Marriage at St. Francis Xavier
Congratulations to you both as you bring your mutual love to the life- long commitment of marriage. If you both are Christians, this commitment is a covenant of love, a symbol of Christ’s relationship to his Church. If one of you is un-baptized, this commitment is equally blessed by God. God whose name is Love is present wherever and whenever husband and wife commit themselves to each other in love. Thank you for bringing this love into our midst.
We are grateful that you desire to have your wedding at St. Francis Xavier Church. It is our desire as a parish community to help you make the day of your wedding a happy and holy one.
If you are a regular parishioner at St. Francis Xavier, it is our delight to share this special day in your life here in your parish community. If you are not a regular parishioner, it is our delight to welcome you into our midst as you take this step toward marriage.
Because St. Francis Xavier Church is a parish of the Archdiocese of New York, all marriages that take place here are done in accordance with the norms of the Archdiocese.
Scheduling the wedding
You must schedule your marriage in St. Francis Xavier Church at least six months before the wedding date. We strongly recommend that this be done before you arrange the reception. Marriages may be scheduled in the Church on Fridays and Saturdays with proper regard to the other liturgical celebrations of the parish and other scheduled events. No weddings are to be scheduled on Sunday.
The following times are usually available for weddings:
- Fridays at 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm or 7:00 pm (Note: rehearsals for Saturday weddings are also scheduled at these times)
- Saturdays at 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm or 6:30 pm.
Not all weekend dates are available. Usually, marriages are not scheduled for major holy days and holidays and the weekends connected with them:
- New Year’s Eve and Day
- Palm Sunday weekend through Easter Sunday
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas
- Memorial Day weekend
- July 4th
- Labor Day
- During Advent and throughout the penitential season of Lent, in keeping with the custom of the Church, weddings may be allowed only if circumstances warrant it.
The availability of someone to preside at your marriage will also have a bearing on scheduling.
Please download our full document which outlines the sacrament of marriage at Xavier
