Thinking About Marriage?
Marriage
Congratulations on your decision to dedicate yourselves to one another in Christian marriage. Your call to married life in the Church is important to the whole Christian community, and so we ask you to undertake your preparation with the utmost care and seriousness. The information provided below will assist you in planning for your wedding ceremony. May the Lord continue to bless you in your love for one another
Marriage Frequently Asked Questions
- Where do we begin?
- What should we expect once we arrive for an appointment?
- What will we need to provide?
- When do we set the date?
- What times are available to be married at St. Anthony of Padua?
- Who will answer our questions about the wedding itself?
- Where do we get a marriage license?
- Can we bring in an outside priest?
- What is the Sacrament of Matrimony?
Where do we begin?
The first thing to do, at least six (6) months before your wedding day, is to call (808 266-2222) and schedule an interview with a priest. Either the bride or groom must be baptized Catholic in order to be married in the Church. All registered parishioners and their families are welcome to celebrate the sacrament of marriage at St. Anthony of Padua. Occasionally, and with pastoral consent, one or both of the engaged parties may have an historical connection to St. Anthony of Padua.
What should we expect once we arrive for an appointment?
One of the first things you will do is fill out individual forms called the “Pre-Marital Investigation.” This helps the priest to learn about your background in the Church and your readiness to be married.
What will we need to provide?
At the first or second meeting, some paperwork will need to be submitted, such as newly issued Baptismal Certificates for the Catholic parties and witness forms for each individual testifying they have not been married before.
You will also be required (as mandated by the Diocese of Honolulu) to attend a weekend Engaged Encounter program. The program will provide a certificate of completion that will be kept in your marriage file.
Engaged Encounter
Engaged Encounter is a weekend to give couples who are planning to get married in the Catholic Church the opportunity to communicate in an honest and loving manner. The couple will also explore their strengths and weaknesses, their goals and their place in the Church and society. www.hawaiiwwme.org
For more information on requirements for marriage in Hawaii, please visit the Diocese of Honolulu’s website by clicking here:
When do we set the date?
Provided that there are no special circumstances that arise, a date and time will be set at your first meeting. A six-month preparation time is required. Weddings can only be booked for a maximum of 12 months in advance.
What times are available to be married at St. Anthony of Padua Parish?
Weddings are generally scheduled on Saturdays as long as they are complete by 2:00 pm. Weddings will not be scheduled on Sunday. Given the circumstances, others days may be arranged with the presiding priest.
Who will answer our questions about the wedding itself?
The questions, which specifically deal with the liturgy itself, i.e., the choice of readings, whether or not to have a “Nuptial Mass” or a “ceremony outside of Mass”, etc., will be answered by the priest who will witness your marriage vows. Questions concerning things like floral arrangements, decorations and photography, please review the policy included in the packet of material the priest provides you at the time of your interview. The planning of music for your wedding will be assisted by our Parish Music Director.
Where do we get a marriage license?
The prospective bride and groom must appear together before a marriage license agent to get a license. In Hawaii, no blood tests, waiting period, or residence or citizenship is required to obtain a marriage license. Licenses are issued immediately and expire in 30 days. Licenses are good anywhere in the state of Hawaii. A marriage license for the couple may be obtained at the Hawaii State Department of Health:
Hawaii State Department of Health Building1250 Punchbowl St., Honolulu, HI 96813
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm.
For More information: (808) 586-4545 or www.Hawaii.gov/health
The Marriage License should be given to the priest at the rehearsal if not before.
Can we be married at St. Anthony of Padua and bring in an outside priest?
Permission may be given for a visiting priest/deacon to perform a wedding at St. Anthony of Padua. The visiting priest/deacon must currently have the faculties of the Diocese of Honolulu or provide documentation that he is a priest/deacon in good standing in another diocese or religious order. He also must agree to abide by the wedding policies of St. Anthony of Padua. Visiting priests or deacons who anticipate facilitating a marriage may consult the following Honolulu diocesan link for more information.