Marriage

Arrangements should be made preferably one year in advance, minimum of six months prior to the wedding ceremony.

In order for make your marriage a truly Christian experience, we ask that the following guidelines be followed:

Church Availability Policy
SPN is available for weddings for registered parishioners of the parish

Church Occupancy
SPN can seat about 1200 people.

Setting a Date and Time
Arrange a personal interview with one of the priests or deacons of the parish. This preliminary interview must be at least 6 (six) months prior to the desired date of the wedding, preferably one year.

Marriage Preparation
Attendance at the Pre-Cana Conference or an approved marriage preparation program is a diocesan requirement and is mandatory.

Wedding Times
Weddings may be scheduled on Friday evenings between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and on Saturdays between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. and between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Attendants and Wedding Party
Only the Bride and Groom and the Best Man and Maid of Honor will be in the sanctuary. The rest of the bridal party will sit in the first pews of the
church.

Small children (flower girl, ring bearer, etc.) should at least be of kindergarten age. After walking up the aisle, they will also sit on the first pews with their parents or other adults.

No flower petals, real or artificial, are to be strewn down the aisle. The wedding party should be at the church at least one-half hour before the ceremony, and should refrain from any drinking before and any laughing during the ceremony.

Fee
There is no fee for the use of the church by registered parishioners.

Visiting Clergy
Visiting clergy are welcome to perform weddings at the church if asked by a couple. However, all interviews and the prenuptial questionnaire are to be conducted by the priest performing the ceremony and the wedding ceremony is to conform to the guidelines of St. Philip Neri Parish and Archdiocese of New Orleans.

Rehearsal
Because the rehearsal is conducted in the church, proper dress and manners are required.
The wedding party should be on time for the rehearsal.

Music
The SPN Director of Music, Mr. James Rosenbloom, must be contacted prior to making any music arrangements. Other organists may be used but contact must first be made with Mr. Rosenbloom. Secular music is not allowed.

Aisle Runners
Runners may be used but must be cloth and attached to the carpet with pins, not tape.

Flowers
Arrangements with the florist are made by the couple. Flowers may be placed by the Tabernacle and may be placed around the Sanctuary as long as they do not obstruct the priest/deacon or the servers. Flower holders may be used on the pews provided if they do not obstruct the view. No tape may be used on the pews. The flowers may be removed after the ceremony. No arches or canopies will be allowed. Set up will be allowed one hour before the ceremony and must be taken down immediately after.

Candles
Candlelight weddings are allowed, however the florist is responsible to prevent melted wax from damaging the church furniture, carpet and flooring. Scented candles are not allowed.

Photography/Video
Photography and videos may be taken before and after the wedding. During the wedding ceremony the photographer must remain off the altar, unless permitted by the Celebrant, and the video camera must remain stationary.

Rice and/or Confetti
Throwing of rice or confetti, etc. is not allowed in or outside the church. Please confine this practice to the place of the reception.