Church Wedding in Poland - a Guide for Couples

These guidelines apply to the following cases:
+an Orthodox Christiana
+Protestant
+a baptised person who is not practising / does not believe
+a person who has formally left the Church (apostasy noted on the baptism certificate)an unbaptised person / non-denominational / follower of another religion

General principles
Canon law provides that a Catholic has both the right and the obligation to enter into a sacramental marriage
A non-sacramental marriage results in limitations in sacramental life
The Church also notes that in a relationship with differing worldviews, differences may arise concerning faith, morality, and the upbringing of children

Guarantees and declarations
In the case of a mixed marriage:
+the Catholic party makes a declaration that they will remain faithful to their religion and will make every effort to raise their children in the Catholic faith
+the non-Catholic party confirms that they have been informed of these obligations and will not hinder them

Form of the ceremony
+as a rule, mixed marriages take place outside of Holy Mass, in the form of a Liturgy of the Word and the exchange of vows
+Holy Communion is given only to those who are eligible to receive it
+the couple may apply from the bishop for permission to marry during Holy Mass – the decision requires a justified request
+in Catholic–Orthodox marriages, the wedding usually takes place during Holy Mass, and both parties may receive the Eucharist

Vows of a non-believer / unbaptised person
A non-believing person omits the words referring to God in the vows

When to start
The formalities usually begin around 6 months before the wedding (or earlier, in the case of international coppule)

Where to complete the formalities
The formalities can be completed in one of two places:

A In the parish of residence of one of the parties
+this is the parish of actual residence, regardless of place of birth or registration
+the couple provides the required documents (see the Documents section)
+ the couple has to sign a protocol that allows the priest to announce that the couple will get married
+once the formalities are completed, the parish issues a licence allowing the wedding to take place in the selected church (the ceremony church)
+the licence must be delivered to the parish office of the church where the wedding will take place

B In the wedding parish / church (if the church allows it)
In some churches, the protocol can be completed on site – this requires:
+contacting the church at least 3 months before the wedding
+arranging an appointment in advance
+bringing the full set of documents
Some churches additionally require a “substitution”, i.e. permission from the parish of residence to complete the protocol outside your home parish

C If you live abroad
The most convenient option is to complete the formalities in:
+your local parish abroad, or
+a Polish parish operating abroad
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Procedure:
1. inform the parish of your intention to marry in Poland
2. complete the required marriage preparation
3. provide the full set of documents and complete the protocol (usually around 4 months before the wedding)
4. the parish forwards the documents to the curia, and the curia then sends the complete file to the wedding parish / church in Poland
5. curia procedures may involve a small administrative fee

This list applies generally to churches in Poland:
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1 baptism certificate with confirmation and free-to-marry status noted (issued within the last 6 months)
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2 certificate of completion of the pre-marriage course
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3 confirmation of visits to a family counselling centre
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4 certificate from the Registry Office (USC) confirming no impediments to marriage (2 copies)
or a civil marriage certificate (copy)

5 ID documents
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6 additional documents, depending on the couple’s situation:
+statements regarding baptism / free-to-marry status
+guarantees and declarations
+request for permission to marry during Holy Mass
+documents relating to previous relationships/marriages
+confirmation of Confirmation, if not included

This takes place during the week preceding the ceremony
During the meeting, the couple:
+provides witnesses’ details (first and last names, dates of birth, addresses)
+agrees the liturgy details (readings, psalm, entrance, signing)
+confirms the participation of a guest priest (if he is to lead the ceremony)
+makes the customary offering to the church

Witnesses
+must be of legal age
+must understand the language of the vows
+may be of the same sex
+do not have to be Catholic

A Music
The default option is the church organist
Additional musicians may be invited – musical education and the organist’s approval are usually required
The repertoire is agreed directly with the organist
Film music, pop music, and covers are not performed during the liturgy

B Church décor
Church décor may be provided by the parish
Additional decorations require prior approval from the parish office

C Confetti
Many churches (and areas directly in front of them) prohibit confetti – the couple should inform guests in advance

D Ceremony language
Please inform the parish in advance if the ceremony is to be conducted in another language
Vows, readings, and parts of the liturgy may be in another language, provided they are understood by the couple, the priest, and the witnesses
The same part of the liturgy must not be repeated in two languages

E Photographers and videographers
They should report to the sacristy 10 minutes before the ceremony
A certificate of completing a liturgical course is often required

F Arriving by car
Usually only the couple’s car may pull up to the church entrance
Traffic restrictions may apply – it is worth checking this in advance

G Wedding day
The couple and witnesses, with ID documents, report to the sacristy 15 minutes before the ceremony
Wedding rings must be brought