Couples interested in being married at St. David the King are encouraged to contact the parish at least one year in advance of their desired wedding date. This will help ensure availability and provide sufficient time for the important preparation process we recommend.
Wedding Scheduling Policy
Priority for scheduling weddings at St. David the King Parish will be given to couples who meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Are registered parishioners of St. David the King.
- Are the son or daughter of active, registered parishioners.
- Have received their Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, First Communion, and/or Confirmation) at our parish.
- Reside within the canonical boundaries of the parish and, as such, have a canonical right to the sacraments here. If you are a local resident and not yet registered, we invite you to begin the registration process.
Couples who do not fall into one of the above categories are welcome to inquire about availability for weddings scheduled outside of peak wedding season (March-June). Additionally, individuals who are not registered parishioners and do not reside within the West Windsor/Princeton Junction area must provide a letter of permission from their home parish pastor before a wedding date can be confirmed.
Please reach out to the parish office as early as possible in your planning process. We are happy to assist with any questions and help you choose a wedding date.
PREPARATION PROCESS
Marriage preparation at St. David the King consists of three primary components: the FOCCUS Inventory, the Pre-Cana Retreat, and the Natural Family Planning (NFP) Online Course. Couples will also meet with either Fr. Jason or Deacon Tom for an initial meeting to complete necessary paperwork and discuss any questions they may have.
1. FOCCUS Inventory
The FOCCUS Inventory is designed to help couples explore their relationship, understand each other better, and discuss important topics for their future life together. The inventory is completed online, and then reviewed in person with Fr. Jason, Deacon Tom, or a trained couple from the parish. This typically takes 3 to 5 sessions.
2. Pre-Cana Retreat
The Pre-Cana Retreat provides engaged couples with the opportunity to reflect on key aspects of marriage. This day-long retreat or Virtual Retreat is led by couples for couples, offering insights into common challenges and ways to strengthen your relationship. The retreat fee is $180 per couple. Couples should register for the retreat day that best fits their schedule. Upon completion, a certificate will be issued, which must be submitted to the parish for your marriage file.
3. Natural Family Planning (NFP) Course
The NFP Online Course is offered through CatechismClass.com and costs $29.95 per participant. The course is self-paced, taking approximately 2 to 3 hours to complete, and each person must have their own account to finish the course. Upon completion, a certificate will be issued, which must be submitted to the parish for your marriage file.
#2 & #3 Combined Pre-Cana Retreat & NFP Course Online Option *NEW*
For couples preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage, we are pleased to offer two online options that fulfill the Church’s Pre-Cana and Natural Family Planning (NFP) requirements. For those unable to attend an in-person retreat or who prefer an online format, you may consider one of the following:
- Pre-Cana Online Course – This program includes ten guided conversations and video teaching sessions with Rev. Frank, along with a presentation on the Sacrament of Marriage and a testimony from a couple who practices Natural Family Planning. It is completed together as a couple, typically within 8-12 hours, and costs $95 per couple. Upon completion, a certificate will be issued, which must be submitted to the parish for your marriage file.
- CatechismClass.com Marriage Preparation Program – This program combines both Pre-Cana and NFP preparation, offering a deep exploration of marriage through the writings of the Popes, the Catechism, Scripture, and Marriage in the Heart and Mind of the Church by Preston E. Wiggins. It is completed individually with couple conversations encouraged. The course costs $49.99 per person and can be completed in 8-12 hours. Upon completion, a certificate will be issued, which must be submitted to the parish for your marriage file.
Final Meeting & Liturgy Planning
After completing the three primary components of Marriage Prep, the couple will meet again with either Fr. Jason or Deacon Tom to select scripture readings and discuss the details of the wedding liturgy. The couple is also encouraged to contact the parish music director, Carol Tewksbury, to discuss music selections for the ceremony.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Can a Catholic marry a non-Catholic in a Catholic liturgy?
Yes, a Catholic can marry a non-Catholic in a Catholic liturgy. If a Catholic wishes to marry a baptized Christian from another denomination, this requires permission from the local bishop, which is typically granted. In this case, the marriage is considered sacramental.
If a Catholic wishes to marry a non-baptized person, the bishop can also grant permission, but the marriage is not regarded as sacramental in the eyes of the Church.
For couples in a mixed marriage (Catholic and non-Catholic), a wedding ceremony without the Eucharist will be celebrated. For couples where both parties are Catholic, a Wedding Mass will be celebrated.
