A Journey Accompanied by the Parish

Preparing for marriage is not something couples are expected to do alone.

Throughout the preparation process, couples will receive guidance and support from:

• the officiating priest

• parish staff

• marriage preparation volunteers

• liturgical support teams

Our parish wedding support team will help guide couples in preparing for the wedding liturgy and ceremony, including:

• selection of Scripture readings

• choice of hymns and liturgical music

• wedding rehearsal preparation

• coordination of liturgical ministries

• guidance on available parish resources such as choir members, lectors, and altar servers

The Church hopes that this preparation journey will help couples grow not only in their wedding preparations, but also in their life of faith together.

1) Your First Meeting with the Priest

The first step in preparing for your wedding at the Church of the Holy Family is to arrange an initial meeting with the priest who will be celebrating your marriage.

The officiating priest may be from the Church of the Holy Family, another recognised Catholic parish in Singapore, or overseas.

This first meeting is an important part of the preparation journey. It gives the priest an opportunity to:

• get to know both of you personally

• understand your faith journey and relationship

• provide pastoral guidance for your marriage preparation

• explain the sacramental meaning of Christian marriage

• advise you on the next steps in preparation

The priest will also guide you on any marriage preparation courses, pastoral requirements, or additional arrangements that may be needed based on your individual circumstances.

Couples are encouraged to bring along the Marriage Application Form during this first meeting so that the officiating priest may review and sign the form.

2) Reservation of the Church and Multipurpose Hall

Wedding ceremonies are usually celebrated on Saturdays at 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM.

Couples who book the 9:00 AM wedding slot may also request use of the Multipurpose Hall for a reception, subject to availability and parish approval. The hall can accommodate approximately 120 seated guests.

Duration of Usage

The allocated timing for the use of the church for:

• 9:00 AM slot – 8:00AM to 11:00AM

• 12:00 AM slot – 11:00AM to 2:00PM

which includes:

• arrival and preparation

• guest seating

• the wedding liturgy

• photography within the church compound

• clearing of personal belongings

Couples who wish to reserve the church or the hall are required to complete the application form. The completed form must be signed by the officiating priest before submission to the parish office. Once the completed form has been submitted, the requested venue and date may be soft booked, subject to availability and parish approval.

A soft booking means that:

• the requested wedding date is temporarily reserved

• the booking remains provisional until all requirements are completed

• the reservation is subject to parish approval and confirmation

The parish office will advise couples on the next steps after receiving the application form.

Approximately three months before the wedding date, couples will be required to make the necessary love offering to confirm and secure their booking of the church and/or Multipurpose Hall. Details on the payment and amount will be provided by the parish office.

3) Suggested Timeline to Begin Preparation

We strongly encourage couples to contact the parish at least 6 months before their intended wedding date.

This allows sufficient time for:

• meetings with the priest

• pastoral preparation

• submission of required documents

• participation in recommended programmes

• liturgical planning

• wedding day coordination

Early preparation also helps ensure greater flexibility in securing preferred dates and timings.

4) Before Contacting the Parish

Couples are encouraged to prepare the following information before arranging their first appointment with the priest:

• preferred wedding date(s)

• whether a priest has already agreed to officiate

• baptism status of both parties

If you are unsure about any requirements, please do not worry. The priest and parish team will be happy to guide you through the process.

Preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage

Marriage preparation in the Catholic Church is not simply about planning a wedding ceremony. It is a time of spiritual, personal, and practical preparation for married life.

During this journey, couples are encouraged to deepen their understanding of:

• the meaning of Christian marriage

• communication and commitment

• prayer and family life

• faith within marriage

• the responsibilities of married life

The officiating priest will guide each couple through the preparation process and advise on the appropriate steps based on their individual circumstances.

1) Meetings with the Priest

Couples should expect to meet with the officiating priest several times before the wedding.

These meetings may include:

• pastoral conversations

• marriage preparation guidance

• review of required documents

• liturgical preparation

• canonical and administrative matters

Couples are encouraged to remain in regular communication with the priest throughout the preparation journey.

