25585 Berg Road, Southfield, MI 48034
Tel: (248) 356-0565 Fax: (248) 356-5235
churchoffice@mogccc.com

Sacraments of Marriage

Marriage is the Sacrament by which two baptized people enter into a union that lasts until the death of either party. They cease to be individuals but bind themselves to each other and become one flesh. The visible fruit of this union is children, but the spiritual reality happens during the sacrament. While marriage is the natural calling of every human being, the sacrament of marriage, which occurs between two baptized people, offers particulars graces for the couple and their children to help them become sanctified and to reach heaven.

Marriage Information

To open your wedding file please reach the office by phone  for details, 248-365-0565

*Weddings Should Be Scheduled At Least Six Months In Advance

Marriage Guidelines for Mother of God Chaldean Church

    • Matrimony
    1. The time that you must prepare for marriage is sacred. It is very important that you take a deep look at the holiness and beauty of the sacrament of marriage and focus less on the wedding (flowers, dress, reception, etc.). The church strongly encourages you to have a simple wedding and moral bachelor and bachelorette parties.
    2. To properly prepare your souls to enter the sacrament of marriage, it is required of you to receive the sacrament of confession the week of your wedding.  Please check church websites and social media for confession times and availability.

      

    1. Marriage Classes 
    1. There is a nominal fee of $150 for the classes. 
    2. Pre-Registration is required: You need to register in advance of the first day of class at http://www.ecrc.us/marriage-prep/
    3. Attend 4 classes, each class is one week apart. We have customized this program to have elements of live presentations, professional videos, and time for group discussion. We will provide light refreshments each session.
    4. Each Class: Arrival/Check-In 6:45 p.m. – End of Session 10:00 p.m.
    • ECRC (first 4 Thursdays of every even month)
    • St. Joseph (first 4 Saturdays of every odd month)
    1. Email the Marriage Preparation Coordinator Dalia Atisha at  marriageprep@ecrc.us for any questions. 
    2. Email your  Certificate of Completion to rachel@mogccc.com with the subject line: marriage class certificate/groom’s name/bride’s name/date of wedding.
    • Natural Family Planning (NFP) Classes
    1. There is no fee for these classes. 
    2. Pre-Registration is required: You need to register in advance of the first day of class at http://www.ecrc.us/marriage-prep/
    3. Attend 2 NFP classes, each class is a month apart to allow for charting.
    4. Classes are offered on the 1st Wednesday of the month at ECRC – 4875 W. Maple Rd. Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301.
    5. Classes must be attended in a sequence because they build on one another;  the first session on any 1st Wednesday of any month you attend, and the second session on the next 1st Wednesday of any month. 
    6. Email your Certificate of Completion to rachel@mogccc.com with the subject line: NFP/groom’s name/bride’s name/date of wedding
    1. Marriage License 
    1. Apply for a marriage license in the county of your residence.
    • Oakland County: 1200 N Telegraph, Pontiac, MI (248-858-1000 dept. 413)
    • Macomb County: 40 N. Main St. Mount Clemens, MI 48043 (586-469-5205)
    • Wayne County: 2 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226 (313-224-6262)
    1. When applying for a marriage license be aware of the following: 
    • A marriage license is only valid for 30 days from the date of application.
    • Your church marriage will also be your legal marriage so no need to get married at the court
    1. Bring your marriage license to the church at least two weeks before your wedding. The county office will give you two copies of your license, bring both copies to Mother of God.
    • When you bring your license in, bring the correct spelling of the names of the Best Man and Maid of Honor. They need to be at least 18 years old. If they are younger, then you need to determine another adult to be your legal witness to sign the license. 
    1. Your legal marriage license will be sent to the county by Mother of God Church on your behalf.
    2. One week after your wedding your original marriage license will be ready to be picked up from the church office. Either the bride or the groom may pick it up.  
    • Rehearsal, Ceremony Coordination, and Music
    1. To ensure your wedding day is as stress free as possible,  it is mandatory that you have a wedding rehearsal. No outside coordinator is able to perform the rehearsal. 
    2. Contact Silvana Mezo at 734-751-6043 to organize the details (scheduling, music, cost, etc.).
    • Florals
    1. The florist can only set up flowers in the church 30 minutes before the scheduled time of the wedding. The flowers must be removed immediately after the ceremony. 
    2. Please keep your church decorations simple, do not block the priest or Altar, no lit candles…etc
    • Photography
    1. The photographers can take as many pictures as they would like during the ceremony, including the bride and groom centered posed picture. 
    2. Family pictures should be taken at the reception and not the church.
    • Day of the Wedding
    1. You must be at the church at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time of your wedding. There may be another wedding scheduled before or after yours. 
    2. If your ceremony starts 10 minutes after the scheduled time then there will be no wedding party procession; only the bride & groom will process.
    3. Please note that our standard request is no more than 7 couples allowed in a bridal party (including Maid of Honor, Best Man, Junior bridesmaid, and Junior Groomsmen). If your wedding party includes more than 7 couples (including Maid of Honor and Best man, Junior bridesmaid, and Junior Groomsmen) please let Silvana be made aware. There will be an additional charge to accommodate the extra time and services needed.
    4. Kids walking in the wedding party must be 3 years of age or older to walk alone.  No wagons allowed.
    5. Please make sure there is no consumption of alcohol by the wedding party before the ceremony.
    6. The bride, all bridesmaids and any female reader are required to dress appropriately and modestly. Their shoulders and chest need to be covered. A sheer shawl will not be adequate. We reserve the right to enforce an appropriate covering provided by the church regardless if it matches the dress. Also, keep in mind the leg slit needs to be at a modest height for dresses. 
    7. The unity candle with two small candles and the klela (bows) is your responsibility.
    • Donations
    1. Mother of God Church does not charge a fee to get married at our church. If you freely choose to donate to the longevity and future of Mother of God Church, you may do so.  The suggested church donation is $300 but you’re welcome to give more or less depending on what God invites you to donate to your parish.  If you desire to give a separate gift for the priests and deacon that is optional and at your discretion.  

 

Happy Planning