apply to you.
Getting Married at Our Lady of Graces? Here is what you need to do:
Flowers - Couples usually make their own arrangements for the flowers. We suggest having them delivered the morning of the wedding unless they are imitation, then you may store them at the church a couple of days prior NB. If you wish to strew flowers in the church as the bride walks up the aisle, we ask that you clean up after. We DO NOT permit throwing rice, flower petals or confetti, as it can be pesky to clean and it can also cause harm to our wildlife.
Wedding Offering –There are expenses involved in preparation of documents and certificates, church cleaning and upkeep.
Thank you for your enquiry about you pending marriage. Marriages require a six month notice including Pre-Marriage Education and the lodging of all official documents. Please find information below that may apply to you.
Getting Married at Our Lady of Graces? Here is what you need to do:
- Pick a date: As stated above, in order for all necessary requirements to be fulfilled, there is to be a minimum 6 month notice. As you can imagine, over weekdays and weekends, we have a number of groups, activities and masses here in the church so when selecting a date, we suggest having a couple of back-up dates in case your first preference is unavailable. Please call the office to find out our availability.
- Centrecare Pre-Marriage Education Course: Prior to marriage in the Catholic Church, you are asked to complete a Pre-Marriage Education Course through Centrecare. This is very important for all couples and will help you in the growth of your relationship in the days leading up to your wedding. You should arrange for this preparation as early as possible. There is usually a moderate fee for pre-marriage programs. You can contact Centrecare on (07) 3251 5000.
- Meeting the Celebrant: Once you have finished your pre-marriage course, you will receive a letter from Centrecare. As soon as you have done this, contact the Parish office to meet with the Priest conducting the ceremony, there you will fill out a series of forms that will be lodged.
What you will need to bring to this meeting:
~ Copy of full Birth Certificate
~ For Catholics - Recent (last 6 months) copy of Baptismal Certificates
~ For Non-Catholics - Recent (last 6 months) copy of Baptismal Certificate for the church you were baptised in (if baptised*)
~ Copy of full Confirmation Certificate (if you have been Confirmed)
~ Documents concerning change of legal name or previous marriage (if applicable)
~ Copy of the letter from Centacare re: pre-marriage course completion
Flowers - Couples usually make their own arrangements for the flowers. We suggest having them delivered the morning of the wedding unless they are imitation, then you may store them at the church a couple of days prior NB. If you wish to strew flowers in the church as the bride walks up the aisle, we ask that you clean up after. We DO NOT permit throwing rice, flower petals or confetti, as it can be pesky to clean and it can also cause harm to our wildlife.
Wedding Offering –There are expenses involved in preparation of documents and certificates, church cleaning and upkeep.
- Booking Fee - There is a church fee of $200
- Clergy Offering - Please note that it is also customary to make a donation to the priest (of $200 or thereabouts) celebrating your Marriage.
Q & A
Q. Can I bring my own Priest?
A. Absolutely. All you will need to do is book the date in with the Parish, and the rest of the paperwork will be completed through your priest. If you have chosen a priest from outside of the Archdiocese of Brisbane, he will need to make sure that he has all of the appropriate faculties to marry you at Our Lady of Graces.
Q. I am getting married overseas but I need to complete the documentation in Australia?
A. Not a worry, complete steps 2 and 3 with Our Lady of Graces. Once this has been finalised, all documentation will be sent to the Archdiocese of Brisbane and then onto the Archdiocese of where you are to be married.
Q. Can a civil celebrant marry us at Our Lady of Graces Parish instead of a priest?
A. No, the celebrant must be a Catholic Priest because you have asked to be married in the Catholic Church.
Q. What about music?
A. Couples are encouraged to choose appropriate hymns, songs and music that are in keeping with the dignity, joy and prayerful atmosphere of their wedding celebration. Lyrics should express a truly Christian view of marriage. Some popular songs may be permitted if they comply with these guidelines. The celebrant will assist you in your choice of music.
Q. Can we decorate the Church?
A. Absolutely! We just ask that after the ceremony you have some people to help clean up to ensure that it is ready for the next service that the church may have. OHS guidelines have to be followed.
Q. Can I bring my own Priest?
A. Absolutely. All you will need to do is book the date in with the Parish, and the rest of the paperwork will be completed through your priest. If you have chosen a priest from outside of the Archdiocese of Brisbane, he will need to make sure that he has all of the appropriate faculties to marry you at Our Lady of Graces.
Q. I am getting married overseas but I need to complete the documentation in Australia?
A. Not a worry, complete steps 2 and 3 with Our Lady of Graces. Once this has been finalised, all documentation will be sent to the Archdiocese of Brisbane and then onto the Archdiocese of where you are to be married.
Q. Can a civil celebrant marry us at Our Lady of Graces Parish instead of a priest?
A. No, the celebrant must be a Catholic Priest because you have asked to be married in the Catholic Church.
Q. What about music?
A. Couples are encouraged to choose appropriate hymns, songs and music that are in keeping with the dignity, joy and prayerful atmosphere of their wedding celebration. Lyrics should express a truly Christian view of marriage. Some popular songs may be permitted if they comply with these guidelines. The celebrant will assist you in your choice of music.
Q. Can we decorate the Church?
A. Absolutely! We just ask that after the ceremony you have some people to help clean up to ensure that it is ready for the next service that the church may have. OHS guidelines have to be followed.
