Dreaming of a wedding venue that blends history, spirituality, and architectural grandeur? Barcelona's Sagrada Familia might just be your perfect match. This world-renowned basilica, a masterpiece by Antoni Gaudí, is not just a must-see tourist destination, but also a vibrant church where couples can pledge their love. Here's a guide for those considering this extraordinary location for their nuptials.
Exchanging Vows at Sagrada Familia
A wedding at the Sagrada Familia is not just a ceremony, but a sacrament - a sacred ritual where a man and a woman form a lifelong bond of love and companionship. This bond extends beyond personal happiness, embracing the potential for procreation and the Christian upbringing of children. By choosing to wed here, you're seeking divine blessings to help you nurture this intimate bond and support each other in your shared journey.
Organizing Your Nuptials at Sagrada Familia
You have two options for your wedding ceremony at the Sagrada Familia: you can either opt for the matrimony sacrament alone or celebrate it as part of the Eucharist. The choice hinges on your personal commitment to the Christian faith.
The wedding ceremonies are held in the Crypt of the Sagrada Familia. To reserve your preferred date and time, you'll need to visit the Pastoral Office in person. Typically, weddings are held on Friday afternoons or Saturdays, subject to the Crypt's availability. If you wish for a specific priest to officiate your wedding, this can be arranged as well.
Gearing Up for Your Big Day
It's advisable to commence the preparations for your wedding about six months in advance. You'll be required to attend some preparatory sessions before receiving the sacrament. These sessions offer comprehensive information about the process and the options provided by the parish.
Necessary Paperwork
To compile your wedding file, you'll need to provide the following documents:
Baptism certificates for both parties (if both are Catholic). If any of these certificates are issued by a bishopric other than the Barcelona archdiocese, it must be validated by that bishopric. If the wedding is between a Catholic and a non-Catholic, only the baptism certificate of the Catholic party is needed.
Photocopies of the ID or Passport of both parties.
Photocopies of the parents’ family record book or birth certificates from the civil register confirming the parties are unmarried. If a civil marriage was conducted before the religious one, the civil marriage certificate is also required.
In case of a previous marriage annulment, the final judgment of this annulment must be presented.
Certificate of participation in the preparatory sessions for matrimony.
A wedding at the Sagrada Familia is a unique and memorable experience that calls for commitment and careful planning. But the end result is a beautiful ceremony in one of the world's most awe-inspiring locations, making your special day truly extraordinary.
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