Marriage is an important part of your life and growth as a follower of Christ. The process of receiving this Sacrament begins with your interview with the parish priest. This meeting addresses your faith experience, your relationship as a couple and your understanding of marriage within the Church

Contact: OLPH Wedding Coordinator, Bridget Bird 604-228-9180, bridget.bird@telus.net

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the first step?
Contact the wedding coordinator at least six months to a year ahead of your anticipated date. Following your initial contact, the pastoral team which includes the celebrant, coordinator and music ministry will work to help you plan a meaningful liturgy.

Must one of us be a parishioner to marry here?
Generally, yes. The wedding of two Catholics is a Sacrament which takes places in the parish of either the bride or the groom. To be married in another parish, the archdiocese requires a ‘compelling reason’.  Proximity of OLPH to your reception site is not considered sufficient reason.

Which documents are required?
Annotated baptismal certificate for Catholics. This is not the original certificate but, rather, one that has been issued within the last six months and shows all the other sacraments received on the overleaf.  It is available from the parish where the Catholic party was baptized.
Certified copy of original baptismal certificate. This document is required for those of other Christian denominations.
BC Marriage License. This is required by the province.  See their website for details: www.vs.gov.bc.ca

Must we attend a Marriage Preparation Program?
Yes, completion of the program is required to be married in the archdiocese. Up-to-date schedule and application forms are downloadable from the Vancouver Archdiocese website at www.rcav.org (click on Diocesan Offices, then Religious Education). The course is seven weeks in duration and must be completed at least a month before the wedding date. Registration is online.

Is there a wedding coordinator for the ceremony?
Yes, the parish provides a volunteer coordinator to manage the logistics of the ceremony.