Marriage

At this time, the cathedral is still under major construction.  We are accepting requests for weddings that are being scheduled during or after August, 2026.

The cathedral is the mother church of all in the Body of Christ who reside in the Diocese of Madison.  We encourage and welcome couples who are members of the cathedral and couples residing in another parish in the Diocese of Madison to inquire about marrying here.  Couples in these categories will receive first preference.  We also welcome couples from outside the diocese who have connections to family and friends here in the Diocese of Madison.  These couples will be accommodated as space in the calendar permits.

Membership at a parish means that you are attending holy Mass regularly at the same location.  You also provide some level of financial support to the parish as you are able. This is oftentimes referred to as your "home parish".  At the parish of membership, the Sacramental life of the Church is shared with you and your family (baptism, first communion, confirmation, marriage).  

It sometimes takes time to establish a parish of membership.  Couples residing in the Diocese of Madison are encouraged to attend holy Mass at several churches, and find the one that speaks most to your spiritual life and fills you.  Membership can be changed to a different parish at any time. 

Couples who are registered members of the cathedral will participate in the cathedral's marriage preparation program.  Couples who are members at another parish in the Diocese of Madison will participate in marriage preparation at their local parish.  Couples residing outside the diocese will prepare for marriage in the parish where they are attending.

Priests and deacons who are close to a couple are welcome at the cathedral to preside at the marriage rites.  Please make this request to the priest or deacon early on in the preparation process, as additional paperwork is required for this option.  The cathedral's pastor is also happy to preside at weddings.

The cathedral will be charged with the responsibility of sacred music for wedding liturgies and nuptial Masses.  Outside musicians are not permitted.  Couples can connect with the Director of Sacred Music at the cathedral to discuss plans for sacred music.  There are several options available, which include:

• Organist
• Soloist
• Cathedral Schola
• Instrumentalists

During the preparation process, couples are welcome to reach out to the director for guidance and music planning.  We are currently in the process of assembling music that can be chosen.  Each of the pieces will be ​recorded on the cathedral's new organ.

Due to the high volume of requests we receive for weddings at the cathedral, the following two requirements must be met:

• The pre-nuptial investigation must be completed by the pastor with the couple.  This ensures the couple is able to marry.
• A letter from the priest or deacon preparing the couple stating that the pre-nuptial investigation has been completed and that the couple are free to marry.

The cathedral can tentatively ​place the wedding on ​the calendar, but ​it cannot be permanently scheduled unless the two items above are completed.

Couples preparing for marriage at the cathedral will be responsible for the marriage preparation course and marriage inventory fees, which are collected through Agape Ministries.  For a current fee listing, please visit the web site (link on the left, below the image).  Couples preparing at other parishes or outside the diocese may incur fees as established by the parish preparing you.

In addition to the above, the cathedral charges the following fees for being married:

• For registered members, or the immediate family members of registered members:  $750.00.
• For couples residing in the Diocese of Madison:
  $1,125.00
• For couples residing outside the Diocese of Madison:
  $1,500.00
• A gift for the celebrant (priest or deacon).  This can be an amount that is determined by the couple.  A range of $200-$400 is a helpful range.

Sacred Music fees will vary, depending on the choices that are made.  Sacred music fees are as follows (and includes the pre-wedding rehearsal and the liturgy/Mass itself):

• Organist
  $300.00
• Soloist / Cantor
  $200.00 for wedding liturgies
  $250.00 for nuptial Masses
• Instrumentalists (trumpets, violins, etc.)
  Approximate Budget:   $200.00 per instrumentalist.  The cathedral will be responsible for coordinating and securing instrumentalists for the wedding, and will be in communication with the couple regarding instrumentalist fees.
• Schola (group of 3-4 singers)
  $125.00 per schola member.  An additional fee of $50.00 will be paid to the organist for coordinating and directing the schola members.  The cathedral will be responsible for coordinating and securing schola members for the wedding.

All wedding fees must be paid and on file at least seven days before the wedding is to take place.  The cathedral can provide an electronic payment link if you wish to cover the fees by credit card.  A check is also acceptable.

The cathedral will not turn any couple away because of financial hardship.  If you are in a difficult financial situation, please reach out to the cathedral or speak to the priest that assisting with your marriage preparation.