A Cathedral Wedding
Wedding film courtesy of FilmTwist Productions
Thank you for considering the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph for your wedding. The following covers our basic policy, however, you are most welcome to call and speak with Antonia Lira, at 408/283-8100 ext. 2204 for further information and/or when you are ready to make your reservation.
Weddings are scheduled on Saturdays, at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m, as well as Friday and Sunday, 3:00pm. Each wedding is allotted a 2-hour time slot, which allows for seating of guests, the ceremony and pictures.
Fees for the use of the Cathedral are a total of $1,600.00. Musicians and a wedding coordinator are included in the Cathedral fee. A $300.00 non-refundable deposit is required to be paid within a week of the reservation being approved and the balance is due 8 weeks prior to the date of the wedding. A special discount is given for 10:00 a.m. Saturday weddings, and additional fees may apply for holidays.
Reserving the Cathedral requires that you schedule an initial visit with one of our priests regardless of who is presiding or preparing you. If you are not a parishioner of the Cathedral we encourage you to consult a priest from your own parish about his availability to preside over your ceremony and prepare you for the sacrament. Your priest needs to verify that both of you are free to marry in the Catholic Church and you must allow at least 6 months of preparation prior to your wedding. Your priest will receive written confirmation from us following the $300.00 non-refundable deposit.
Marriage Preparation – A Marriage Preparation Retreat and Natural Family Planning is required for couples preparing for marriage. The Cathedral Basilica offers a Saturday Retreat program three times a year. To register, call the Cathedral office. You may also attend the 2½-day Diocesan Engaged Encounter Retreat, www.eesanjose.org The Natural Family Planning class is offered through the Diocese of San Jose. Contact Adriana at 983-0130 for more information. Your priest will advise you of any other activities that may be required and their fees. All documentation that substantiates the completion of marriage preparation must be submitted to your priest. Your priest will need to submit all your paperwork no less than 6 weeks prior to your wedding.
Music – Our music director will be your consultant regarding musicians and music selections and will also cantor for your ceremony. The Cathedral organist will also be provided. Should you wish to contract additional liturgical musicians, we recommend budgeting approximately $150.00 for each. It is required that our music director meet with you to approve the selections, provide technical information to your musicians and be present at your ceremony to help things run smoothly. This consultation is scheduled through our front office at 408/283-8100. You may also visit the Cathedral web site for more information about wedding music selections and materials for your convenience. You will be assisted in choosing music that is appropriate for a Catholic wedding ceremony. Pop music is not appropriate or permitted.
Decorations and Environment – The selection of the arrangements will coordinate with the environment plan for the time of the season at the Cathedral. These are provided by Citti’s Florist and are in place behind the Cathedra (Bishop’s chair). These arrangements may not be removed. No additional structures, chairs, stands, columns, kneelers, candelabras, runners or other decorations that violate safety or liturgical considerations are allowed nor is it permitted any reconfiguration of the pews or movement of the altar table, ambo or baptismal font.
Photography – you may select your own photographer however, they must follow the guidelines of the Cathedral.
Ceremony Coordinator – The ceremony coordinator will contact you 6 weeks prior to your wedding date to arrange the details of your ceremony, conduct your wedding rehearsal and assist on your wedding day.