You can start planning your ceremony by calling the office at 805‑496‑0222 ext. 0, and ask for an appointment with one of our priests or deacons.

Congratulations on your engagement!

We are happy about your interest in being married at St. Paschal's. After all, love and commitment are the very heart of Catholicism.

We know you want your wedding to be a wonderful and genuine event. We also know that your engagement can be a hectic time as well. We hope this information will put you at ease as you understand more about the blessings of Catholic Marriage.

This section has the basic guidelines for Catholic weddings at St. Paschal's. Normally, either the groom or bride live in Thousand Oaks, and at least one person is Catholic.

The later sections are optional readings you might enjoy about Catholicism and Marriage in general. Read as much as you like. You might find it a good review of things you already knew or maybe your first time experiencing our faith. Whether you are Catholic or not; we congratulate you again on your love, your commitment, and in considering Catholic marriage.

Catholics are baptized people who...

1. share the same faith, love, and hope in Christ
2. are committed to love God and one another
3. and worship as one community on Sunday

To be "married in the Church" is not only to only use a sacred building on one special day, it is a powerful and personal commitment to belong to God and His community every day.

We believe that marriage is so much more than a legal contract. We believe marriage is a Sacrament; or a visible sign where we can actually feel God's love, experience His grace, and rely on His support. Your love for each other is where you may come to know of God. Your love can even inspire other people to know God as well. We believe your love is that powerful.

We know the world desperately needs to see the love that you as a unique couple can give by your vows to each other. That is why we hold marriage and your relationship in such high esteem. We have an interest, as you do, in helping your love continue; to deepen and grow strong. We want you to be happy all the days of your life!

Marriage Preparation

Every couple, of course, wants their ceremony to be a genuine and authentic event. The ceremony is your free and mature public declaration to the community and to God of your (a) permanent commitment to each other, (b) your decision to live as a sacramental sign of God's presence in the world, and (c) your desire to share your life and love and faith with any children you might have. There is a lot of power in those words.  You will want to know them thoroughly.... Read more on Marriage Preparation

Special Circumstances

Certain circumstances require special consideration. Read more on Pregnancy, Age, Prior Marriage, Motivation, Cohabitation

Marriage Preparation Programs

Of course, every couple has their own special story of commitment. We presume that most couples are ready for marriage, but they may not be sure of what a Catholic Marriage involves, even if a Catholic education was part of their background. During this engagement time, as adults, you can learn together. Each event will be explained in this section as well as how to make arrangements for each one. See a list of programs offered

Documents

There are four documents you will need to obtain before you can be married. See the list 

Planning Your Ceremony

There is a lot that you can do to make the ceremony reflect our faith and your personality. Read more on the rehearsal, decorations, photography, music and expenses

Optional Readings:

More About Catholic Marriage

Marriage is about love, and love is from God. That simple truth tells us where to look for more wisdom about this powerful experience of marriage. Read more

What You Will See At Catholic Weddings

We describe many of the signs and symbols and ideas of our Catholic faith that you might encounter as you prepare for your marriage.Learn more

What You Might See At Other Catholic Services Or Liturgies

Liturgies are designed to express our prayerful ideas, thoughts, and intentions to God, and to represent God's intentions to us.Learn more about the elements of a liturgy

What We Do At Mass

If you choose to have a Mass, you will become involved in the greatest act of love the world has ever seen. Learn why

Church Sacramentals

Sacramentals are things that remind us of God, or His actions in our life, such as statues or crucifixes. Learn more about the articles that you might see at your ceremony

Your Marriage Vows

There are three powerful vows you will make on your wedding day. Learn more about them

To Love Another Person

At the end of the day you can ask yourself two questions about your life and the way you lived the day. " How much was I concerned about what I was getting from others, and how much was I concerned about what I was giving?”. Read more

Cohabitation

The Vow Of Openness To Life

You will give attention, affection, understanding, honest communication, and also an openness to the possibility of life.Read more on this often misunderstood topic

Order Of The Ceremony

What is the typical sequence of ceremonies in a Catholic wedding?Find out here

Planning Calendar

A helpful tool as you count down to the big day. See the Planning Calendar

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