The celebration of the sacrament of marriage at St. Mary’s in Cooperstown is open to parishioners and non-parishioners alike. If you would like to be married at our parish, you should contact us @ (607) 547-2213 NO LATER than 6 MONTHS before your desired wedding date and BEFORE you book a venue for your reception. Please also fill out the form below. If your desired date is open, your name will be penciled in. It will only be formally reserved for you after we receive the $500 non-refundable registration fee.
If you are a parishioner, our pastor, Fr. Michael, will lead you through preparation for the sacrament, which is traditionally called pre-Cana. If you are not a parishioner and live outside of the Cooperstown area, you should contact your local parish and follow their pre-Cana program. If your local parish is outside the Diocese of Albany, all documentation of your preparation, including your sacramental records and pre-nuptial investigation, should be forwarded by your parish to your local diocese, who will in turn forward it to the Diocese of Albany.
Please note that if you would like Fr. Michael to preside over your wedding ceremony, he is to receive a $250 stipend payable on or before the day of the rehearsal. Fr. Michael is not available for Sunday weddings.
FAQs:
How much does it cost to get married at St. Mary’s?
There is a $500.00 non-refundable registration fee. Checks are made payable to St. Mary’s Church. This fee is due prior to scheduling the date. This fee does not include the stipend normally offered to the minister (priest or deacon) who presides over the ceremony.
Do the Bride or Groom have to be registered parishioners of St. Mary’s?
No. We welcome any Catholic couple (at least one party must be Catholic) to celebrate their marriage at St. Mary’s Our Lady of the Lake.
What are the COVID restrictions for church gatherings?
We comply with all NY State regulations regarding the novel coronavirus, including restrictions on visitors from out of state. For the latest requirements visit the NY State Department of Health at New York State Department of Health (ny.gov)
Will St. Mary’s provide a priest to preside over the wedding ceremony?
Yes, if Fr. Michael’s schedule allows, he will be happy to preside over your wedding ceremony. His stipend for doing so is $250, payable on or before the day of the rehearsal. It is also possible for a couple to bring their own priest or deacon to preside. If he serves outside of the Diocese of Albany, his bishop / religious superior will need to send a letter to the Diocese of Albany indicating that he is a priest / deacon in good standing.
Are there time restrictions for the Marriage Ceremony?
The latest time for SATURDAY Nuptial Ceremony at St. Mary’s Church is 1:00 PM.
Fr. Michael is not available for Sunday weddings. If a couple would like to be married on a Sunday, they would need to bring their own priest or deacon to preside over their wedding ceremony.
Can I supply my own Flowers?
Yes, Cooperstown and surrounding areas have several Florists that are familiar with St. Mary’s. We do ask that flowers ordered for the wedding ceremony remain at the church after the ceremony for the weekend liturgies.
When making your arrangements, please be aware that we do not permit flower petals to be strewn on the aisle, or any other part of the church or parish property.
Can we have an aisle runner?
No. For safety reasons we do not permit aisle runners.
Are pets allowed in the Church?
No. Due to health and safety reasons, we do not permit animals or pets to be incorporated into the Marriage Ceremony.
Are there additional costs?
You are responsible for securing music for your wedding and covering any fees required by the musicians. There are some local musicians available, whose contact information can be provided on request.