How far in advance do we need to call to set a date?

According to diocesan policy the preparation for a wedding must begin no later than six months before the scheduled date. You must meet with a priest or deacon to schedule your wedding, complete the necessary preparation and plan the ceremony. No weddings are scheduled more than twelve months in advance. Call the parish office to make an appointment with a priest or deacon.

What times are available for weddings?

Weddings are usually scheduled on Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. If you would like to celebrate your wedding on a day other than Saturday, please check with a parish priest for available dates & times.

Can we have a priest or deacon from outside St. Eugene’s perform our ceremony?

Yes, in most cases. However, the Rector of St. Eugene’s must give prior approval for visiting priests or deacons before any plans are finalized. Priests and deacons from outside the Diocese of Santa Rosa must get approval from the Bishop of Santa Rosa.

Are we required to attend a Marriage Preparation program?

Diocesan policy requires all couples to complete an approved marriage preparation program which must be completed prior to your wedding date. Allow six months for this process. Both Evenings for the Engaged and Natural Family Planning preparation programs must be completed. Contact your priest for more information.

How much does it cost to be married in the Cathedral?

A refundable deposit of $100 is required to reserve your date at the time the wedding is scheduled. The wedding fee is due one month prior to the wedding date and must be made on time to hold your scheduled time slot. The fee for active parishioners is $500 and for non-parishioners or non-active parishioners it is $1,000. In addition to the church fee, it is customary to give a monetary gift to the presiding priest or deacon.

What is the seating capacity of the cathedral?

The maximum seating capacity of the church is 490. There are 24 pews on each side of the church. Each pew is 16 feet long. You may place pew bows on the ends of the pews if you desire. Clips, ties or other material is to be used and must be removed immediately following the ceremony. No tape, staples or glue is allowed — only materials that will not leave marks on the wooden pews is allowed.

What about music for our ceremony?

Please speak to your priest or deacon for music and musician suggestions. The choice of music should be in good taste and in keeping with the religious nature of the occasion. All music must be approved by the celebrating priest. The Cathedral organist may be available to play the organ at your ceremony. Other vocalists & other Cathedral musicians may be available. If you hire vocalists to perform, we recommend that they make arrangements to come to the church beforehand to review the sound system. They can call the parish office at 707-542-6984 to schedule a time between 9:00-4:00 Monday-Friday to do so.

Can we use a runner in the main aisle? What size is needed?

Yes, you may rent an aisle runner elsewhere and bring it into the cathedral. The aisle is 71 feet long.

Is a wedding rehearsal required?

Yes, a rehearsal is required to take place on an evening shortly before your wedding when the church is not in use. Please schedule your rehearsal when you reserve the church for the wedding.

Does the church provide a wedding coordinator?

A church wedding coordinator will assist you with the wedding planning at no additional cost. If you are not using a St. Eugene’s priest for the wedding, have your priest contact the parish Rector for this service. No outside wedding coordinators or planners are allowed to operate within the church.

What do we need to know regarding flowers and decorations in the church?

The most common forms of wedding decoration in the church are pew bows, floral arrangements on the sides of the main altar and on the side altars. Flowers may be placed in front of the ambo (pulpit). No floral arrangements are allowed in front of the altar, nor may they be placed in locations that would inhibit the path of the priest or ministers. Flowers may be presented in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary after Communion. No unity candles are permitted during the ceremony. Wedding floral arrangements may be left in the church after the ceremony for the entire parish community to enjoy, if you desire. Parish liturgical decorations may not be removed for ceremonies. It may be possible to share flower expenses with other couples who have weddings scheduled for the same day. Call the parish office for pertinent information.

What do our photographers and videographers need to know?

The church will be available one-half hour prior to the wedding for set up and pre-wedding photos. All photography must be completed and equipment removed from the church one-half hour after the wedding. There are no exceptions to this policy. Photos may be taken in the church using natural light or camera flash. No additional lights, umbrellas or screens may be used. Studio-type portraits of the bride and groom or bridal party should be taken at the studio or at the reception. During the wedding ceremony or Mass, the photographer or videographer is to show proper respect for the religious rites. Photographers and videographers are not permitted in the sanctuary area around the altar during the wedding and are expected to remain stationary during the entire ceremony. Videographers are limited to 2 cameras and may not plug into the existing sound system. No video editing equipment is allowed in the church. Make arrangements with the priest or deacon if you have any special needs for photography, such as the use of the choir loft and placement of video cameras. It is a good idea to have your photographer see the layout of the church prior to the ceremony. The photographer can call the parish office to schedule a time between 9:00-4:00 Monday through Friday to do so. Photographers & videographers must read and sign the information sheet.

How much time is allowed for photographs after the ceremony?

The photo session must last no longer than 30 minutes after the ceremony. This is to accommodate any other services, weddings or the Sacrament of Reconciliation that may follow your ceremony. The priest or deacon will ask you to leave the church after 30 minutes if your session has not concluded. It is the bridal couple’s responsibility to advise your photographer and guests of this requirement prior to the wedding. The church must be completely vacated by 12:30 p.m. for an 11:00 a.m. ceremony or 3:00 p.m. for a 1:30 p.m. wedding.

Can we throw rice or birdseed outdoors or rose petals in the church?

Throwing rice, birdseed, rose petals or any other objects is NOT permitted in the church or on church grounds. Please notify your guests of this policy.

What clean up is expected after the ceremony?

It is the responsibility of the wedding couple to designate individuals to remove flowers, wedding decorations and other items immediately following the ceremony. We are unable to store any items without the prior approval of the priest or parish office receptionist. Florists may call the office if they are unable to pick up floral baskets or stands immediately following the wedding ceremony.

Is there a place available to rent for our reception?

Yes, the Monsignor Becker Center may be available for rent, although availability is limited. It is recommended that the reception facility be reserved when scheduling the wedding. Please call the parish office for further information.