Congratulations on your engagement!  

After becoming engaged you should contact the parish office by calling (302) 652-6800 as soon as possible to begin the marriage preparation process.  It is best to do this prior to picking a date for your wedding and at least 6 months in advance. 

Please follow the steps below to complete the marriage preparation process:

1. Meet with your parish priest/deacon to establish a date, eligibility to marry within the Catholic Church and develop a plan for the rest of your marriage preparation process.
2. Complete the marriage inventory.  This step can usually be completed at your initial meeting. 
3. Attend the Diocesan Pre-Cana program which covers various topics in sustaining a happy and healthy marriage.  
4. Meet with a married couple from your home parish.  
5. The Church invites all Catholics to prepare themselves spiritually prior to receiving the Sacrament of Matrimony and attend the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  
6. Final meeting with a celebrant who will be witnessing your sacrament to ensure all details are in order.  

The church is availalbe for weddings:

• Fridays: After 3pm
• Saturdays: 10am-3pm (church must be vacated before 4pm)

Other considerations:

While the faithful are always encouraged to celebrate their wedding in their parish church, the Diocese of Wilmington does allow, with approval, for a wedding to be celebrated in a venue that is not a Catholic church.  This includes outdoor venues.  Your priest or deacon celebrant will assist you with preparing an approval request to the chancellor's office.  

Wedding Fees & Honorariums:

Church:

• $250 for parishioner
• $350 for SMM Alumni (no parish affiliation)
• $500 for no parish affiliation

• Organist - $200
• Cantor - $150
• Sacristan - $100

There is no set fee for the celebrant, however please note that the priest or deacon does not receive the church fee and will spend considerable time on your marriage preparation, paperwork and liturgical details.  The suggested honorarium for his time and efforts is $200.