Matrimony

- At the Cathedral of the Epiphany, we hold the sacrament of marriage in high regard and encourage couples to prepare adequately. Marriage preparation should commence 9–12 months before the wedding day.
  
  To begin the process:
  
  Fill out the Marriage Form below (please provide a different email address for each party).
  
  Schedule a meeting with Fr. David Esquiliano after submitting the form, using this link.
  
  Submitting the form does not guarantee a reservation for your desired wedding date. The date will be confirmed after meeting with Fr. Esquiliano.
  
  For important details about scheduling, preparation requirements, documentation, music, photography, decorations, wedding party guidelines, and fees, please see our Wedding FAQ below.
  
  We also encourage you to get involved in our parish community by registering with the parish and contributing your time, talent, and treasure.
  We are here to walk with you throughout this journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far in advance do we need to contact the parish?
  Marriage preparation in the Cathedral of the Epiphany is expected to begin at least 9 months in advance (earlier is strongly encouraged). Wedding dates/times are first-come, first-served, and reserving a date is not a guarantee a wedding will take place if issues arise during preparation.
- When are weddings scheduled?
  Saturday weddings are normally scheduled at 2:00 PM.
  
  Weekday weddings may be possible depending on the parish schedule (coordinate with the Rector).
  
  Sunday weddings are not scheduled.
  
  Rehearsals are generally the day before the wedding at 6:00 PM, but the exact day/time is contingent on the availability of the church and the priest’s schedule. Rehearsals typically last no longer than one hour.
- What are the three main components of marriage preparation at the Cathedral?
  At the Cathedral, marriage preparation has three core components:
  
  Marriage Prep Program (Beloved / Sponsor Couple)
  Most couples complete the marriage prep program through a series of meetings with a sponsor couple assigned by the parish, using the Beloved program. (Typically 6–12 meetings, depending on the couple’s needs and schedule.)
  
  Natural Family Planning (NFP)
  All couples complete Natural Family Planning as part of preparation. The Cathedral provides in-house instruction in the Marquette Method with a certified instructor. (Typically 2 meetings.) The Diocese also recognizes multiple NFP options/methods.
  
  FOCCUS Inventory (Reviewed with a Priest or Deacon)
  Couples complete the FOCCUS inventory individually; then the results are reviewed with a priest or deacon in a series of meetings focused on strengthening communication and addressing areas for growth. (The number of meetings varies by the cleric, but there are at least 2.)
  
  Alternative options (by discussion with the Rector):
  In some cases, and in consultation with the Rector, a couple may choose an approved online marriage preparation option (such as CatholicMarriagePrep.com) instead of sponsor-couple meetings, and/or a different approved NFP method.
  Because the Cathedral’s requested donation is designed to cover the parish-provided preparation (including FOCCUS, and NFP instruction with a Marquette-certified trainer, and materials used with the sponsor couple), any outside/third-party program fees (for an online prep program or other paid NFP instruction) would be the couple’s responsibility and are not covered by the parish’s requested donation.
- What documents are required (and are there exceptions)?
  These documents are required for every wedding file (no exceptions):
  
  Recent Catholic baptismal certificate or profession of faith certificate (issued within 6 months, with notations).
  
  Proof of baptism for a baptized non-Catholic intended spouse.
  
  Two affidavits of freedom to marry (one for each party).
  
  Certificates showing completion of diocesan marriage preparation and an introductory NFP course.
  
  A valid civil marriage license (obtained through the Woodbury County Clerk’s Office for weddings in Iowa), or a civil marriage certificate for couples who are already civilly married.
- Will our wedding be celebrated within Mass or outside of Mass?
  The Rite of Marriage may be celebrated within Mass or outside of Mass (Liturgy of the Word, no Holy Communion). The norm depends on the couple’s situation (e.g., Catholic–Catholic vs. Catholic marrying a baptized non-Catholic or a non-baptized person).
- What are the music requirements?
  Wedding music must be appropriate for Catholic liturgy. Secular music, “popular” praise-and-worship selections that are not liturgical, and pre-recorded music are not permitted. Couples must consult the parish at least 4 months beforethe wedding; the parish organist and cantor must be used, and outside musicians require the Rector’s explicit permission.
- What are the photo/video rules we should share with our photographer?
  Photography may be before or after the ceremony, but for Saturday weddings at the Cathedral, church access for photos may be limited until 1:00 PM due to the noon Mass (and other parish schedule items may affect access).
  During the liturgy: photographers/videographers must be reverent and discreet; flash and artificial lighting are prohibited, and videographers should remain stationary.
- What decorations are allowed (and what is not allowed)?
  Key policies include:
  
  Flowers allowed in designated areas, except during Advent and Lent.
  
  No tape/staples/glue on pews or furnishings; use approved hangers.
  
  Fresh flowers only (no silk/plastic).
  
  For safety: no aisle stanchions, lanterns, candles, arches, or white aisle runners; church furnishings must not be moved.
  
