The Diocese of Wilmington requires that a couple notify a priest at least twelve months before the wedding. Those under the age of 18 will be discouraged from receiving the Sacrament of Matrimony until they have been evaluated by Catholic Social Services and permission from the Bishop has been obtained. Pregnancy is not a positive determining factor in proceeding with a marriage.
All couples must be spiritually prepared and free to marry in the Catholic Church. Couples marrying at St. Christopher’s must attend a marriage preparation course provided by the Diocese of Wilmington, or the Diocese in which they reside. The Pre-cana Certificate, along with the Spiritual and Personality Assessment, must be delivered to St. Christopher’s at least two months prior to the wedding date.
If either the bride or groom have had a previous marriage ending in divorce, they must speak to the Pastor before a wedding date can be scheduled.
If a priest or deacon not affiliated with St. Christopher’s will be presiding at the wedding ceremony, they will be responsible for completing all paperwork and forwarding it to St. Christopher’s.
In an inter-faith marriage, our rule is to have a wedding ceremony service, not a Mass. Special circumstances can be discussed with the Pastor.
Members of the Catholic faith must obtain a recent copy of their baptismal certificate dated no more than six months prior to their wedding date. You must obtain this certificate from the church in which you were baptized. Please submit this copy of your Baptismal Certificate four months before your wedding day, along with your Marriage Licencse from Queen Anne's County.
Weddings are celebrated on Saturdays at 2 PM. Approval must be received by the Pastor if another day or time is requested. The ceremony must start and end promptly. All members of the wedding party including the Bride and Groom are to arrive at least one hour before the ceremony. Rehearsals are usually scheduled the evening before the wedding.