Thank you for your interest in celebrating your wedding at All Hallows Church. The following is some PRELIMINARY information which will be helpful as you begin your decision-making process.
Before You Start
At least one party of the couple must be a practicing Catholic to be married in the Catholic Church.
Couples in which either party has a previous marriage must complete the annulment process and obtain the Decree of Nullity BEFORE contacting the church for a wedding.
The Diocese of San Diego requires a MINIMUM of twelve (12) months preparation prior to marriage in the Catholic Church.
All Hallows Parishioners* contact the parish office to make an appointment with Catherine Adams, Wedding Coordinator. All communications are between the engaged couple and the Wedding Coordinator (3rd party calls are not appropriate). At that appointment, you will receive complete guidelines and paperwork to begin your preparation. Your wedding date will be set when you meet with the Pastor.
* A parishioner is someone who has been registered with the parish office and has been actively and regularly participating in the liturgical, ministerial and social life of All Hallows, and financially supporting the parish in a verifiable way for a minimum of one (1) year before inquiring about a wedding at All Hallows Church.
Setting the Date
Your date becomes final when a non-refundable $200 deposit is received by the parish office along with the required paperwork as requested by the Wedding Coordinator.
Weddings are celebrated on Saturdays at 2:00 pm. All post-wedding photos and church clean-up must be completed 30 minutes following the ceremony, but no later than 4 pm. Rehearsals are held on the Friday evening before the wedding, depending on the availability of the church. The rehearsal is scheduled and directed by the All Hallows Wedding Coordinator. Note: weddings are not celebrated during Lent.
Preparation
THE DIOCESE OF SAN DIEGO requires a multi-part preparation process:
- Completion of FOCCUS, online tool for providing couples the opportunity for deeper conversation and understanding of each other before marriage. Results are discussed with the Pastor.
- Attendance at a Diocesan Retreat Day (Celebrating Your Love) Pre-Cana Conference—a one-day session held on Saturdays at various parishes in the Diocese of San Diego.
- Attendance at an Engaged Encounter Weekend. A Friday night to Sunday afternoon event held at a retreat center.
Several meetings with the Pastor are needed. In addition, the following are also required:
- A recently dated ORIGINAL of your baptismal certificate (not older than 6 months before the actual wedding date)
- proof of Confirmation (if applicable)
- certificates of completion from the required preparation programs (CYL + EE)
- completed pre-marital questionnaire
- civil wedding license application, valid in the State of California; and
- other documents as indicated by the Priest or Wedding Coordinator
Wedding Guidelines
Detailed guidelines, will be provided when you meet with the Wedding Coordinator.
Preliminary Guidelines include but are not limited to . . .
Music
- Use of the All Hallows cantor and organist is required.
- No recorded/taped music.
- All music must be in compliance with the guidelines of the Diocese of San Diego.
- Additional musicians are allowed ONLY with the permission of the All Hallows Music Director.
Decorations / Florist
The florist must sign the Florist Agreement Form stating that they have read these guidelines and agree to adhere to the policies outlined in them.
- Floral arrangements cannot obstruct or interfere with the religious ceremony.
- No aisle runner.
- Nothing attached to pews.
- Nothing placed along sides of pews; candles, pillars, lanterns, etc.
- Nothing released or thrown on the church property before, during or after the ceremony. (no bubbles, flower petals or rice)
- Seasonal church decorations cannot be removed.
Event Coordinators
Event coordinators can be a tremendous help to a busy bride and groom especially with all the last-minute details. Should you choose to hire a professional event coordinator, he/she must sign the Event Coordinator Agreement Form stating that they have read these guidelines and agree to adhere to the policies outlined in them.
- Do not delegate the details of your wedding ceremony liturgy, including ceremony music to your Event Coordinator.
- All church related questions, requests and appointments will take place between the couple and the Priest or the couple and All Hallows Wedding Coordinator.
- Event coordinators are not permitted to facilitate rehearsals, weddings, or “walk-throughs” at any time at All Hallows Church.
- Event coordinators are not present on All Hallows property for the rehearsal and/or wedding day.
Photographer / Videographer
They will must sign the Photographer/Videographer Agreement Form stating they have read the guidelines and agree to adhere to the policies outlined in them.
- The dignity of the church setting and wedding ceremony will be maintained at all times.
- Studio equipment (strobes, umbrellas, etc. are not allowed during the ceremony)
- Flash photography may not be used once Mass begins.
- Photographer must wear quiet soles and use silent shutter.
- Posed photos are allowed up to thirty (30) minutes after Mass and no later than 4 pm.
- Read the entire Wedding Packet including detailed guidelines before signing any outside contracts.
Libations
- Absolutely NO alcohol is permitted on the premises… before, during and/or after the rehearsal and wedding ceremony.
Wedding Offerings
It is customary to make an offering to the church on the occasion of the of the celebration of a marriage. This offering is for the on-going work of the parish and to cover expenses.
For our current fees call Catherine Adams, Wedding Coordinator at (858) 459-2975.
A $200.00 non-refundable deposit is necessary to secure your date. The balance of your fee is due and payable directly to All Hallows Catholic Church at least one month (30 days) prior to your wedding.
Additional fees and stipends associated with your wedding at All Hallows are to be paid one month (30 days) prior to your wedding and are made payable to the following individuals (either in person or by mail in care of the wedding coordinator):
Organist/Pianist: $300
Cantor $200
Altar Server (if required): $25 cash stipend
Priest (an offering commensurate with the time and work spent preparing for the wedding ceremony is customary and most appreciated.)
Contact:
Catherine Adams, Wedding Coordinator (858) 459-2975 cadams@allhallows.com