2) Marriage Preparation Courses

Couples may be advised by the officiating priest to attend marriage preparation programmes or courses as part of their preparation for the Sacrament of Matrimony.

These programmes are intended to help couples:

• strengthen communication and understanding

• reflect on married life and family life

• deepen their faith journey together

• prepare spiritually and emotionally for marriage

The officiating priest will advise couples on the appropriate programmes, timelines, and requirements.

3) Required Documents

The following documents are commonly required during the marriage preparation process:

• Birth Certificate of both parties

• Baptism Extract of Catholic party (within 6 (six) months’ validity)

• Marriage Preparation Course Certificate

• Civil Wedding Certificate (for convalidation)

Depending on individual circumstances, additional documents may sometimes be required, including:

• Letter of Permission from another parish

• Dispensation documents

• Previous marriage or annulment documents

• Overseas church documentation

The officiating priest will advise couples on the specific documents required for their marriage preparation.

4) Newly Issued Baptism Extract

Catholic parties are generally required to obtain a newly issued (within 6 (six) months’ validity) Baptism Extract from the church where they were baptised.

This is because the Church requires an updated record reflecting the current sacramental status of the individual.

Couples are encouraged to request these extracts early, especially if the baptism took place overseas, as processing times may vary between parishes and countries.

5) Interfaith and Special Marriage Circumstances

The Catholic Church warmly welcomes couples from different faith backgrounds who sincerely wish to enter into marriage together.

Additional preparation or documentation may sometimes be required in situations involving:

• marriages between a Catholic and non-Catholic Christian

• marriages between a Catholic and a non-baptised person

• overseas documentation

• previous civil or religious marriages

If any special circumstances apply, couples are encouraged to discuss them openly with the officiating priest during the early stages of preparation.

The priest will guide couples pastorally and advise on the necessary next steps.

Celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony

A Catholic wedding is a sacred liturgical celebration in which a man and woman freely give themselves to one another in marriage before God, the Church, and the gathered community.

The wedding liturgy is therefore more than a ceremony or event. It is a prayerful celebration of love, faith, commitment, and God’s presence in your marriage journey.

As part of your preparation, couples will be guided in planning the various liturgical elements of the wedding celebration.

1) Guidance from the Parish Wedding Support Team

The parish wedding support team will journey alongside couples in preparing for the wedding liturgy and ceremony.

The team will assist couples in areas such as:

• planning the flow of the wedding liturgy

• selecting Scripture readings

• choosing hymns and liturgical music

• coordinating liturgical ministries

• preparing for the wedding rehearsal

• answering practical questions relating to the ceremony

The parish may also assist couples with available parish resources, including: 

• choir members

• lectors

• altar servers

2) Wedding Mass or Wedding Service

Depending on the circumstances of the couple, the wedding may be celebrated:

• within a Nuptial Mass

• or as a Wedding Service outside Mass

The officiating priest will guide couples on the most suitable form of celebration.

3) Selecting Scripture Readings

Couples will be invited to prayerfully choose Scripture readings that reflect God’s love and the meaning of Christian marriage.

These usually include:

• a First Reading

• a Responsorial Psalm

• a Second Reading

• a Gospel Reading

The parish wedding support team and officiating priest will guide couples in selecting suitable readings from approved liturgical texts.

4) Choosing Readers and Liturgical Ministers

Couples may invite family members or friends to participate in the wedding liturgy as readers.

Readers should be:

• comfortable reading publicly

• respectful of the sacred nature of the liturgy

• properly prepared before the ceremony

Further guidance will be provided during the preparation process.

5) Wedding Hymns and Liturgical Music

Music plays an important role in the prayerful celebration of the wedding liturgy.

Couples are encouraged to choose music that reflects the sacred and worshipful nature of a Catholic wedding.

Suitable hymns are typically selected for:

• Entrance Procession

• Responsorial Psalm

• Offertory

• Communion

• Signing of the Register

• Thanksgiving

• Recessional

Further guidance on music selection, approved liturgical songs, and choir arrangements will be provided through parish wedding support team.

