St. Paul Chong Hasang is a place of beauty, quiet and reflection. Because it is a house of God, we expect that a sense of reverence be honored in the Church at all times. We want couples to feel comfortable and enjoy the celebration, and we will extend a gracious hospitality to guests of all faiths. All wedding party members and guests must be dressed appropriately.

The following information will assist you in planning your special day. Following these guidelines will ensure that the ceremony is all you want it to be, and that Church facilities will be properly maintained. For more information, please contact the Wedding Coordinator, Sylvia Schnapp at 254-698-2990 or 254-291-3474.

1. Eligibility:  Either the bride or groom must be a registered, practicing parishioner, and both must be free to marry in the Catholic Church. (According to Church law, a baptized Catholic is to marry in his or her parish of residence.)

2. Initial Meeting: The couple must meet with Father Richard at least nine months prior to the day of the ceremony. Please contact Fr. Richard at (254-698-4338 or 254-698-4110) to make an appointment.

3. Diocesan Marriage Preparation Retreat: All couples of St. Paul Chong Hasang Catholic Church are required to complete each of the follwoing;
        Together in God's Love/Image: an Introduction to Catholic Marrriage      Diocese of Austin
        Focus/ Preparation and Enrichment: An instrument for Marriage preparation designed to facilitate communication and understanding between the couple. (See Below #7)
         Natural Family Planning: This requirement is met through the Together in God's Love/Image program   
   
   The couple needs to attend the “Together in God’s Image’ retreat. Please make arrangements at least six to nine months prior to the day of the ceremony as it fills up fast. To register contact the Austin Diocese at www.austindiocese.org and click on “Ministries of the Diocese;” find “Family Counseling & Family Life” or "Family Life Office," and then locate “Marriage Preparation Information” for the information you will need.
   
   Holy Family Parish in Copperas Cove also offers the Marriage Preparation Retreat. Please contact Deacon Tim to make arrangements at least six to nine months prior at 254-547-1284 or thayden@hot.rr.com for information and dates. Forms may be downloaded from www.hf-cc.org.
   
    

4. Documents You Will Need:

   • A Newly Issued Copy of Baptismal Certificate (with notation of Confirmation). This certificate must be dated no more than six (6) months before the time it is turned in. It is required for the Catholic party. Call the church where you were baptized and ask them for a NEWLY ISSUED BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATE.

   • Other Faiths also need proof of their Baptism. Please contact their church at least 6 months before the ceremony

   • Annulments:  Please see Fr. Richard.

5. Civil Marriage License:  This is obtained from the County Clerk. There is a waiting period of 72 hours before the license may be used, and it expires in thirty (30) days. A wedding ceremony cannot be conducted until you present a valid marriage license. For any acceptations and more information, please call the Bell County Clerk at 254-933-5168.  YOUR LICENSE MUST BE BROUGHT TO THE REHEARSAL.

6. Servers:  If there will be a Mass included in the wedding ceremony, an Acolyte and/or Altar Servers are required. Please ask the Wedding Coordinator for suggestions.
   
   7. Inventory for Marriage Preparation: The couple needs to take the FOCCUS or PREPARE & ENRICH assesment. Please contact the Wedding Coordinator, Sylvia Schnapp at 254-698-2990 or 254-2913474 to schedule a metting for the assessment.
   
   8. Allowable Dates & Times: No weddings on Sundays, Holy Days, Good Friday or Holy Saturday, Saturday weddings cannot be later than 3 PM. Church clean up and clearance must be completed by 4:30 PM.
   
   9. Wedding Reception: The Parish Center and facilities are available for your convience. Please contact Buzz Gilliland at 254-698-4110 for information.
   
   10. All members of the wedding party must be 5 years or older. All members of the wedding party must be dressed appropriately for a Catholic Church wedding.

We expect everyone to be respectful of our Church and its furnishings. There is no smoking, drinking, food, chewing gum or alcoholic beverages allowed in the Church at the time of the rehearsal, nor on the day of the wedding. Any indication that members of the wedding party have been drinking may result in cancellation of your wedding, or the offending parties may not be allowed to participate.

1. A financial offering of at least $100 – to the Priest – is traditional and appreciated.

2. There is a fee to cover the use of the Church.
   Please make checks payable to St. Paul Chong Hasang:
   (Parishioners  -  $300)
   (Non-parishioners  -  $600)

3. All fees and offerings are due at the rehearsal.

4. A financial stipend is expected for the following (if applicable):

   • Organ / Piano Player (if supplied by St. Paul)

5. Inventory for Marriage Preparation:  The couple needs to take the FOCCUS assessment. Please contact the Wedding Coordinator, Sylvia Schnapp, at 254-698-2990 (or 254-291-3474) to schedule the meetings.

