We ask that couples anticipating marriage contact the church at least six months prior to their wedding date to confirm a date with the priest or deacon. Arrange for your church date and time before securing the catering hall. Church times are limited whereas catering halls are numerous.

Marriage as a sacrament of the Catholic Church is a liturgical service and therefore celebrations of the whole church and not private functions. In the marriage ceremonies the Church receives and blesses the vowed commitment of Christians and gathers them into the mystery of Christ's love for his Church. The married couple becomes the sacrament of Christ's redeeming love to the faith community.

Requirements for Marriage at St. Kilian's

• At least one of the couple must have a relationship to St. Kilian's Parish.
• Neither party may have an impediment such as a previous marriage unless ended by death or a church annulment.
• The couple must participate in a Foccus (Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding, and Study) Inventory prior to attending a pre marriage preparation program, called Pre Cana.
• If either bride or groom is not catholic, the catholic party must sign the dispensation promising to preserve his or her own faith in the Catholic Church and trying to the best of his or her ability to raise the children in the Catholic faith. The non catholic does not have to convert to the Catholic Faith.

Also for your information:

• A New York State marriage license must be obtained from any New York State license bureau (usually Town Hall) at least 48 hours prior to the wedding ceremony.
• All aspects of the wedding services must be according to St.Kilian's manner and custom.
• St. Kilian has a professional organist and singer who will discuss the wedding music with you. Other musicians are discouraged, however, if other musicians are used St. Kilian's must still be paid.
• The priest or deacon arranging your wedding will probably preside at your ceremony. However we can not guarantee a specific presider. If you have a relative or friend who is a deacon or priest they are welcome to preside at your nuptials. They should write a letter to the pastor requesting the proper delegation.
• We do not permit the throwing of rice, bird seed, confetti and flower petals. All these can make the church building and property dangerous, especially for your older guests.
• All weddings must start on time. There is a limited time for each wedding because of other weddings and church services which follow. Basically each wedding may have the use of the church for one hour only. If weddings are significantly late parts of the ceremony will have to be usurped so that the church will be available for the next service.
• The church offering: Although sacraments are matters of faith and are not bought or sold, the church does exist in a temporal world, and we need the support of our parishioners in order to provide the services you require. The suggested offering is set by the Diocese of Rockville Centre. Those in financial difficulty will not be denied the sacrament; those who enjoy God's blessings may wish to contribute more generously. The donation is for the church. If you wish to make a gift to the priest or deacon, it is not expected, but appreciated.
• Videographers and Photographers are welcome to be in the church, however, all video and photo activity must be courteous and not distracting to the church services. They may not move about the front of the church, but must remain in a place where they are not distracting to the ceremony. They may not use lights or flashes once the ceremony has begun.