Marriage Preparation

Congratulations on your engagement and plans to marry!

The Sacrament of Marriage is exactly that, a sacrament, lived out by the two of you throughout your married lives. Because of this, celebrating your wedding in the Catholic Church means more than just choosing an appropriate and picturesque setting for the ceremony and photos.

Your wedding Mass or ceremony is a meaningful and memorable testament, or statement, of the spiritual hopes you have for your married life. To achieve this, there is a specific process to follow that ensures you are ready spiritually, mentally and emotionally for this great event in your lives, and that your wedding Mass or ceremony is not only beautiful, but also meets the requirements of being married in the Roman Catholic Church. 

Marriage Preparation Steps


1. Book a wedding date.

You should book your date at least six months in advance. To set a date, please call the parish office at 661-587-3626, or send a message to info@setoncatholicchurch.org

2. Book your first meeting with Msgr. Perry.

This is an opportunity to get acquainted, and to discuss your decision to be married in the Church. He will also help you determine what marriage preparation course or counseling, and other preparation steps you will need to take. Once you have met with him, your wedding date will be confirmed.

3. Contact our parish wedding coordinator.

Email Melissa Quintanilla at melissa@setoncatholicchurch.org or by calling the parish office at 661-587-3626. Melissa will review wedding policy regarding your wedding Mass or ceremony, and will be your guide through much of the process.

Pre-Marriage Sessions

Couples being married in the Church are required to complete an approved pre-marriage preparation course or instruction, and are strongly encouraged to start as early as possible. 

It is our responsibility to make certain you are making a fully informed decision about your readiness for marriage. Pre-marriage counseling, classes or workshops are designed to share with each couple the Church's teaching about marriage as a sacrament. The more you put into your personal spiritual preparation for marriage, the greater the blessings.  Msgr Perry will discuss the options you have to complete your marriage preparation.

Wedding Policy

1. Outdoor weddings are not permitted in our Diocese. 

2. Decorations must be approved by the Wedding Coordinator. The following decorations are not allowed: aisle candles, aisle runner, arches. Please respect the beauty and dignity of our Church.

3. Music: All music performed during a wedding Mass or ceremony must be performed live. Additionally, sacred music is the most appropriate repertoire for Church services. Secular (non-sacred) music can be acceptable as long as the music's message or association (such as a movie or television show theme song) does not conflict with the Church's understanding of marriage and love, and should be played before the actual wedding service begins. Please consult with the Music Director regarding music selection and musicians by contacting Susan Scaffidi, Music Director at 661-587-3626, or sscaffidi@setoncatholicchurch.org.

4. Dress Code: Bridal and wedding party dresses must be appropriate for a Church setting, so please consult with the Wedding Coordinator before making purchases. Cowboy hats and other hats are not permitted during the ceremony.

5. Photographers/Videographers must respect the policies set forth by the priest, deacon or wedding coordinator in terms of movement and activity during the ceremony. You will have 30 minutes after the ceremony to take photographs in the Church.

6. Being in Church: Members of the wedding party and/or guests may be excluded from the ceremony for: 

  • Being in possession of alcohol or illegal substances

  • Being under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances

  • Inappropriate or disrespectful behavior

If you use a limousine service, please be aware that alcohol is NOT to be consumed on the way to Church.

7. Fees must be paid in full one month before your wedding date. Fees may be waived or reduced in some circumstances. Please discuss this with Msgr. Perry and the Wedding Coordinator.

8. Wedding fees: $650, which includes use of the Church, musicians, Wedding Coordinator and marriage preparation. 

9. Receptions: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church cannot accommodate wedding receptions.

10. Wedding days and times are Saturdays between 11 am and 2 pm. A traditional full Mass will last up to one hour. A wedding ceremony (not a Mass) lasts up to 30 minutes. Fridays are also open for evening weddings. Weddings are not permitted on Sundays.