WEDDING SCHEDULING

Registered parishioners of Our Lady of the Lake may be married in this church easily. However, parties from other parishes may be married here with permission from their pastor and the pastor of Our Lady of the Lake. The scheduling of a wedding is arranged by contacting the Director of Marriage Ministry.  The date and time can only be reserved during your first meeting. Parties contemplating marriage should contact the parish at least six months prior to the desired wedding date.
 

• Weddings are typically scheduled on Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m.
• Rehearsals typically are held on Friday evenings. There is Daily Mass in Spanish at 5:30pm to consider when scheduling the rehearsal. Rehearsal time is booked on a first-come, first-served basis at the time you book your wedding.
• You will be assigned a sponsor couple to assist you in the preparation and implementation of your ceremony about four months prior to your wedding.

 

DIRECTIVES FOR MARRIAGE IN DALLAS DIOCESE

Age
Both parties to the marriage must have completed their 18th birthday.

Courtship
The parties must have known each other at least (6) months.

Place of Marriage
The wedding ceremony usually takes place in the church of a Catholic Bride or Groom. 
A Catholic should not marry in any other sacred space, including other denomination churches, without permission of the Bishop of our Diocese. Garden (outdoor) weddings or home weddings are not permitted in the Diocese of Dallas.

Pre-nuptial Form
The couple is to complete the diocesan pre-nuptial form with the pastor or parochial vicar.

Freedom
Both parties must be free to marry, whether Catholic or from another faith and must have never been married before (in either a civil, religious, or common law marriage). When there has been a prior marriage, plans for marriage may be made after a decree if nullity has been rendered by the Matrimonial Tribunal of the Diocese of Dallas or another
Catholic Diocese.

Affidavits of Freedom
Church affidavits concerning the bride’s and groom’s freedom to marry must be obtained from parents or guardians.  This affidavit must be completed by a priest, deacon or designated church representative.

Marriage Preparation Programs
Each couple will be asked to complete a FOCCUS Inventory (Facilitating Open Couple Communication and Understanding Study) and take part in a premarital preparation program in the form of a Sponsor Couple or a retreat.  These programs lead the couple through concepts such as family of origin, communication skills, problem solving, spirituality, parenthood, and the sacrament of marriage. 

Sacrament of Reconciliation    
Catholic parties should receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation some time before the wedding ceremony.

Baptismal Certificates
Each Catholic must obtain a new certificate of baptism, which has been issued within six months of the wedding date, from the church of their baptism.  If baptized at Our Lady of the Lake, the certificate will be prepared here. If one party is a member of another denomination, proof of their baptism must be provided. 

Religious Upbringing of Children
In a mixed marriage (a marriage between a Catholic and a member of another denomination), the Catholic party is required to sign a statement promising to practice his/her religion and to do all in his/her power to have all the children actively raised in the Catholic faith tradition.  The other party is not required to sign the promise but is asked to witness the Catholic’s obligation.

Nuptial Mass    
A nuptial Mass is an optional component that may be celebrated in addition to the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony but is not required. The Sacrament of Marriage is one of the seven sacraments and does not become more valid or more sacred by adding the Sacrament of Holy Communion.  This choice, along with many other decisions/options, should be discussed with your wedding coordinator during your planning discussion 6-8 weeks in advance of your wedding date.

Questions
Any questions concerning these directives can best be answered by the Director of Marriage Ministry.
 

MARRIAGE LICENSE IN THE STATE OF TEXAS

A marriage license for a wedding in the state of Texas may be obtained from any license office in the state. Marriage licenses are issued and filed at the county level, and marriage registration is primarily a county level function. A few important things to remember:

• A Texas marriage license may be obtained no sooner than 90 days before the ceremony and has a required 72 hour waiting period after the license has been issued.

• Marriage applications may be started online. Once the application is submitted, the applicants must go to the County Clerk’s office to complete the process, including proof of age and identity (passport, driver’s license, birth certificate) and payment (we recommend cash).

• It is important that the name you use when filling out the application be exactly as it appears on your form of identity.

• The application for a license must be signed by both the bride and groom in the presence of the county clerk. If this is not possible, an affidavit must be provided for the absent applicant – see County Clerk for more info.

• In Rockwall County, the current fee for a license is $82 (each county varies and changes from time to time).  A license can be obtained from any county in Texas and is valid to be married anywhere in Texas. To reduce the cost, you can show proof of Twogether in Texas documentation, which you will get upon completion of one of your required marriage preparation programs (e.g. Sponsor Couple, Retreat). Providing proof of this documentation also waives the 72-hour waiting period.

