ALL SAINTS PARISH

WEDDING GUIDELINES AND POLICIES


Wedding Preparation


Introduction:


A wedding is the focus of many social customs, cultures, and expectations.  Marriage preparation is meant to assist the engaged couple to live a sacramental life together as a husband and wife and as members of their extended family, the Church.


Preparation:


Life together as husband and wife requires serious preparation.  In keeping with the diocesan policy, couples desiring to be married in the community of the church are to notify the priest or deacon as soon as they have the intention to marry and at least (6) months prior to the anticipated time of their wedding. All couples marrying in the Diocese of Evansville are asked to take an active part in an assessment process and formal preparation programs for marriage.


Documents:


You will need to provide baptismal certificates for both The Bride & The Groom. These need to be originals (not photocopies), issued recently by the church of baptism.  This also applies to Non-Catholic Christians. These are to be given to the Parish Office  3 months before the wedding. For those who were baptized at St. Anthony Church or St. Joseph Church, the certificate is not required.


An Indiana marriage license is required. It should be brought to the rehearsal.

 

Scheduling


You must contact the pastor of All Saints at least six months prior to the wedding to reserve Saint Anthony Church or St. Joseph Church. 


Generally weddings are scheduled on Saturdays.  If the pastor is officiating, it should be scheduled by 2:00 pm at St. Anthony Church and St. Joseph Church is 1:00 pm.  If an outside priest officiates, the wedding should be held by 7 pm.


If there is a funeral on the day of your wedding, you may not be able to get into the Church until after 11:00 a.m. for decorating or picture taking. 


Before your wedding will be scheduled at Saint Anthony Church or St. Joseph Church, you need to speak with our Business Manager, at 812-423-5209 and arrange a schedule to pay your fees to the parish office.


Wedding Coordinator


You are expected to be in contact with and follow the directions of the All Saints Parish Wedding Coordinator 3 months prior to the wedding date. She will help you on the night of your rehearsal as well as on the day of your wedding.


Rehearsal 


All decisions concerning the wedding ceremony are to be completed before the rehearsal night. The members of the wedding party need to be on time so as not to interfere with other scheduled events. The marriage license and other necessary documents are to be brought to the rehearsal.  


Visiting Priest/Presider


The couple may request a Catholic priest other than the pastor of All Saints Parish to preside at their wedding. If this is the case, please return the document attached.  It must be completed and returned to the Parish office before the wedding will be scheduled.


Interfaith Weddings


If the bride and groom are of different faiths, the sacrament is usually celebrated outside of Mass with the Liturgy of the Word and the Rite of Matrimony. A minister of another denomination is welcome to be present at the altar and to take part in the marriage ceremony.  Or, the priest, with permission of the Bishop, may assist at a wedding in a Protestant Church.


Use of Church Fees


The fee for non-parishioners is $1,000.00. The fee for parishioners is $200.00.


(A parishioner is defined as someone who has been a registered member of All Saints Parish at least 24 months before the wedding date and is a contributing member of the parish.)  One half of the payment must be received when the wedding date is reserved.


You must make arrangements with the Parish Business Office to have all fees paid two months prior to the date of your wedding. 


Fees are to given to the Parish Administrative Assistant. 


The fee covers:

  1. Use of Church
  2. Use of dressing areas
  3. Wedding coordinator


The fee does not cover:

  1. Musicians
  2. Cantor
  3. Unity Candle


*** The Church is rented “as is,” equipment and furniture will NOT be moved. The Wedding Coordinator will turn on the sound system. ***

Musicians Fees


The musicians’ fees must be paid directly to the musicians. Because musicians are not usually present for the rehearsal, it is easier to pay them when you pick out your music. The fee is set by each musician and it is the responsibility of the couple to secure musicians. The Parish can only provide a cantor and organist/pianist if needed.  If this is needed, you must contact the Coordinator of Music at least 3 months before the wedding. 


Candelabras


There is an additional charge of $100.00 for the rental of the pair (14 candles) of candelabras.  There is an additional charge of $50 to rent the glass hurricanes. The candles are provided by the wedding party. 


Cafeteria Rental 


If you want to host your reception in our cafeteria, there will be a charge of $90.00.  You will be required to provide event insurance through an insurance agent


Unity Candle


If you choose to have a unity candle, and your wedding ceremony is within Mass, the candle will be placed on a table in front of the lector stand, to the left of the altar (when facing the altar.) The Unity Candle AND the Mothers’ Candle are both provided by the wedding party. 


Photographs and Videotapes 


Photographers or video operators may take pictures during the processional and recessional.  At no time during the liturgy should photographers enter the sanctuary (altar) area of the Church or be noticeable. You are encouraged to take as many pictures before the ceremony as possible. 


If the wedding ceremony is being recorded, live streamed or shared electronically in any other version, copyright permission must be received for all the music being used. This includes Mass parts, responsorial psalm, instrumental pieces and music being sung. Arrangements MUST be made at least 1 month in advance with the Coordinator of Liturgical Music at All Saints Parish to get the needed copyright permission. Purchasing copyright licenses is the responsibility of the couple. 


Church Video Cameras


Because our volunteers are not professional camera operators, we do not offer our equipment to be used for recording weddings. However, the ceremony can be seen on the monitors in St. Anthony Church. You are required to pay the camera operator directly. 

Rice, Balloons, Flower Petals, Bubbles, & Bells  


  1. Throwing rice or birdseed at the church door is not allowed. 
  2. Balloons are not to be used at church because they are an environmental hazard.
  3. Silk flower petals (not fresh petals) are permitted to be strewn down the aisle 
  4. Bubbles are allowed outside of church.
  5. The ringing of small bells is permissible.


Beverages


The drinking of any alcoholic beverage in church or on church property prior to, during or following the wedding and rehearsal by you or your guests, is strictly prohibited. You and all in your wedding party are NOT to consume any alcoholic drinks from midnight the night before your wedding until you leave Church property after your wedding. Exception: wedding reception in St. Anthony cafeteria WITH a licensed bartender AFTER the wedding ceremony.  

 

Wedding Ceremony


Music


All who are present at the Wedding have a part in the ceremony.  Wedding music should be an aid to religious expression, with the lyrics expressing what is unique and distinct about Christian love. Certain “pop” songs heard on the radio, and that are sometimes heard at weddings, are to be used at the reception rather than in Church. NO recorded music can be used. 


The Pianist/Organist will assist you in the selection of music appropriate for your wedding. Remember it is the couple’s responsibility to find musicians. 


Wedding Programs   


Programs that include the simple title of the songs being used or the Mass  responses being used can be printed. Programs that include the words and/or music for songs being used or the Mass responses MUST get copyright permission and include the copyright permission number in the program. Arrangements MUST be made at least 1 month in advance with the Coordinator of Liturgical Music at All Saints Parish to get the needed copyright permission. Purchasing copyright licenses is the responsibility of the couple. 


Releasing Guests from Church


For safety reasons, guests should exit the south side/ramp door when using bubbles, bells, etc. 



Updated July 17, 2026