Holy Matrimony

We are delighted that you are considering celebrating the Sacrament of Marriage at St. Benedict Parish.

Marriage is a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman established by God and elevated by Christ to a sacrament. Through Marriage, a husband and wife receive special graces to help them love one another faithfully and build a family rooted in Christ.

Whether you are engaged, exploring marriage, or have questions about your situation, we are happy to walk with you through the process.

Steps to Preparing for Marriage

  1. Complete the Marriage Inquiry Form

  2. Meet with the Pastor

  3. Complete Marriage Preparation

  4. Submit Required Documents

  5. Finalize Wedding Details

  6. Wedding Rehearsal/Wedding Day

Please fill out the form below to begin the process of having your wedding at St. Benedict Parish.

Wedding Inquiry Form

  • Complete the Marriage Inquiry Form as soon as possible.

    Because the Church requires adequate preparation, couples should contact the parish at least six months before their desired wedding date.

  • Meet with the pastor to discuss your engagement, faith background, and readiness for marriage. After this first meeting, your desired wedding date will be solidified!

  • Couples complete the required marriage preparation process, which includes:

    • FOCCUS Inventory

    • Marriage preparation meetings with a mentor couple OR a weekend retreat

    • Meeting with the pastor/priest to go over your FOCCUS Inventory

    • Natural Family Planning Class

  • Please gather the following items:

    • Baptismal Certificate with notations and Parish Seal

    • Freedom to Marry paperwork (will be given to you at your initial meeting)

    • Any additional diocesan documentation (discussed with pastor)

  • Once preparation and paperwork are complete, the parish can assist with:

    At this time, the Parish Office does not assist with creating or printing wedding programs.

  • Wedding Rehearsals are typically at 4pm, however, this time can be adjusted. If you plan on doing a Holy Hour as part of your reception, please let the pastor or the Parish Office know. During your rehearsal, the priest who is officiating should be there running the majority of the rehearsal, but we will also have a parish representative there to answer any questions you may have.

  • We look forward to celebrating this joyful day with you! Should you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the parish office!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Weddings can be scheduled no less than 6 months in advance, simply because of the time it takes to complete marriage preparation and submit the appropriate paperwork.

  • Those living within the boundaries of St. Benedict Parish are welcome to register with us.

    Those from outside the parish boundaries may be asked to obtain permission from their pastor.

    We are happy to help guide you through this process!

  • Yes! Either the bride or groom must be Catholic to have a wedding within the Church.

    Alumni or BC or extended family are welcome to get married in one of our parish churches.

  • Yes! We are happy to work with visiting clergy. Priests or deacons from outside the Archdiocese of Kansas City will need to submit a letter of suitability to the chancery. Once approval is received, the parish will confirm the details with you.

  • Yes, all couples will need to complete preparation. This will consist of taking a FOCCUS Inventory and discussing the results and either meeting with a mentor couple OR going to a weekend retreat.

  • If one party is a practicing Catholic and the other is supportive and agrees to raise any children within the Faith, the pastor will request a dispensation on the pre-nuptial paperwork.

  • Because situations can vary, it would be best to schedule a time to talk to the pastor to figure out the appropriate steps to take.

  • Yes! It’s highly encouraged for the couple to read and pray with each option that is available. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you to which passage best represents you as a couple and conveys the message you’d like during your wedding ceremony.

    You are welcome to choose your own music as well. Anything in the Breaking Bread, St. Michael, or Source and Summit hymnals are considered appropriate to use during your liturgy.

    • Marriage prep costs $150

    • Parishioners and those who have graduated within the last year: $300 rental fee

    • Non-Parishioners: $1,000 rental fee

  • Many of our couples ask family and friends to share in their wedding day through music and to serve, but if you need help finding an organist, pianist, vocalist/cantor, or servers, the parish has a few contacts we can share with you.

  • This is common! Please fill out the inquiry form and indicate this on the form. The cost for marriage preparation is $150.