“The sacrament of Matrimony signifies the union of Christ and the Church. It gives spouses the grace to love each other with the love with which Christ has loved his Church; the grace of the sacrament thus perfects the human love of the spouses, strengthens their indissoluble unity, and sanctifies them on the way to eternal life.”
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1661
Preparation
We congratulate you both and warmly welcome you to be married here at Queen of Apostles!
The Diocese of Arlington requires a preparation program to be initiated no less than six months prior to the wedding date, during which time you will meet with a priest and attend the Diocesan Conference for the Engaged. For more information on dates and registration for the conference, visit this link.
There are a number of preliminary steps you should take if you are considering marriage at Queen of Apostles. First, parish registration is required if you live within the parish boundaries of Queen of Apostles, or written permission from the pastor of the parish in where you are registered.
Weddings are celebrated at Queen of Apostles on most Fridays and Saturdays during the year at 10:00 a.m., 12 noon, and 2:00 p.m. Rehearsals are scheduled for the previous evening with a priest. Reservations for wedding dates are made by the priest based on the availability of the church.
Contact the Parish Office for an initial clergy meeting at (703) 354-8711
Please schedule an initial meeting BEFORE setting a date or making venue reservations. Couples should expect to meet with a priest about 2 to 3 times before the marriage ceremony and submit required paperwork in a timely manner.
Frequently Asked Questions
For answers to further questions about marrying in the Diocese of Arlington, visit this link.
What do I do if I want to do marriage prep at QofA, but I am getting married in another church?
Please schedule your clergy meeting no less than six months before your wedding date. We will forward appropriate dispensations and permissions to the other church.
What will I need to provide during the wedding planning process?
- Baptismal certificate (issued within SIX MONTHS of the wedding date). Obtain by calling the church where you were baptized and asking for a newly issued baptismal certificate with notations. If you were baptized non-Catholic, a letter or certificate from the church will suffice.
- Certificate from Marriage Preparation Program (Engaged Encounter, Conference for the Engaged, Three to Get Married, etc)
- Certificate from FOCCUS Inventory. FOCCUS is a questionnaire filled out by the couple which reveals patterns of strengths and areas that need the couples’ attention. (Parish Name: Queen of Apostles ; Parish Code: OFL117ALE) Please register ONCE or the parish will be billed extra.
- Natural Family Planning (NFP) Completion Record (optional) Caritas Fertility Care, Couple to Couple League, or contact Alison Contreras at alisoneleanore@gmail.com or 713-702-7232, or Monica Dvoranchik at moe25@hotmail.com
- Four Affadavits (two for the bride and two for the groom) These are forms generally signed by a relative affirming your free status to marry, signed in front of a Catholic priest or notary public. They can be acquired from the office or downloaded here.
- Civil Marriage License from the State of Virginia issued 60 days or less before the wedding date and given to the priest a week before the wedding date. The Civil Marriage License is obtained from any County Clerk or City Clerk in Virginia. There is a three day waiting period before the license may be used, and it expires 60 days after issuance.
- Two witnesses (one for the bride and one for the groom: usually the Best Man and Maid of Honor). The witnesses need to be friends or family over the age of 18 and have to have known you for at least three years.
Who do I contact for music?
Sarah Calvino, our Director of Music, can be contacted at 571-531-0358 or s.calvino@queenofapostles.org. Most weddings include a cantor and an organist, but additional instrumentalists can be arranged. If you choose to use outside music, you may not use the church’s instruments/equipment. Outside music must be church-appropriate.
What about photography?
You are welcome to have a professional photographer take photos during the Mass. We ask that photographers limit flash photography and not enter the sanctuary in order to a maintain a prayerful atmosphere. Lighting rings are prohibited and the camera click should not be heard during readings, prayers, or periods of silence.
What about flowers/decorations?
Flowers are encouraged but not required. Flowers in the sanctuary area must be live flowers. We recommend two large sprays of flowers at both ends of the Altar or one large spray at the front of the Altar. Flowers for Mary or the Holy Family are typically bouquets.
The following additions are prohibited: animals, confetti, birdseed, bubbles, balloons, flower petals, rice, aisle runners
