The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1601).
             
 
Congratulations!  It is our great joy to accompany you in the preparation of your wedding.  Following are the requirements for those who plan to be married in our parish:
 

1. It is up to the bride and groom to locate a priest or deacon for the ceremony.  If the priest or deacon is from outside the Archdiocese of Seattle, special permission must be obtained from the Archbishop’s office.  This can be done by calling St. Francis Parish office for details.

 

2. The priest or deacon who will officiate at the marriage must send a letter asking for permission from our pastor to preside at a wedding in St. Francis Parish. Please mail the request to: Father Watson Paramasivam, H.G.N.; St. Francis Church; PO Box 1489; Friday Harbor, WA 98250.

 

3. Marriage preparation and all paperwork are to be done in the bride and groom’s home parish.  The pastor of the home parish must send a letter to Father Watson Paramasivam, H.G.N.; St. Francis Church; PO Box 1489; Friday Harbor, WA 98250 to confirm that the couple is enrolled in a marriage preparation program and that they have his permission to be married outside of their home parish.

 

4. For those residing outside the Archdiocese of Seattle:

 
One month prior to the ceremony all paperwork should be sent to your local Diocese for approval, with instructions to forward it, after approval, to the Archdiocese of Seattle, Attn: Chancellor’s Office; 710 9 ^th Avenue; Seattle, WA 98104. The person who is doing your marriage prep would be responsible for that.
 

5. For those residing within the Archdiocese of Seattle:

 
One month prior to the ceremony all paperwork should be sent to St. Francis Parish; P.O. Box 1489; Friday Harbor, WA 98250.
 

6. If you are considering a ceremony outside of a Catholic Church (such as the chapel at Roche Harbor) special permission must be obtained from the Archbishop.  Weddings at the Roche Harbor chapel are generally approved but outdoor weddings or other locations are rarely approved in this diocese.  St. Francis Church will handle the request for permission.

 

7. Marriage Licenses may be obtained in the county where the couple resides or through the San Juan County Auditor’s office or any Washington State county.  There is a three day waiting period but no blood tests are required.  It is to be filled out by the couple and witnesses and given to the priest before ceremony.  The officiating priest will sign it. A copy of the Marriage License is to be left with the parish.  The couple is responsible for filing the certificate with the appropriate county.

                          

8. All of this assumes that both parties are free to marry in the Catholic Church.  If not, any annulments needed must be completed in the home parish prior to setting a date for a wedding.

 
 

9. The wedding liturgy (prayers, vows, music, etc) must be in keeping with Catholic practice.  Discreet use of camera and camcorder is allowed.

 

10. Fees due by the time making your reservation:
     

$100 for processing paperwork
 
$500 for use of the St. Francis Churches in Friday Harbor and Eastsound.
 
Please let our pastor know if you have financial hardship.
 
The bride and groom are responsible for a stipend for the priest who officiates
 
Please contact Roche Harbor Resort and Center Church on Lopez for their fees which are separate from parish fees.
 
Thank you for considering St. Francis Parish for the site of your wedding ceremony.