Imagine saying "I do" in a sacred location steeped in history and blessed with beauty. By celebrating your wedding at Carmel Mission, you are exchanging vows in a setting that holds profound spiritual meaning for countless other couples. You become part of Carmel Mission's rich history and tradition.
We understand how significant your special day is, and we are dedicated to supporting you every step of the way. Our experienced team is here to guide you, offering spiritual, emotional, and practical assistance to ensure your ceremony is a joyous and meaningful sacrament.
The following guidelines will assist you with preparations for your sacrament and wedding day at Carmel Mission. We welcome you as honored guests and encourage you to review these details carefully to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
We look forward to celebrating your sacred union with love and faith.
Ready to begin the wedding planning process? Please fill out our Wedding Inquiry form.
The first step is to obtain the permission of your local Catholic pastor to marry here at Carmel Mission, outside of your parish (at least one partner must be baptized Catholic to hold your wedding at the Mission). Have your pastor complete the provided permission form and return it to our parish offices within three weeks, along with your reservation fee.
Your pastor or delegate will then submit the required church paperwork on your behalf and send it to your local diocesan tribunal. Please allow sufficient processing time through your diocese AND the Diocese of Monterey—we recommend a minimum of one month per diocese. If you reside within the Diocese of Monterey, this paperwork should be sent directly to Carmel Mission.
All required paperwork must be submitted to the Carmel Mission Office at least one month prior to your wedding day.
A fillable PDF form is available to download below.
Scheduling your special day is an important consideration. To accommodate as many couples as possible, we offer multiple time slots each weekend to celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage. They are as follows:
The Basilica
Blessed Sacrament Chapel
Since we are an active parish, our schedule only allows weddings to occur on most Fridays and Saturdays. For your planning, the Basilica seats 349 people and the chapel seats 70.
Wedding rehearsals are held on Thursday or Friday evenings. Please enter through the rear parking lot gates. We recommend scheduling your rehearsal as soon as possible to ensure availability. If a visiting priest is officiating, he must attend the rehearsal or it will be canceled.
Our pastor, or one of our associate pastors, typically officiates wedding ceremonies at Carmel Mission. There are exceptions for priests who are family members or long-time friends of the family. They must write our pastor a letter stating they will perform the ceremony and request delegation to do so. A letter of good standing must also be sent to the Chancellor of the Diocese of Monterey.
The music for your wedding plays an important role. Carmel Mission’s acoustics beautifully accentuate organ, trumpet, strings, piano, and vocal soloists. As your wedding ceremony is a religious event, whether within or outside of a Mass, all musical selections should be religious in nature.
Please contact the Basilica music director to get on the schedule as soon as possible. All music must be approved by the music director. Coordination of additional instruments and/or outside musicians must be arranged with our music director before securing their services.
Our cantor is the only soloist allowed for the ceremony itself. Other soloists (friends of the family, etc.) are allowed to sing before the ceremony by special arrangement with the music director.
Please note: The responsorial psalm is “always” sung by the cantor at a wedding celebrated in the Basilica. Only the Basilica organist may play our organ for a wedding. There are no exceptions.
Photography and flower guidelines, fees, and more important information are on the following page.
