May the Lord bless you from Zion... and may you live to see your children’s children. (Psalm 128)
Marriage is a covenant of love, in which God—who is Love—makes the bond between husband and wife into a sacrament and sign of His presence in the world. It is a beautiful and powerful witness, and we at St. Mark's are here to assist you as you prepare to undertake your life together. Please make an appointment to meet with Fr. Ryan through the parish office at (805) 968-1078, completing the form below prior to that initial meeting.
Whether you are a UCSB student or alum, a parishioner or a parishioner elsewhere, you are welcome to celebrate your Catholic wedding here at St. Mark's University Parish (although if you do live elsewhere, certain other procedures apply).
Please do not set a formal wedding date or make deposits before having an initial meeting with Fr. Ryan; likewise, please make contact with the parish office at least 6 months before the wedding date that you have in mind.
As we are a Roman Catholic parish, the bride or groom must be a practicing Catholic in order to be married at St. Mark's, and they must have received the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation); if those sacraments have not been received, please notify Fr. Ryan immediately at your first meeting.
Other Catholic clergy may preside at your wedding, but they must be in good standing and speak with Fr. Ryan in order to obtain the necessary permission.
Witnesses, usually called the Best Man/Maid of Honor or padrinos, need not be Catholic.