6) Marriage Vows and Exchange of Rings

During the Rite of Marriage, the couple will exchange vows and rings as a sign of their lifelong commitment to one another.

The Catholic marriage vows form part of the Church’s liturgy and are not normally replaced with personalised vows.

The officiating priest will guide couples through the vows and exchange of rings during the rehearsal and wedding ceremony.

7) Wedding Booklet

Couples who wish to prepare a wedding booklet are encouraged to ensure that the content follows the proper liturgical format and reflects the sacred nature of the celebration.

The booklet may include:

• order of service

• Scripture readings

• hymn selections

• names of the bridal party

• acknowledgements

Draft copies may need to be reviewed before printing.

Further guidance will be provided during the preparation process.

8) Participation of Non-Catholic Family Members and Guests

The Church warmly welcomes family members and guests of all faith backgrounds to the wedding celebration.

As Catholic weddings are sacred liturgical celebrations, some parts of the Mass and reception of Holy Communion are reserved for practising Catholics who are properly disposed to receive the Eucharist.

The officiating priest or parish team may advise couples on how to help non-Catholic guests feel welcomed and comfortable during the celebration.

9) Wedding Rehearsal

A wedding rehearsal is usually arranged before the wedding day to help ensure that everyone is familiar with the flow of the liturgy and ceremony.

Couples are encouraged to ensure that all key participants attend the rehearsal punctually.

A Sacred and Shared Space

The Church of the Holy Family is first and foremost a sacred place of worship where the parish community gathers for prayer and the celebration of the sacraments.

Couples, family members, guests, and vendors are kindly asked to respect the prayerful atmosphere and sacred nature of the church premises at all times.

1) Decorations and Floral Arrangements

Decorations should complement the sacred nature and simplicity of the church.

Generally permitted:

• floral arrangements

• pew decorations

• standing decorative pieces

The following are generally not permitted:

• confetti

• flower petals scattered on floors

• glitter

• smoke machines

• pyrotechnics or fireworks

• nails, screws, hooks, or adhesives attached to church property

Furniture, liturgical items, and church fixtures should not be moved without permission.

All decorations and personal items must be removed promptly after the ceremony unless prior arrangements have been approved.

2) Photography and Videography

Photography and videography should be conducted respectfully and should never disrupt the sacredness of the wedding liturgy.

Photographers and videographers should:

• avoid obstructing the congregation or liturgical ministers

• avoid excessive movement during prayers and readings

• refrain from entering restricted liturgical areas without permission

• avoid the use of overly bright lighting during the ceremony

Drone usage or aerial photography within church premises may be restricted.

Couples are encouraged to inform their photographers and videographers of these guidelines before the wedding day.

3. Vendors and External Service Providers

Couples are responsible for ensuring that all external vendors:

• understand parish guidelines

• respect church regulations

• comply with setup and teardown timings

• maintain proper conduct within the church compound

This includes:

• decorators

• photographers

• videographers

• musicians

• caterers

• coordinators

4) Multipurpose Hall Usage

The hall may be used for light receptions and family gatherings following the ceremony.

Wedding parties are responsible for:

• clearing decorations and personal items

• disposing of food and waste properly

• ensuring tables and chairs are returned appropriately

• coordinating cleanup with vendors

All items should be removed promptly by 12:00PM unless otherwise arranged with the parish office.

Appropriate Attire

A wedding in the Catholic Church is both a joyful celebration and a sacred liturgical occasion.

Couples, bridal parties, and guests are kindly encouraged to dress in a manner that reflects the dignity and reverence of the church setting.

Brides are encouraged to choose gowns that reflect both the beauty of the occasion and the sacred nature of the church.

Very revealing attire or excessively transparent fabrics are discouraged within the church setting.

Traditional cultural attire and approved military uniforms are welcome when respectful of the sacred nature of the liturgy.

1) Bridal Attire

Brides are encouraged to choose gowns that reflect both the beauty of the occasion and the sacred nature of the church.

As a general guideline:

• excessively revealing attire should be avoided

• very low necklines or overly transparent fabrics are discouraged

• gowns should allow the bride to move comfortably and respectfully within the church setting

Where needed, couples may consider the use of:

• shawls

• boleros

• cover-ups

• detachable sleeves

during the church ceremony.