1. Flowers:  All flowers in the sanctuary must be live flowers. Off the altar area (in the body of the church) silk flowers are allowed. A maximum of three (3) displays are permitted. One in front of each rostrum and one on the front wall pedestal, left (as viewed from the pews) of the altar.  
   Recommended:  Flowers & Gifts with Amor (254-680-2667) or Christell’s (254-526-6616). You may take or leave all flowers in the church after your wedding.

2. Pews:  Only pew bows may be used, but they must be attached elastic or ribbon.  No decorations or streamers can block pew entrances or rest on the floor. (This mounting restriction applies to ALL decorations.)

3. Unity Candle:  A unity candle may be used and needs to be provided by the bride and groom. The Church has a holder to use, or you may provide your own.

4. Arch, Aisle Runners & Candelabra:  These are not permitted.

5. Rice, Rose Petals, Confetti, Bubbles or other materials to be thrown or otherwise used in or out of Church are not permitted.  (This activity should be reserved for the reception following the ceremony.)

Photography & Videography

1. Flash’ pictures may be taken as the wedding party enters and leaves the Church, during group pictures, and at the altar following the ceremony. During the ceremony, once the bride and groom reach the altar a photographer is only permitted from outside the Sanctuary area and without a flash. Photographers need to be dressed appropriately.

2. If a video is made, videotaping equipment is allowed when it is done from a stationary tripod. The videographer may be with the camera by the Baptismal font during the procession, but then the camera must be loeft unattended on a tripod. No Photographer or camera person is allowed around the altar area during the ceremony.

3. Photographers and videographers are to remain behind or to the side of the congregation during the wedding ceremony  -  NOT in the front center aisle.

4. Any equipment needed by photographers or videographers, such as extension cords, must be supplied by them.
   
   5. After the ceremony photographs are allowed to be taken with flash, however, we would remind you that the church is house of prayer and certain decorum should be maintained. Please limit the post ceremony photograph to 30 minutes.

1. Only music of a sacred or classical nature is appropriate. Please have music approved by Fr. Richard. (Any questions ask the wedding coordinator.)

2. The Church has its own sound-system. Please contact Chuck Lauer at 254-544-6167 if you wish to bring in any additional equipment.

3. The piano and organ are not to be moved under any circumstances.

4. The parish Wedding Coordinator will recommend names of musicians if needed.

1. Special Wedding Rooms:  The Bride’s Room and the designated Groom’s Room are located off the foyer. As you enter the church the Brides Room is on the right and the Grooms Room is on the left)

2. Clearing the Church:  The Church proper, Bride’s Room, Groom’s Room, foyer and restrooms need to be left in the same condition as found. Please remove all floral paper, food, drinks, boxes and all materials brought into the Church for the ceremony. It is recommended that purses and items of value NOT be left in the church. It is also recommended that the bride and groom designate a friend or family member to do a sweep of the Church at the conclusion of the ceremony to gather any items that the guests or wedding party may have forgotten.

1. Readings:  The bride and groom will need to consult with Fr. Richard when selecting the Scripture readings and music. Your selections need to be turned in at least two week before the wedding. ( Fr. Richard or the wedding coordinator will give the bride and groom the Wedding Scripture book to help in picking their readings.)

2. Preparing the Wedding Program:  Church staff will provide advice and samples; however, typing and printing of the program are the responsibility of the wedding party.

3. Ceremony and Rehearsal Times:  All wedding times are booked for a three (3) hour time slot (1 ½ hours before and after the ceremony and 30 minutes after.) Wedding rehearsals are scheduled for a one (1) hour time slot and are usually held one or two days before the ceremony. Please be on time. If your ceremony or rehearsal begins late, due to wedding party delay, you still must be out of the Church by the agreed upon time.  All wedding party members must attend the rehearsal and be at the church 30 minutes before the wedding ceremony.
   
   4. Guest books are allowed in the foyer of the church. Please discuss with wedding coordinator.

Couples planning to marry should contact their Priest or Deacon at least nine months prior to their wedding date in order to begin the marriage preparation process. Couples planning to attend the diocesan pre-marriage retreat, “Together in God’s Image,” are encouraged to register as soon as possible. NOTE: All engaged couples must have taken either the FOCCUS or PREPARE Assessment before attending the “Together in God’s Image” classes or retreats.

Couples must register: Please contact the Wedding Coordinator at 254-698-2990 / or contact the diocesan Family Life Office at 512-949-2495.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has produced a new web site that provides useful resources and information for those contemplating marriage: www.foryourmarriage.org .