2. If I have a previous marriage, does it need to be annulled by the Catholic Church?
If your former spouse is still alive, any previous marriage must be annulled by the Church before you can marry in the Catholic Church. In some cases, such as when a Catholic married outside the Church, the annulment process may be straightforward and relatively quick. In other cases, it may be more complex and take longer.
We encourage you to consult a priest or deacon at St. David the King if you have any questions about your specific situation. A wedding date cannot be set until any necessary annulment has been granted.
3. My spouse and I were not originally married in the Church, but we would now like to have our marriage blessed. Is that possible?
Yes, this is called a convalidation of your marriage, and it is definitely possible. Convalidation is a simple process, particularly if neither of you needs an annulment of a prior marriage. Please reach out to a priest or deacon at the parish to learn more about the steps involved in having your marriage convalidated.
Couples seeking to have their civil marriage convalidated by the Church will be asked to complete the FOCCUS for Convalidation if they have been civilly married for less than six years. The requirement for completing the Pre-Cana and NFP courses will be determined based on the couple’s unique situation and the length of their marriage.
4. We are not parishioners, but would like to get married at Saint David the King. Is this an option?
Unfortunately No. At this time, we are honored to prioritize weddings for our parishioners, including those who live within the parish’s geographic boundaries or are the son/daughter of an active parishioner. While we are unable to accommodate outside wedding requests at the moment, we deeply appreciate your understanding and wish you every blessing as you plan your special day.
5. Is it possible to have a Catholic Wedding Ceremony offsite?
Unfortunately No. While we understand the appeal of celebrating your special day in a unique location, it is a diocesan policy that Catholic weddings take place within a Catholic Church. This means weddings at other venues, such as beaches or private event spaces, are not permitted. Additionally, In light of being a single priest parish and due to parish scheduling commitments, Fr. Jason is unable to commit to celebrating weddings offsite. We appreciate your understanding and are here to help you plan a beautiful and meaningful ceremony within the guidelines of the Church.
FEE SCHEDULE
Facility Fee: $300
Includes:
- Use of the permitted church spaces for the wedding ceremony
- Church maintenance and janitorial expenses
Parish Marriage Prep: $250
Includes:
- FOCCUS Inventory (pre-marriage inventory assessment)
- FOCCUS Inventory Processing
- Together for Life Planning Book (for ceremony planning)
- Ceremony Planning Session
- Additional resources and materials for facilitating gatherings
Music Fee: $450
Includes:
- Parish organist
- One parish cantor
Note: If the couple chooses to bring in outside musicians, these must be approved by the pastor in advance. If approved, the music fee will be waived. The couple will be responsible for any fees associated with outside musicians, which should be paid directly to the musicians.
*Pre-Cana Retreat: $180
- Paid by the couple at the time of registration to the service provider
- Mandatory for all couples preparing for marriage in the church
*Natural Family Planning (NFP) Online Course: $59.90
- Cost for two online course modules
- Paid directly to the provider of the course when enrolling into the course
*COMBINED OPTION Pre-Cana & NFP Course:
- Pre-Cana Online Course: $95 / Couple (A savings of $144.90 compared to completing them separately.)
- CatechismClass.com Marriage Preparation Program: $49.99 / ea. (A savings of $139.92 compared to completing them separately.)
Celebrant Fee: (Optional)
- The celebrant (priest or deacon) is not compensated by the parish.
- If the couple wishes to offer a gift to the celebrant, it should be given directly to the celebrant by the couple.
Additional Information
- Payment Schedule:
- A deposit of $250 is required upon booking your wedding date.
- Remaining balance of $750 is due by/at the Rehearsal.
- The deposit and balance should be paid by check, payable to Saint David the King Parish
- Cancellation Policy:
- If the wedding is canceled, the deposit is non-refundable.
- Any payments made for services (e.g., Pre-Cana, NFP Course, etc.) follow the policies of the service provider.
- Availability:
- Wedding dates are subject to availability.
- Please contact the parish office for current availability and to schedule a meeting with the pastor.
Outside Clergy for Weddings
If the couple wishes to have a priest or deacon who is not assigned to St. David the King Parish officiate their wedding, they must first coordinate with the parish office to schedule the ceremony before or in conjunction with making arrangements with the outside clergyman. It is the couple’s responsibility to communicate directly with the priest or deacon regarding any stipend he may require.
Any clergy member serving at St. David the King must be in good standing and must provide either a New Jersey Suitability Card or a Letter of Good Standing from their bishop to the parish business manager before the wedding ceremony.
Please note: Only Fr. Jason is assigned to St. David the King Parish.