 

WEDDING COORDINATOR

Our trained wedding coordinator is here for pre-wedding consultation with regards to the details of the rehearsal and wedding ceremony.  Your coordinator is available to address your questions and concerns during and prior to the appointment.

Planning Appointment

Your coordinator will reach out to schedule a one (1) hour planning discussion approximately two months before the ceremony. Prior to the planning meeting, the coordinator will ask for the following to be completed and sent via email:

• Complete list of names of those in wedding party and other VIPs (parents, grandparents, readers, ushers, etc.)
• List of vendors with contact information (photographer, videographer, floral, transportation, venues, etc.)
• Reading selections from Together for Life book – this booklet contains a list of readings, prayers and blessings to help you plan the liturgy for your nuptial ceremony. It can be obtained from the church. Please reference the worksheet in the back and send the alphanumeric selections only (e.g. A2, B5, C3). You may fill out the form electronically on our website (Liturgy, Marriage, Liturgy Form)

Once the above items have been received, a planning discussion can be scheduled at a time that is mutually convenient. All fees will be collected by your coordinator following your planning discussion. You will also meet with either Fr. Martin or Fr. Hernandez.
 

LITURGY

• The wedding ceremony is an act of worship. The couple’s exchange of vows before witnesses in the community of the church makes the ceremony a moving and holy event.
• It is imperative that weddings begin on time in consideration of all concerned. Our Lady of the Lake is a busy parish, and it is likely that another event will take place before or after the celebration of your wedding.
• The unity candle tradition is offered as an optional component to your ceremony. If you choose to include, the church will provide the stand only.
• The Presentation of Flowers to Mary is another option to consider including in your ceremony. Your coordinator can provide additional details if interested.

REVERENCE

The church building is the house of God – everyone is welcome.

• We require that proper decorum, dress and conduct be maintained at all times.

• Smoking is not permitted in the church building
• The consumption of alcoholic beverages and controlled substances are not permitted
• Gum chewing is not permitted in the sanctuary
• Food and drink must remain outside of the sanctuary at all times.

REHEARSAL

Rehearsals are held on Friday evenings and last ~30 minutes. The rehearsal time is booked on a first come, first served basis at the time you book your wedding.

The rehearsal must start on time. Traffic from Dallas late on Fridays often causes delay – please plan accordingly and allow double the normal travel time.

Rehearsals will be conducted by your assigned OLL Wedding Coordinator, under the leadership of the presiding priest/deacon. Any outside wedding planners/coordinators/photographers become consultants to and subordinate to our wedding coordinator. Please note that musicians do not attend rehearsal.

Please be sure to bring your marriage license to rehearsal.

WITNESSES

Only two witness are required. It is recommended that no more than 6 couples participate in addition to the bride and groom.

READERS

Readers are optional – it is not necessary for you to have any readers outside of priest or deacon. If you choose to have family or friends participate, there is an option of having one of the readings recited by another individual.  They are not required to be Catholic.

CULTURAL & ETHNIC WEDDING CUSTOMS

We honor, respect and welcome cultural customs from different backgrounds as long as they do not violate the guidelines for of appropriate decorum in a sacred space. They often add a personal touch, may add to the duration and possibly to the cost.  If you decide to incorporate one or more of these into your wedding, please let your wedding coordinator know during the planning discussion so approval can be confirmed.

CHILDREN

We welcome the inclusion of a flower girl and/or ring bearer in your ceremony, but ask they be at least 4 years old. They must be able to walk down the aisle unaccompanied and conduct themselves in an orderly fashion. In addition, if the child’s parents are in the wedding ceremony and not able to accompany them, we ask that you select a person responsible for the child prior to going down the aisle, someone to sit with during the ceremony and after the wedding during photos. Parents of the bride/groom are not a respectful selection in most instances.

FLOWERS & DECORATIONS

Flowers are not required for a wedding. If you choose to have floral decorations as part of your ceremony please know:   

• Floral arrangements are not placed on the altar.
• Two weddings on the same day may share altar flowers, if mutually desired. Your wedding coordinator can help with this arrangement.
• Easter and Christmas flowers installed by the church may not be removed.
• Aisle floral arrangements (pew markers) may be used – there are 11 pews on each side. They may be tied with a ribbon or clipped on with a snail clip. They must not use adhesive or carpentry of any kid.

