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WEDDING PLANNING DETAILS
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Congratulations on Your Engagement!
Please fill out and submit the wedding inquiry form if you would like to schedule a meeting with Fr. Séamus to discuss your wedding. Click HERE to access the form.
We rejoice with you as you prepare for your wedding! Your desire to be married by a priest of the American National Catholic Church reflects a beautiful understanding that marriage is far more than a civil agreement—it is a holy covenant rooted in God’s love.
As you enter this time of preparation, know that the Church prayerfully walks beside you with gratitude for the love you share. While these months will undoubtedly be filled with practical planning, the most meaningful preparation you can make is spiritual. A wedding celebration lasts for a day; the life you build together lasts a lifetime. God deeply wishes to share in that life and accompany you in your marriage.
Naturally, many couples have questions about the ceremony itself. Our hope is to help you create a celebration that is reverent, prayerful, and filled with joy.
WHAT IS CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE?
Marriage is a sacred institution established by God, in which two people freely enter a lifelong partnership ordered toward their mutual good. When both spouses are baptized, this covenant becomes a sacrament—an outward sign of Christ’s grace. Christian marriage strengthens the couple in holiness and stands as a living witness of God’s faithful love for the world.
DO BOTH PARTNERS HAVE TO BE CHRISTIAN?
No. It is not required that both individuals be Christian in order for the wedding to be celebrated.
In addition, Fr. Séamus gladly celebrates LGBTQ+ marriages, second unions, and weddings for couples who may feel overlooked or unwelcome in more traditional settings. His goal is simple: that every couple receives a ceremony that resonates with their faith, values, and authentic selves.
WHAT IF I LIVE OUTSIDE MASSACHUSETTS?
Fr. Séamus is authorized to perform weddings within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. As long as your marriage license is issued in Massachusetts and the ceremony takes place within the Commonwealth, Fr. Séamus is able to preside at your wedding.
WHAT FORM WILL THE CEREMONY TAKE?
When two practicing Catholics are preparing for marriage, the celebration often takes place within the Mass. The exchange of vows during a Eucharistic liturgy highlights how the couple’s self-giving love mirrors Christ’s total gift of Himself on the Cross and in the Eucharist. Because of this, weddings with Mass are held in our parish chapel. Many couples find this preparation process a meaningful opportunity to deepen their faith and return more fully to Catholic practice.
If, however, the couple is not currently attending Mass regularly AND/OR wishes to be married at a location outside our chapel, we celebrate the Rite of Matrimony without Mass.
Please be assured: the Rite of Matrimony without Mass is a completely valid and solemn wedding liturgy in the American National Catholic Church. It may include elements such as a procession, readings from Scripture, a homily, the exchange of vows, the blessing and giving of rings, the Universal Prayer, the nuptial blessing, and a recessional. We will work together to tailor the ceremony to your needs.
WEDDING COORDINATION
Fr. Séamus will guide you through the liturgical preparation and oversee the ceremony itself. Should you wish assistance with reception details, décor, or other non-liturgical aspects, you may wish to hire a professional wedding consultant.
READINGS AND LITURGICAL PARTICIPATION
You will be given options for Scripture readings, or you may propose your own with approval from Fr. Séamus. A typical wedding includes:
- One First Reading
- One Second Reading
- One Gospel Reading (always proclaimed by the priest)
Family and friends may be invited to read the First and Second Readings or lead the Prayers of the Faithful. If you prefer, Fr. Séamus can read all selections.
Readers should be comfortable proclaiming Scripture clearly and reverently.
MUSIC FOR THE CEREMONY
Music plays an important role in creating a prayerful atmosphere. Wedding music should support the sacredness of the ceremony rather than serve as entertainment. There will be plenty of time for celebratory music at the reception.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY
Photography and video recording are welcome. Guests may use their phones respectfully, provided devices are silenced to avoid interruptions.
CULTURAL TRADITIONS
Cultural and family traditions—such as arras, lazo, the veil, unity candles, or unity sand—are warmly welcomed. Because the couple’s unity is expressed publicly in the exchange of vows, some couples choose to include symbolic rituals at the reception rather than during the ceremony, but the choice is yours.
MASSACHUSETTS MARRIAGE LICENSES
It is the couple’s responsibility to obtain a valid Massachusetts marriage license from any city or town clerk in the Commonwealth.
Please ensure this is done well in advance.
The marriage license must be given to Fr. Séamus before the wedding rehearsal.
PRAYER FOR AN ENGAGED COUPLE
Lord God, wellspring of all love, N. and N. have met each other through your providential plan.
Mercifully grant as they seek your grace in preparing for marriage, that, sustained by heavenly blessing,
they may grow in mutual respect and may love each other with true charity.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Please fill out and submit the wedding inquiry form if you would like to schedule a meeting with Fr. Séamus to discuss your wedding. Click HERE to access the form.