The following is the contract we have for weddings wishing to be held at our Parish Churches - St. Philip Neri, Empire and St. Rita/St. Joseph, Maple City, MI Current as of July 2024
Download a copy HERE
WEDDINGS At
Saint Philip Neri Church, 11411 S. LaCore Rd., Empire, Michigan St. Rita/St. Joseph Church, 8707 Hill St.., Maple City, MI 49664
The following are the initial requirements in preparing for a Catholic Wedding at one of our churches:
1 - Contact the Parishes’ Business Manager at 231.326.5255 to set the date, time, and place or your wedding celebration. They will confirm the date and time and check the calendar of our pastor - if he will act as celebrant. If you desire to use a visiting priest, please let the Business Manager know
2 - Complete the Wedding Information Form linked below and send it to the Business Manager who will pass it on to our Wedding Coordinator.
3 - The Fee for a wedding in our Churches is $600.00 payable to the order of the Church you wish to utilize. At this time, we do not have a separate fee for destination weddings from outside our parish. This may change so please contact the Parish office for updated information.
4 - A non-refundable deposit of $100.00 is required to hold your desired date, time and church and is due 7-10 days from the time of booking. Keep in mind that your date is not reserved until the deposit is received.
5 - The remainder of the Wedding Fee is to be paid within 60 days of booking.
6- Once you have booked your wedding, you will be working with our Wedding Coordinator who will assist you in preparing for your wedding celebration. They will contact you to set up any Marriage Preparation classes, meeting with our pastor and liturgy planning.
7 - Send all correspondence to our main parish: St. Philip Neri Church P.O. Box 257 Empire, MI 49630. Contact Kim, the Business Manager at 231.326.5255 OR Cheryl, the Wedding Coordinator at 231.326.5888
8 - Decorations for your wedding should follow the time of the year as well as the Liturgical year and should be approved by our Pastor - the Wedding Coordinator can assist in getting approval.
9- ABSOLUTELY NO DRINKING OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES can be allowed ON SITE or PRIOR to the celebration of the Sacrament, especially by the bride and groom. This does affect the validity of the sacrament and can be grounds for Nullity.
10 - Pew Capacity of our Churches are as follows:
St. Philip Neri = 250; St. Rita = 75; St. Joseph = 75
11 - If you are not a member of one of our Parishes, you live in another town, state, or country, our Diocese has requirements that you will need to follow. The Wedding Coordinator will assist you in meeting these
We look forward to your celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage.
Here are the forms and information sheets you will need…please complete the Wedding Information form and return it as soon as possible…