Holy Matrimony
What is Holy Matrimony?
Sacred Scripture begins with the creation and union of man and woman and ends with "the wedding feast of the Lamb" (Rev 19:7, 9). Scripture often refers to marriage, its origin and purpose, the meaning God gave to it, and its renewal in the covenant made by Jesus with his Church. Man and woman were created for each other.
By their marriage, the couple witnesses Christ's spousal love for the Church. One of the Nuptial Blessings in the liturgical celebration of marriage refers to this in saying, "Father, you have made the union of man and wife so holy a mystery that it symbolizes the marriage of Christ and his Church."
The Sacrament of Marriage is a covenant, which is more than a contract. Covenant always expresses a relationship between persons. The marriage covenant refers to the relationship between the husband and wife, a permanent union of persons capable of knowing and loving each other and God. The celebration of marriage is also a liturgical act, appropriately held in a public liturgy at church. Catholics are urged to celebrate their marriage within the Eucharistic Liturgy.
Planning Your Wedding
As you begin planning and preparation for your marriage in the Catholic Church, all of us at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish are here to assist you.
Preparation for your wedding takes place in several stages. To assure ample time for a quality preparation, you as a couple must visit with one of the priests or deacons at least six (6) months prior to your anticipated wedding date.
Contact Karen Kotara, Secretary to the Pastor, to begin the process at least six months prior to the wedding. Karen can be reached at kkotara@olachurch.org or 404-978-0343. At that time she will discuss the sequence of events that leads up to the wedding.
Click here to download our Wedding Guide for detailed information.
Church Availability
Weddings at OLA may be scheduled for Saturdays at 11:30am, 2pm, or 7pm.
Schedule of Fees
For Active Parishioners
An active, registered parishioner is an individual who is registered in OLA parish and who has been active in Time, Talent, and Treasure for one year prior to the reservation of the wedding date. The determination of whether one is an active parishioner is reserved to the Pastor and is based upon regular attendance at Mass, volunteer work in parish ministries, and financial contribution of more than a nominal amount through envelope, check, or online giving.
Main Church (including use of the Bride’s Room), $600.00
Main Church – Refundable Deposit, $400.00
Chapel - $250
Marriage Preperation Fee - For those prepared at OLA, but married elsewhere.
This refundable fee of $400.00 will cover unfilled parts of this contract: clean-up, breakage. If all parts of the agreement are fulfilled, OLA will return the entire $400.00 deposit.
Parish Hall (for wedding reception), $600.00
Parish Hall – Refundable Deposit, $400.00
This refundable fee of $400.00 will cover unfilled parts of this contract: clean-up, breakage. If all parts of the agreement are fulfilled, OLA will return the entire $400.00 deposit.
Security Fee (for wedding receptions we require a policeman to be on duty), $210 for up to 3 hours. $70 for each additional hour.
For Non-parishioners and Registered Parishioners Who Are Not Active
Main Church (including use of the Bride’s Room), $1,200.00
Main Church – Refundable Deposit, $400.00
Chapel - $250
Marriage Preperation Fee - For those prepared at OLA, but married elsewhere. This refundable fee of $400.00 will cover unfilled parts of this contract: clean-up, breakage. If all parts of the agreement are fulfilled, OLA will return the entire $400.00 deposit.
Parish Hall (for wedding reception), $1,200.00
Parish Hall – Refundable Deposit, $400.00
A refundable fee of $400.00 will cover unfilled parts of this contract: clean-up, breakage. If all parts of the agreement are fulfilled, OLA will return the entire $400.00 deposit.
Security Fee (for wedding receptions we require a policeman to be on duty), $210 for up to 3 hours. $70 for each additional hour.