Step 1: Obtain a wedding policy from the Cathedral office - 337-436-7251 or by
e-mail: [email protected].
Step 2: Secure a priest or deacon to preside.
Step 3: ONLY the priest or deacon can call the Cathedral office to set the date;
couples cannot.
Step 4: Pay the maintenance fee and return the signed contract.
*Please note: Your maintenance fee and signed contract must be returned to the Cathedral office as soon as possible.
Also, weddings are not normally scheduled on or near holidays (4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's.) The musicians are unavailable during these times. Please remember this when scheduling your wedding.
1. Read the music section of the wedding policy carefully.
2. Obtain the instrumental wedding cds and their accompanying form
from the Cathedral office.
3. Review vocal selections by watching the YouTube Links by clicking here.
4. Complete one of the online forms below to choose your musical selections:
a. If you are having a wedding within a mass, click here.
b. If you are having a wedding without a mass, click here.
5. E-mail the music director if you have any questions at [email protected].
Q. How soon do I need to contact the music director?
A. No earlier than 4-6 months before the wedding, but no later than 2 months before the wedding.
Q. How soon can I expect a response?
A. The wedding e-mail is checked about once a week. If you don't hear back immediately, don't panic! The music director will be in touch with you. His job as a public school teacher often prevents an immediate response.
Q. Should I hire my own organist?
A. No. If your wedding is on the Cathedral calendar, the organist will be informed of your wedding. It is not necessary to panic or fear that an organist will not be available for your wedding.
Q. Can I hire my own singers and instrumentalists?
A. No. The music director will make all arrangements for the musicians participating in your wedding. Only the musicians from the Cathedral pool of musicians will be allowed.
There will be no exceptions!
Q. What about payment?
A. The musician fees will be discussed between the music director and the couple.
The musician fees are to be paid in CASH only and will be due no later than two weeks before the wedding. Failure to pay by the deadline could result in the musicians hired backing out of playing for your wedding.
Q. How much music should I choose for my wedding?
A. Normally for a non-Mass:
*3 pieces (instrumental) for the prelude.
*1 piece (instrumental or sung) for the seating of the family.
*1 piece (instrumental) for the attendants.
*1piece (instrumental) for the bride, unless the size of the bridal party is
small in number. In that case, one piece for the entire processional (bridal
party and bride) is appropriate.
* 1 responsorial psalm to be sung
* 1 piece for the recessional.
B. Normally for a Mass:
*3 pieces (instrumental) for the prelude.
*1 piece (instrumental or sung) for the seating of the family.
*1 piece (instrumental) for the attendants.
*1piece (instrumental) for the bride, unless the size of the bridal party is small in number. In that case, one piece for the entire processional (bridal
party and bride) is appropriate.
* 1 responsorial psalm to be sung
* 1 piece (sung or instrumental) for the presentation of gifts.
* 1 song for Communion.
* 1 piece for the recessional.
** Please note: The presentation of flowers to Mary and the family of the bride
and groom is not part of the wedding ritual and is not necessary. This is better
suited for the rehearsal. However, if it is done, some setting of "Ave Maria" is
appropriate.
Q. Do the musicians attend the wedding rehearsal?
A. No.
Q. Are the musician fees part of the fees that I pay to use the Cathedral?
A. No. The musician fees are separate.
Q. Do I have to have the organ played?
A. No. Couples may choose to have piano accompaniment instead, but the organ is always the preferred and stronger choice.
Q. Do we need to meet with the music director in person?
A. Most wedding music business can be taken care of via e-mail, but if you would like to meet in person with the music director, he will be happy to do so.
Q. Do we both need to meet with the music director?
A. No. Either the bride or the groom or a representative of their family speaking directly on their behalf will suffice.
Q. How do I know what music is appropriate and where?
A. The music director/organist will be happy to place the songs in the appropriate locations in the ceremony for you. All you have to do is provide the list of music chosen from the suggestions provided by the Cathedral.
Q. There is so much music from which to choose. It's overwhelming!
A. If choosing the music for your wedding is overwhelming for you, the music director will be happy to make the selections for you and place them in the appropriate locations in the ceremony.
Q. Do I have to have instrumentalists?
A. No, especially for couples on a tight budget. The organ is sufficient, though the organist does reserve the right to replace certain musical choices offered where a solo organ rendition of a selected piece may not exist, as is sometimes found in the choices in the instrumental music selections offered.
Q. What if I would like the Cathedral choir to sing?
A. At minimum, an SATB ensemble is possible, but keep in mind that each singer will need to be paid separately. Feasibility and fees can be discussed with the music director.
Q. May I choose music not found on the list of suggestions provided?
A. No. There will be no exceptions.