  Hispanic traditions such as lazo and arras may be incorporated; flowers may be presented to the Blessed Mother at the conclusion.
- Are there limits for the wedding party (attendants, children, and attire)?
  Yes:
  
  Wedding party size is limited to eight couples or fewer (smaller is preferred).
  
  Up to two children may be in the wedding party; minimum age is a mature 5 years old.
  
  Modesty matters in a sacred place: strapless/low-cut/sleeveless gowns are not prohibited if worn with a shawl or wrap during the ceremony.
- What behavior policies should we communicate to guests?
  Because the wedding is a sacred liturgy, the parish asks for reverence and also maintains clear safety rules, including:
  
  No food or beverages in the church.
  
  No alcohol or illegal narcotics anywhere on church property; violations may result in the wedding being called off.
  
  No concealed handguns or weapons on church property.
  
  Phones should be off or muted; no calls/texting during the liturgy.
- What donation is requested, and what’s required to reserve the date?
  The parish does not “charge” for the sacrament, but it requests a donation to help cover ordinary wedding-related costs.
  
  Requested donation amounts:
  
  Standard donation: $2,000
  
  Registered and active parishioner donation: $1,000 (50% discount)
  
  Prepared by Cathedral clergy but celebrated elsewhere (or immediately after a regular parish Mass): $500
  
  Deposit and due date:
  
  A non-refundable $100 deposit (applied to the total) is required to reserve the date and begin preparation.
  
  The remaining balance is due no later than 30 days before the wedding.
  
  Who qualifies for the parishioner rate?
  To qualify for the registered parishioner donation rate, at least one party must be registered and actively participating in parish life for at least one year before contacting the parish about marriage arrangements. Active participation includes stewardship of time, talent, and treasure, including consistent envelope/ACH giving for at least one full year.
Registration for Marriage
- The maximum number of form submissions has been reached. This form is currently not available.
  
  Please fill out this form if you would like to get married at the Cathedral Parish.
  
  Groom
  
  Name (first, middle, last) REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Street Address REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  City REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  State REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
  
  Zip REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter a zip code.
  
  Email (Must be different from bride's email address) REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter an email address.
  
  Phone Number REQUIRED Maximum 20 characters Please fill out this field. Please enter a phone number.
  
  Place of Birth (City, State) REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Date of Birth REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter a date.
  
  Religion Actively Professed REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
  
  Date of Baptism (If known) Please enter a date.
  
  Church where baptized, including city and state (If known) Please enter valid data.
  
  If you are Catholic, have you received 1st Communion and Confirmation?
  
  Father's Full Name Please enter valid data.
  
  Father's Religion
  
  Is your father still alive? Yes No
  
  Mother's Full (Maiden) Name Please enter valid data.
  
  Mother's Religion
  
  Is your mother still alive? Yes No
  
  Have you been married before (civilly or in the Church)? REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
  
  Languages Spoken REQUIRED English Spanish Please fill out this field.
  
  Bride
  
  Name (first, middle, last) REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Street Address REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  City REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  State REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
  
  Zip REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter a zip code.
  
  Email (Must be different from groom's email address) REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter an email address.
  
  Phone Number REQUIRED Maximum 20 characters Please fill out this field. Please enter a phone number.
  
  Place of Birth (City, State) Please enter valid data.
  
  Date of Birth REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter a date.
  
  Religion Actively Professed REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
  
  Date of Baptism (If known) Please enter a date.
  
  Church where Baptized, including city and state (If known) Please enter valid data.
  
  If you are Catholic, have you received 1st Communion and Confirmation?
  
  Father's Full Name Please enter valid data.
  
  Father's Religion
  
  Is your father still alive? Yes No
  
  Mother's Full (Maiden) Name Please enter valid data.
  
  Mother's Religion
  
  Is your mother still alive? Yes No
  
  Have you been married before (civilly or in the Church)? REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
  
  Languages Spoken REQUIRED English Spanish Please fill out this field.
  
  Wedding
  
  Is either of you a registered and active member of the Cathedral Parish? REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
  
  Are you two married civilly? REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
  
  When did your courtship begin? REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  When did you become engaged? REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Who will the witnesses be? At least one of them needs to be Catholic. It is usually the best man and maid of honor, or the padrinos de velación. Their role will be to sign attesting to your exchange of vows.
  
  Desired Wedding Date REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter a date.
  
  Where Are You Planning on Getting Married? REQUIRED At Cathedral At St. Boniface At St. Joseph Somewhere else in the US Overseas Please fill out this field.
  
  Preferred Cleric for Marriage Preparation and Celebration of the Marriage REQUIRED
  Subject to the cleric's availability, and the Rector's approval
  Please fill out this field.
  
  The Diocese of Sioux City requires that the couple first approaches the parish 9-12 months before the wedding.
  By giving us a date in this form the Cathedral Parish is not commiting to celebrating your wedding on that date, but it gives our staff an idea of what you have in mind.
  Once you meet with Fr. Esquiliano, he may be able to give you a more realistic target date based on different situations we may need to work on.
  
  Submit
  
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