I am an active member of another Catholic parish in the diocese. Can I celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage at your church?
Certainly. There are some requirements you should be attentive to:
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- You must consult with your pastor and obtain permission to marry at a parish other than your own.
- Your home parish is responsible for preparing you for the sacraments.
- One of your parish priests, or another priest of your choice (such as a family friend), must officiate the wedding ceremony.
I am not currently registered at any parish. Can I register as a parishioner of Sacred Heart, so that I can have my preparations for Marriage done with you?
If you would like to be active in the life and ministry of Sacred Heart Parish, you are very welcome to register here.
Prior to any wedding arrangements being made, the bride or groom must be a registered and active member in the parish for a minimum of one year and contribute to its support. The parish will not accept brides or grooms who register at the parish for the sole purpose of being married at Sacred Heart Church or for “using” the Church.
A bride or groom who has moved away and whose parents are registered members in good standing of the parish and who regularly contribute to the support of Sacred Heart will receive due consideration.
What are the wedding fees at Sacred Heart?
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- $2,000 for members of parishes within the Diocese of Saint Petersburg.
- $2,500 for members of parishes outside of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg.
Wedding fees must be paid in full within seven days of scheduling. The fee for the organist and any additional musician is not included in this fee. Their fee is paid directly to them.
Cancellation and Refund Policy:
- Up to nine months before the wedding date | 75% of the fee to be refunded
- Six – nine months before the wedding date | 50% of the fee to be refunded
- Zero – six months before the wedding date | Fee is non-refundable
What happens if we are late for the rehearsal or wedding? What if the wedding Mass or ceremony lasts longer than one hour?
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- Each couple is allotted one hour for the rehearsal and two and a half hours for the wedding. Both the rehearsal and wedding will begin at the scheduled times.
- If you’re late for the rehearsal: The remaining time will be adjusted accordingly. For example, if you’re 15 minutes late, you’ll have 45 minutes left.
- If the wedding starts late: For instance, if it starts 10 minutes late, you’ll have 50 minutes remaining for the Mass or ceremony. In some cases, parts of the wedding may need to be shortened:
- Change the Rite e.g. to Outside Mass (with or without Communion).
- No extraneous rites e.g. Arras, Lazo or Veil, Flowers to Mary.
- Shorten the music e.g. psalm verses when the music does not cover the action.
- Reduce the number of scripture readings, e.g. 1st Reading – Gospel Greeting – Gospel
- Ask the priest to reduce the homily or omit altogether.
- Revise the time limit for the photographer to complete his operations
- If the wedding Mass or ceremony exceeds one hour, less time will be available for photographs. Once your allotted time is up, everyone will be required to leave.
- Each couple is allotted one hour for the rehearsal and two and a half hours for the wedding. Both the rehearsal and wedding will begin at the scheduled times.
Do you have a Wedding Manager that will assist us?
Our Wedding Managers provide many important, vital functions before, during, and after the wedding. They serve to help the bride and groom, and are responsible for implementing the policies and customs of our parish. Our Wedding Managers will consult with the priest/deacon, conduct the rehearsal, give directions for the procession and placement of the wedding party, and ensure that the altar furnishings, candles, and lights are properly set.
Due to the unique nature of Catholic liturgy, a professional wedding planner will not function in the role of Sacred Heart’s Wedding Managers at either the rehearsal or the wedding ceremony.
Do you have an organist available to play for my wedding?
Yes, our Director of Music, Philip Jakob, is an accomplished organist and singer. For more information regarding music during weddings, click here.
What about parking during the wedding?
No on-site parking is available through Sacred Heart Parish. Members of the wedding party and guests should plan to park at metered street parking spaces, in a nearby parking garage, or one of the number of paid lots in the area.
On weekends, or when there are special events occurring downtown, be advised that the neighboring parking garages and lots may charge a flat rate, one that is usually higher than their standard weekday or hourly rate.
To reserve the two metered spaced in front of the church (Zone #9927 | NSOOE-1, NSOOE-3) and the four meters on Twiggs Street (Zone #9927 | E400S-1, E400S-3, 34005-5, E400S-7), contact the City of Tampa Parking Division at 813-274-8179.
Sacred Heart Church is not responsible for any charges related to parking while attending events at Sacred Heart Parish.
