Matrimony
A marriage covenant is a deep, personal, and permanent relationship. The Church emphasizes that marriage is more than a legal arrangement—it is a sacred bond reflecting God’s faithful love.
Marriage Planning at Holy Family
Congratulations!
Congratulations on your recent engagement! We are so happy that you have chosen Holy Family, our beautiful parish by the ocean, as the place where you will begin your lifelong
journey together. We welcome parishioners and non-parishioners to be married at Holy Family. It is expected that non-parishioners will receive sacrament preparation at their "home" parish, while registered parishioners will prepare at Holy Family.
Your decision to prepare for the sacrament of marriage is a joyful and grace‑filled step, and our parish community is honored to walk with you as you grow in love, faith, and commitment.
Sacramental preparation is typically a 6-month process. This webpage is laid out in a step-by-step format intended to make it easy for you to quickly reference as you progress through your preparation over the next several months.
We ask that you, as the couple, please read through each of the tabs above, and then complete the Marriage Inquiry form below.
In order to prevent any miscommunication, the Parish Office will only coodinate details with the bride and groom, which includes but is not limited to scheduling, preparation, paperwork, liturgy selections and logistical questions regarding the Mass.
Matrimony Guidelines
All couples preparing for marriage at Holy Family are asked to read the parish’s Matrimony Guidelines. This document outlines:
• Parish policies and expectations
• Required steps in the marriage‑preparation process
• Fees and scheduling details
• Liturgical norms and planning information
• Other important guidelines to help you prepare for your wedding day
Reviewing these guidelines early ensures that you understand the parish’s procedures and can move smoothly through the preparation process.
Important & Useful Contact Information
Wedding Inquiries, Preparation Information
Merideth Johnson, Office Manager
843-785-2895, ext. 230
Music Planning
Dr. Pam Kane, Director of Music
843-785-2895, ext. 227
Church Address
Holy Family Catholic Church
24 Pope Avenue
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Beaufort County Wedding License Information
https://www.beaufortcountysc.gov/probate-court/marriage-licenses.html
Hilton Head Island Visitor & Convention Bureau
How To Begin Marriage Preparation
At the time of your meeting with the Pastor, you will receive additional details on the marriage preparation process and the necessary documents. In the meantime, below are important items to note.
Non-Parishioner Couples:
If you are not a parishioner, permission is required from the pastor of your home parish for you to marry at Holy Family. In addition, it is expected that you will complete your sacramental preparation at your home parish. Please have your pastor complete the Pastor's Agreement to Prepare Couple and return to Holy Family.
Visiting Priests/Deacons:
Visiting priests are welcome to participate in the wedding Mass, as outlined in our Matrimony Guidelines. If this is your wish, it is your responsibility to contact the priest. Letters of Good Standing from the priest's assigned diocese must be received by the Parish Office at least 60 days prior to the wedding.
Sacramental Certificates:
You will need to provide an updated/notated Baptismal Certificate. This can be obtained by contacting your "Church of Record" - the church where you were baptized. Your Church of Record will have records of the sacraments you have received, such as First Communion and Confirmation. Electronic copies are not permitted and the certificate must have the parish seal. Please contact your Church of Record soon as these requests may take up to 10 days to receive.
If your fiance is non-Catholic, they too will have to contact the church where they were baptized for an updated certificate.
Wedding Offerings
Wedding Reservation Fee
To reserve your wedding date at Holy Family, a church fee is required:
• $400 for parishioners
• $800 for non‑parishioners
Your date is officially reserved when:
- You have received confirmation from the Pastor
- The fee has been paid. For your convenience, payment may be made online by clicking the button below.
- If you are a non-parishioner, the Parish Office has received the completed the Pastor's Agreement to Prepare Couple Form (see Marriage Preparation and Forms tab)
Liturgical Support Fees
Please note there are additional fees for all ceremonies at Holy Family. These fees help cover the use of the church, liturgical support, and other essential services that make your
celebration run smoothly. These fees are outlined in the Matrimony Guidelines.
All fees for liturgical support are due to the Parish Office no later than 30 days prior to your wedding date via cash or check. Submitting the payments on time ensures that all wedding day arrangements can be finalized without delay.
Ceremony Details: Liturgy Selections & Hymns
Couples are invited to take an active role in planning their wedding Mass. As part of this process, you may:
• Select the scripture readings
• Choose family members or friends to participate in the liturgy (such as readers, gift bearers, or other roles)
Parish Staff are available to guide you through each step so your liturgy is prayerful, meaningful, and personal.
For quick access to the readings, please click HERE
Once you have decided on your readings, click the button below to submit your selections, as well as provide additional details of your wedding party, to the Parish Office. We ask that you make these selections at least 30 days prior to your wedding, so that we can prepare the readings and the Pastor can review them. You will also receive email copies of the readings, as they will appear in the Mass folder on the day of the wedding. Feel free to share with the readers so that they may prepare.
Hymn Selections
Musical selections can be made by contacting our Director of Music, Dr. Pam Kane, at music@holyfamilyhhi.org She is available to guide you through the many options and will share with you a variety of hymns.
Wedding Day Reminders
As your wedding day at Holy Family approaches, please keep the following key details, as outlined in the Matrimony Guidelines, in mind to ensure everything runs smoothly and prayerfully:
Arrival Time: The groom and groomsmen should arrive at the church at least 30 minutes prior to the ceremony. The groomsmen are to assemble in the vestibule of the church to help in the ministry of hospitality. The groom and best man will wait away from the people as instructed by the pastor at the rehearsal. The bride and bridesmaids should arrive ready, 30 minutes prior to the Mass. They will wait away from the people as instructed by the pastor at the rehearsal.
Decorations: Any decorations must follow parish guidelines and be set up in a way that respects the sacred space.
Flowers: Please let us know what time flowers will be delivered to the church on the day of the wedding. Please see the Matrimony Guidelines for additional details regarding floral arrangements.
Photography & Videography: Photographers and videographers should follow parish policies to maintain reverence during the liturgy.
Documents & Final Details: The Marriage License should be delivered to the priest or deacon at the rehearsal. You must bring all three copies of the marriage license. There will be NO wedding without the marriage license.
Respect for the Liturgy: Remind your guests that this is a sacred celebration and invite them to participate prayerfully.
Wedding Planners: The priest/deacon is in charge of the wedding liturgy and rehearsal. They make the final decisions regarding the liturgy. The parish will provide a wedding coordinator from our Wedding Ministry to assist at the rehearsal and wedding. Outside wedding consultants may be useful to you in many ways before and after the ceremony.