At least six months, preferably 8-9 months before the intended wedding date:
Review document “Celebrating the Sacrament of Marriage at Saint Peter Cathedral” at www.cathedralbelle.org/weddings.
Complete online New Marriage Inquiry form at www.cathedralbelle.org/weddings.
Bishop Godfrey will send an email confirming the date.
Bishop Godfrey will send links for Prepare/Enrich, to be taken online.
After Prepare/Enrich is completed, schedule Meeting #1 with Bishop Godfrey (60 minutes, preferably in person: Pre-nuptial Investigation; Prepare/Enrich results) by calling the parish office (618) 234-1166.
Schedule & complete meetings with Sponsor Couple or Schedule & complete Engaged Encounter Retreat (https://www.diobelle.org/dps/marriage-preparation/precana-schedule). There is no charge for Sponsor Couple option; couple is responsible for retreat fee.
At least three months before the scheduled wedding date:
Return four completed Freedom to Marry Affidavits to the parish office.
For Non-Catholics: Acquire baptismal record (if applicable) and birth certificate and submit to parish office.
Six weeks before the scheduled wedding date:
Contact Richard Thompson, rthompjd@gmail.com, Director of Liturgical Music to schedule music.
At least two weeks before the scheduled wedding date:
Meeting #2 with Fr. Godfrey (Theology; Ceremony Planning, Choose Readings)
Inform photographer & florist of church policies
Acquire Marriage License from County Clerk
Wedding Weekend
Bring Marriage License to Rehearsal
Inform Wedding Party that the consumption of alcohol is prohibited in the church building and on the wedding day preceding the ceremony. Violation of this policy may delay the start of the wedding.
Rehearsal (generally the night before the wedding at 5:00PM)
Wedding (generally at 1:00 or 1:30 on Saturday afternoon)