Marriage is the sacrament in which a couple is united in a lifetime commitment of mutual love and fidelity. Weddings usually take place in the parish of the bride or the groom.

The Marriage Preparation Program in the Diocese of San José asks that couples planning to marry begin making arrangements at least six (6) months before the planned date of their wedding. If either the bride or the groom is under the age of 19, the couple should allow additional time beyond the normal six months for preparation.

Marriage Preparation

Thank you for considering Five Wounds Church for your wedding. If you would like to have your ceremony in our church please contact email hidden; JavaScript is required to check availability of the date you are requesting.

You will need to have an interview with a priest before you can be married in the Catholic Church. During the interview you will need to bring two witnesses who know you well. If you would like a priest from our church to officiate your wedding please email our Pastor email hidden; JavaScript is required or call (408 ) 251-8000 for an appointment. If you would like a priest from another parish or diocese outside of San Jose you will have to provide a letter of suitability from his Bishop stating that he is in good standing and may officiate your wedding. After the interview is complete and it is verified that you are free to marry in the Catholic Church, you will need to:

  1. Schedule a date: Weddings are every Saturday at either 11 AM, 1 PM or 3 PM with 2 hours allotted for seating guests, ceremony and pictures. ( ex: if your wedding is at 11 AM your time slot is 10:30AM to 12:30 PM)
  2. Pay non-refundable deposit of $500 to secure date with either cash or check. The balance of $1,300 is due 6 months prior to the wedding. The fee includes use of church, priest and (1) organist/cantor and ceremony coordinator. The total is $1,800.
  3. If the wedding is cancelled within 6 months of less of the ceremony date, a 50% fee will be charged to the final payment, for the inconvenience to the parish.
  4. Complete a marriage prep course and the natural family planning class @https://themarriagegroup.com/learn/ Bring marriage prep and family planning completion certificates to Five Wounds Church office.
  5. Certificates of any sacrament completion need to come to Five Wounds Church office. (Can be emailed)
  6. Bring Marriage license from the county of Santa Clara to the Five Wounds Church office.
  7. ALL required documentation and balance of fees are due 6-8 weeks prior to your ceremony.
  8. Call and secure the music for your ceremony. The following contacts are available for our church. Gildardo Suarez (organist and cantor) email hidden; JavaScript is required (408) 202-2823 or Annastasia Brown ( organist and cantor) email hidden; JavaScript is required (408) 320-3668 Carlos Barba (organist and cantor) email hidden; JavaScript is required (408) 813- 7069, Julia Steward (organist and cantor ) email hidden; JavaScript is required (408 ) 655-9697 Pedro Uribe (organist and cantor) email hidden; JavaScript is required (408) 348-0336 any of these are included in your fee. If you wish to bring your own music it must reflect the religious and sacramental nature of your marriage. Pop music is neither appropriate nor permitted at Five Wounds Church
  9. The rehearsal should be held on the week of your ceremony and can be scheduled by calling Mary Vargas at (408) 292-2123. Rehearsals can be on Fridays 4-5 PM, 5-6 PM and 6-7 PM. The ceremony coordinator Champion Avecilla will meet you in front of the church and can be contacted by calling (408) 500-7680 oremail: email hidden; JavaScript is required
  10. You may select your own photographer; however they must follow the etiquette that is appropriate for a religious service. Drones are not allowed on or over Five Wounds Church property at any time.
  11. Your flower arrangements and other decorations must be approved prior to your wedding.
  12. Service available in English, Spanish or Portuguese. Please let the office know your language preference. Every effort will be made to accommodate your request.