"The sacrament of Matrimony
signifies the union of Christ and the Church.
It gives spouses the graces to love each other with the love with which
Christ has loved his Church; the grace of the sacrament
thus perfects
the human love of the spouses,
strengthens their indissoluble unity,
and sanctifies them on the way to eternal life."
(cf. Council of Trent. DS 1799 - Cathechism of the Catholic
Church)
photo provided by
Wen Saunders Photo
Wedding Guidelines:
Only Roman Catholic weddings are performed in the chapel.
A nuptial Mass is the usual form for the celebration of the Sacrament
of Matrimony between two Catholics. A wedding between a Catholic and
a non-Catholic usually does not include the celebration of the Mass,
therefore it is most appropriate for a deacon to preside at the wedding.
A wedding between two non-Catholics is never permitted in a Catholic
Church.
A priest or deacon from the parish is the usual official
church witness for a wedding. However, St. Malo now has a priest on staff,
Father Emilio Garreaud, who is happy to officiate at weddings based on his
availability. Or you may also ask a priest to officiate who is a friend or
relative. The couple must make arrangements for
the priest or deacon to perform the ceremony. Guidelines for the Sacrament
of Marriage are in effect for all visiting clergy.
The couple must receive special permission and a dispensation
to be married outside of their parish and in this chapel. The priest
or deacon will handle the application form and submit it to the Archdiocese
of Denver Tribunal for you. This process should be started during your
marriage preparation courses. You are required to have this written
dispensation from the Denver Tribunal before you reserve a date.
Any person considering marriage for a second time should
be aware that Archdiocesan Law prohibits the scheduling of a wedding
until the annulment procedure is completed and the annulment of the
first marriage is granted.
The St. Malo staff does not provide wedding consultation
services. The fee to rent the chapel covers the chapel use only. The
cost to reserve the chapel is $1,000 and is due within thirty days of
contract signing. It is non-refundable.
Saturday wedding times: 10 am ; 1 pm ; and 4 pm
You may have pictures take up to one hour before, and a half hour after,
your scheduled time.
The chapel is available for weekday weddings.
Maximum capacity of the chapel is 80 persons.
The stipend is given directly to the priest or deacon.
Arrangements for a changing room for the bride must
be made in advance and is based on availability.
Lodging arrangements for visiting clergy must be made
in advanced and is based on availability. Cost is $25 per night.
The St. Malo Retreat Center is restricted by permit
from hosting receptions or dinners at the center. We would suggest that
your party make reservations at one of the outstanding hotel and lodging
facilities in the mountain town of Estes Park, a short drive of 12 miles
from St. Malo Center.
For further information,
contact Maureen Cleary at
303-747-0201
