Wedding Inquiry Frequently Asked Questions

We celebrate weddings on most Saturdays at 2:00  pm. Rehearsals are typically held on Fridays at 4:00 pm .
The church is available beginning one hour before the scheduled wedding start time and for 30 minutes after the conclusion of the ceremony. For example: at 1:00 pm the bridal party et. al. can begin preparations for the 2:00 pm ceremony start. If the wedding ceremony ends at 3:00 pm, then there is a 30 minute period allotted for pictures, etc.

Please call or email Chanel Marquis at the Parish Office (703-221-4044, ext. 222).

Perhaps a better way to answer the question is to recommend that you finish the preparation process 45-60 days before the wedding date. Then you can decide to start the process based on other things, e.g., business travel, holidays, academic semesters, and other important events in your life. In any case, the Diocese requires that preparation begin no less than 6 months prior to the date of the wedding. For practical purposes, the preparation process may not start more than 12 months in advance of the wedding date.

A “Pre-Cana” program is only one part of the entire preparation process. We ask couples to schedule their “Conference for the Engaged” with the Diocese of Arlington which offers a wonderful and thorough program. You can find available conferences here. They have online registration. You must already be in the marriage preparation process at St. Francis in order to register for a conference.

The fee for all weddings is $600. This fee includes an hour rehearsal the previous evening, and the ceremony on your wedding day. It also includes a coordinator who will be present at the rehearsal and during your wedding. These fees also cover the cost of elements of the preparation process (e.g., FOCCUS). There are additional fees associated with Music/Cantors and Live Streaming your ceremony (an option).

Yes, we provide a coordinator to assist at the rehearsal and the ceremony. The coordinator works to help direct and facilitate the little details of your celebration, e.g. to work with your florists, photographers, videographers, etc. once they arrive at the church, to help with the “do’s and don’ts,” and let you enjoy the celebration without worrying about processions, seating, or other details of the wedding day.

You are welcome to register and be (a) active in Mass, (b) contributing, (c) part of a parish ministry – for a period of three months. Once fully active in the parish, you can begin the process of requesting a wedding date.

Yes, scheduling permitting. However, your preparation must be done in your home parish. Because your parents are active here, we are happy to celebrate with you on your wedding day.