1. Nothing may be removed in the building without first consulting with the Pastor.
2. No additional candles can be placed in the sanctuary. The exception being a
memorial candle or the Unity Candle. This must be approved by the pastor. Pew
torches may be used. They must be rented from the florists since the church does
not have them.
3. No runners are permitted in the church.
4. No rice or birdseed may be thrown outside the church. Bubbles are allowed.
5. Flower girls may scatter flower petals in the processional; these must be packed up
immediately after the wedding is finished.
6. Bows may be attached to the pews using only elastic bands, string or ribbon (tacks,
nails, tape and metal devices are not permitted).
7. There is a room for the Bride and her attendants to dress in or stay until it is time
for the wedding, this room must be kept clean. Holy Spirit is not responsible for any
items left in this room after the wedding party has left for the reception. Make sure
that you check to see that every thing has been removed before you leave. A
$25.00 charge will be incurred if cleaning service has to clean. 
8. No alco0holic beverages are permitted at anytime on the property. Consumption of
alcohol by the bride or groom or wedding party will postpone the wedding.

Flowers, Pictures and Videos
There are a number of good florists here on the Island who have all done weddings at Holy Spirit. They know what we expect and what is allowed for a wedding. If there is any question contact Kathy Coder in advance of the wedding. All seasonal decorations such as Easter Candle and Advent Wreath may not be altered. Unusual arrangements that have not been approved may not be permitted in the church, we ask that the flowers be left in the church as a thanksgiving offering.

As with the Florists there are a number of photographers and videographers who work in the Charleston area. Most of them should be familiar with our guidelines at Holy Spirit. If you hire a service or you bring your own, they must contact Kathy Coder prior to the wedding to discuss the guidelines. This should be known at least a month before the wedding.

During the wedding guests are to refrain from taking pictures. It is very distracting and lessens the dignity of the Liturgy. Please inform your guests of this request prior to the wedding. If someone wishes to videotape, the camera must be mounted on a tripod and left alone during the ceremony. It must be placed in an unobtrusive place such as next to the baptistery in the back of the church.

Chewing gum is not permitted in the church and guests will be asked to dispose of any prior to wedding. Guests will also be asked to turn off beepers and cell phones.

These housekeeping notes will be reviewed before each Wedding – No Exceptions.

The Rehearsal
Please inform all who will participate in the rehearsal that the church is a sacred place and that everyone should behave accordingly. Refreshments are not allowed in the church and small children are not allowed to run around or play in the sanctuary. The wedding rehearsal will be led by our wedding coordinating team. There are to be no outside wedding coordinators present at the rehearsal. All special requests and nonmusical questions must be dealt with through the Pastor/Wedding Coordinator or Wedding Team at least two weeks prior to the rehearsal.

After the Wedding
Receiving lines are not held at the church but are a function of the wedding reception. To insure that nothing is left in the church, please assign someone the responsibility to collect all your belongings afterward.

DOCUMENTATION
These are certain documents that are required as part of the wedding preparation process. These documents must be filed with the church prior to the wedding rehearsal.

The following documents are required:

Statement of Agreement
This statement should be the first item we receive after you speak to Kathy Coder. If a fee is required for the use of the church, it should be mailed with this “agreement.”

Baptismal Certificates
A copy of your baptismal certificate or a letter from the church where you were baptized must be obtained for the wedding file. Catholics will need to contact the church where they were baptized to obtain a freshly issued copy of their baptism for a letter or certification as to their baptism in that particular denomination.

Prenuptial Questionnaire
Required for all weddings. This is done with the person preparing you for marriage.

Affidavits
These concern the freedom of the Bride and Groom to marry and are required for all weddings. This will be done with the person preparing you for marriage.

Dispensation
This applies to a wedding between a Catholic and non-Catholic. It is required for all such marriages. This will be done by the person preparing you for marriage. This needs to be processed through the diocese where you reside and where you are doing your wedding preparation.

Annulment Decree
If there was a previous marriage a copy of the Annulment Decree must be presented to the Parish before the wedding is scheduled. A copy of this must be placed in the wedding file.

Letter of Acknowledgement
A form letter will be provided for you to present to the person who is preparing you for marriage. This applies to persons doing their wedding preparation program at a place other than Holy Spirit. This must be returned to Holy Spirit as soon as possible. It is required.

Letter of Delegation
You will need this letter from the Pastor of your home parish granting permission for you to be married here at Holy Spirit.

Marriage License
You are responsible for obtaining the marriage license, which may be obtained at the Charleston County Court House, You cannot be married without this license. Please bring the marriage license (3 copies) with you to the rehearsal. Do not sign or fill in the license. This will be done in the presence of the Priest or Deacon.

All documentation must be here at Holy Spirit six weeks prior to the wedding. All forms must be original; no faxed copies are acceptable. If the papers are not completed the wedding will be canceled by Holy Spirit. We assume no responsibility for incomplete papers and we reserve the right to cancel any wedding when the necessary papers, dispensation, and regulations are not completed in time.

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