2) Groom’s Attire

Grooms are encouraged to dress formally and appropriately for the sacred celebration.

Suitable attire may include:

• suits

• tuxedos

• traditional cultural formalwear

• approved military uniforms (where applicable)

Attire should remain respectful and dignified throughout the liturgy.

3) Bridal Party Attire

Bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, page boys, and other members of the bridal party are also encouraged to dress appropriately for the church setting.

The parish kindly requests that bridal party attire:

• remain modest and respectful

• allow ease of movement during the liturgy

• avoid excessively casual or revealing styles

Couples are encouraged to inform their bridal party of the church guidelines in advance.

4) Guest Attire

Guests attending the wedding are kindly encouraged to dress respectfully in keeping with the sacred setting of the church.

Appropriate attire is appreciated for:

• family members

• friends

• children

• photographers and vendors

Guests are encouraged to avoid:

• overly casual clothing

• revealing attire

• clothing with offensive words or images

As churches in Singapore may not always be fully air-conditioned in all areas, guests are encouraged to dress comfortably while remaining respectful.

5) Cultural and Traditional Attire

The Church warmly welcomes the respectful inclusion of cultural and traditional wedding attire.

Traditional garments may be worn provided they remain appropriate for the sacred nature of the liturgy and allow for respectful participation during the ceremony.

Couples who intend to include significant cultural customs or attire are encouraged to inform the officiating priest during the preparation process.

6) Footwear and Practical Considerations

Couples and bridal parties are encouraged to choose footwear that is both appropriate and practical.

Please note:

• church flooring surfaces may vary

• certain footwear may affect movement during the procession

• excessively high heels may present safety concerns on steps or uneven surfaces

Comfortable and secure footwear is encouraged, especially for elderly family members and children participating in the ceremony.

7) Military Uniforms

The Church recognises that some couples may wish to incorporate military traditions or ceremonial elements into their wedding celebration.

Couples intending to include military customs are encouraged to discuss arrangements early with the officiating priest and parish office.

Military customs such as sword arches may be permitted in certain areas of the church compound, subject to parish approval and safety considerations.

All ceremonial arrangements should remain respectful of the sacred nature of the wedding liturgy.

8) Reverence Within the Church

Guests are kindly encouraged to:

• arrive punctually

• silence mobile phones

• avoid unnecessary movement during the liturgy

• maintain a respectful atmosphere throughout the celebration

Children are warmly welcomed, and parents are kindly encouraged to supervise young children throughout the ceremony.

Food and drinks are not permitted inside the church.

9) Respect for Sacred Spaces

Guests and vendors should not:

• enter restricted sanctuary areas

• move liturgical furnishings

• handle sacred items without permission

The altar and sanctuary should always be treated with reverence and care.

1) Can a priest from another parish celebrate our wedding?

Yes. The officiating priest may be from another recognised Catholic parish in Singapore or overseas.

2) When is the booking confirmed?

The booking is confirmed after the required love offering is made approximately three months before the wedding date.

3) Can we reserve the Multipurpose Hall?

Couples with the 9:00 AM wedding slot may request use of the MPH, subject to availability and parish approval.

4) Are marriage preparation courses required?

The officiating priest will advise couples on the appropriate preparation programmes or courses.

5) Can we choose our own readings and hymns?

Yes. Couples will receive guidance in selecting suitable Scripture readings and liturgical music for the wedding celebration.

6) Can we write our own vows?

The Catholic marriage vows form part of the Church’s liturgy and are normally not replaced with personalised vows.

7) Is confetti allowed?

No. Confetti, glitter, and flower petals scattered on floors are not permitted within the church premises.

8) Is parking available?

Limited parking is available within the church compound on a first-come, first-served basis.

For wedding inquiries, appointments, or submission of forms, please contact us at:

• Email: enquiry@holyfamily.org.sg

• Telephone: +65 6344 0046

Office Hours

• Weekdays: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM

• Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Sunday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

• Closed on Public Holidays