Congratulations on your engagement to be married! We at The Immaculata would be happy to share our worship space with you on the occasion of one of the most important days in your life, when you accept from God His blessing in the Sacrament of Marriage.
The Immaculata has provided the following “Frequently Asked Questions” which we hope will help answer some of your questions about celebrating your wedding at our church.
Who can get married at The Immaculata?
-
At least one party of the couple must be a baptized Catholic to be married at The Immaculata.
- Couples are not required to be affiliated with the University of San Diego.
- Parishioners and non-parishioners alike are welcome to be married at The Immaculata.
- Non-parishioners are required to secure the services of their own priest or deacon who will provide them with pastoral care during the preparation process and who will officiate at their wedding ceremony.
- Couples must be free to marry in the Catholic Church. (All prior marriages must be addressed.)
How long is the “waiting list”?
-
Contrary to popular belief, The Immaculata is NOT booked several years in advance, nor do we have a “waiting list”. The Immaculata is currently booking for 2007 and 2008 only. The Immaculata will begin taking reservations for 2010 on September 1, 2008.
- The Diocese of San Diego recommends nine (9) months notice for marriage in the Catholic Church.
When are wedding ceremonies held?
-
Wedding ceremonies at The Immaculata are celebrated on Saturdays at 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Rehearsals are typically scheduled the Friday before the wedding at 4:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on a first come, first serve basis.
- Wedding ceremonies on Sundays are never allowed.
- Ceremonies are held year-round however special policies may be in effect during certain times of the Liturgical Year.
How can we set a date?
-
A 30-day tentative hold may be placed on a date by contacting Janice Corbett, the Parish Wedding Director, at the parish office at 619-574-5704 or by email at janice_weddings@san.rr.com and completing a Date Request Form.
- Once a tentative date is set, the Parish Wedding Director will provide you with the Wedding Packet which will include the 2008 Marriage Guidelines, the Guidelines Agreement Form and Visiting Clergy Form, both of which are required with the deposit in order to confirm your date.
- Tentative dates are confirmed upon receipt of the 1) Guidelines Agreement Form, 2) Visiting Clergy Form 3) $550 non-refundable deposit. The forms and deposit must be received within 30 days of booking the tentative date or your reservation will be cancelled without further notification.
How much is the fee for use of the church?
-
The offering for the church is $1,000.00. A non-refundable deposit of $550.00 is required to confirm the date and time of the wedding. The balance of $450.00 is due six months prior to the wedding and once paid is also non-refundable.
- Payment is for use of the church only. Musicians, florists, etc. must be contracted separately.
- Payments must be made in the form of check, cash or money order as we are not able to accept credit card payments at this time..
- It is customary to provide your presiding priest with a stipend or honorarium following the ceremony.
Does The Immaculata have musicians that we can use?
-
Yes, The Immaculata has very fine musicians who are experienced in their role as liturgical musicians and are available for your wedding ceremony.
-
Our Wedding Music Director and Organist, Krishan Oberoi, is happy to assist you in selecting a cantor and musicians for your ceremony. He will also help you select songs that will be an expression of your Christian faith and convey the sacredness and dignity of your wedding ceremony.
Can we bring in our own musicians?
-
Guest choirs, cantors and musicians are welcome at The Immaculata. However, they will be required to provide a letter from their parish as proof that they are actively engaged as liturgical musicians. Additionally, guest musicians are required to provide their own equipment, including a sound system (if needed), microphones and microphone stands, etc. The Immaculata’s piano is available to guest musicians. The organ, however is reserved only for use by The Immaculata's organist..
What preparation classes will we have to take?
- The Diocese of San Diego requires a two-part preparation process:
1. Attendance at the Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program (DMPP) – a two-day program held on consecutive Saturdays.
2. Attendance at the Engaged Encounter Weekend - a Friday night to Sunday afternoon event held at a retreat center.
- Additional or alternate preparation may be required depending on a couple’s circumstances.
- Couples living out of town may complete the Marriage Preparation Program(s) within their own Diocese in place of the San Diego Diocesan programs.
Does The Immaculata also book dates for Founder’s Chapel?
-
The Immaculata is a San Diego Diocesan Parish while Founder’s Chapel is a chapel of the University of San Diego. Therefore, Founder’s has their own policies, guidelines, staff members and calendar. Those interested in celebrating their wedding at Founder’s Chapel can contact Founder’s Wedding Coordinator, Darlene Polak, at 619-260-2229.
Does The Immaculata or the University have facilities for receptions?
-
The Immaculata does not have a space large enough to accommodate wedding receptions and it is the policy of the University of San Diego not to rent out their banquet halls to private parties.
Is picture-taking allowed in the church during the ceremony?
-
Picture-taking by professional photographers is allowed, however, in order to ensure that every wedding at The Immaculata is not only memorable, but maintains a sense of dignity and reverence, we require that all photographers agree to abide by the policies outlined in detail in the Marriage Guidelines booklet and in the Policies for Photographers and Videographers document.
What documents are needed for marriage at The Immaculata?
-
Engaged couples are required to complete and/or submit a variety of documents to the church in order to get married. This is part of the process of determining your freedom to marry in the Catholic Church and of registering your marriage with the Catholic party’s church of baptism.
Please be assured of our sincere desire to cooperate with you to make your celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage meaningful and memorable. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Janice Corbett, our Parish Wedding Director, by phone at 619-574-5704 or by email at janice_weddings@san.rr.com