The following are NOT permitted at Our Lady of the Lake:

• Flower petals, real or artificial, dropped by the flower girl
• Aisle runner or aisle cloth
• Aisle candles or hurricane vases
• Arches
• Decorations on the walls
• Ribbon/Fabric attached or draped from pew to pew
• Carpentry of any kind, glue, nails, pins, tacks or tapes to attach decorations
• Birdseed, rice, confetti, doves, balloons or any other “send-off” items

Rental or disposable items brought in by your florist (boxes, pew décor, candelabra, pedestals, urns, etc.) must be removed as soon as photographs are completed, 20-30 minutes after the ceremony. Altar flowers may remain.

CANDLES

For safety reasons and due to the fire code, no aisle candles are allowed.

PHOTOGRAPHY, VIDEOGRAPHY & LIGHTING

Our Lady of the Lake recognizes the value of wedding photographs and videos as a lasting remembrance of your most special day, and we expect photographers and videographers to respect, honor and abide by the rules and regulations to follow.

• Flash photos may be taken until the bride and groom reach the altar, and again when they are leaving the altar.
• Photographers are not permitted in the center aisle during the procession.
• No flash photography permitted during the ceremony (by photographers or guests).
• The ceremony may be videotaped, but without special lighting or cables between cameras or distracting movement. No sound board is available.
• To avoid distraction, photographers who wish to change position during the ceremony must be discreet.
• Photographers are asked to “silence” their cameras to avoid noise and distraction
• Please check with the organist prior to setup.
• Photos must be completed within 20 minutes following the ceremony (we encourage as many photos as possible to be taken prior to the ceremony and a well-organized “shot list” with a designated person).
• In respect for the sacredness of the space, we ask photographers to use an appropriate voice tone/level and dress accordingly.
• Fun, funky pictures are appropriate outside of the church.

PROGRAMS

Many couples choose to have a wedding program, which also serves as a worship aid enable guests to participate in responses. Programs are optional and not provided by the church.

RECEIVING LINE

Our Lady of the Lake does not allow for a receiving line or staged departure.

ANIMALS

While animals are especially loved at Our Lady of the Lake, only service animals are allowed.
 

DRESSING AREAS

A room is available for the bridal party. It is recommended that the bride bring her dress and veil with her when she arrives for the wedding and the bridal party come dressed. No dresses will be received at the church or by the wedding coordinator, and items may not be left unattended in the bride’s room. You may bring food and non-alcoholic beverages for the wedding party (please be mindful of smell and mess). Personal belongings must be removed from the bride’s room immediately after the ceremony.

A classroom on the Sanctuary level is available for the Groomsmen. Groomsmen should arrive dressed for the wedding. The groomsmen will wait in this classroom prior to the start of the ceremony. Food and non-alcoholic beverages are welcome (please be mindful of smell and mess) but must be cleaned up afterwards or an additional cleaning fee will be charged.
 

LOST & FOUND

In the event items are left behind, please check with your coordinator or call the church and/or check lost and found at the church. Our Lady of the Lake is not responsible for damage or theft of any lost item left at the church, although we will make reasonable efforts to ensure lost items, if found, be stored in a secure location until returned to their rightful owners.

 

MUSIC

The music should reflect the Christian joy of your sacred day and enhance the natural flow of the wedding ceremony. Following your wedding planning discussion, the Director of Music will reach out to you with details on music for your wedding. You will be asked to fill out the Liturgy Form on the church website prior to your Final Meeting. Do not submit a partially complete form, it will be deleted and you will have to re-submit.

• The Director of Music and Liturgy organizes the readings and music for your Ceremony, and often will be the organist for that day. All music and musicians may only be planned with and by the Music Director.
• Outside musicians may NOT be hired by anyone but the Director of Music and Liturgy. If you have specific requests, you may reach out and inquire but understand that your request may not be able to be fulfilled depending on the circumstances. If you hire your own musicians without prior discussion, a bench fee of $250 will be charged.
• Traditional wedding music, sacred music and classical music are allowed but, musicians are not jukeboxes, and cannot be expected to play anything and everything on a whim.
• Secular songs, popular music or special songs between the couple are appropriate for the reception only.
• Music fees are paid by cash or check directly to Chris Widomski ONE WEEK before your ceremony.
• Additional Instrumentalists (string quartet, trumpet, woodwind quartet, harp) are available upon request, for an additional fee. Fees for musicians are paid separately and due 10 days BEFORE your wedding.
  
  CEREMONIES MUST START ON TIME OR MUSICIANS WILL HAVE THE RIGHT TO LEAVE BEFORE THE CONCLUSION OF THE CEREMONY.