By scheduling your event at Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church, you acknowledge that you have thoroughly reviewed and understand these "Policies and Event Information" and you are agreeing to adhere to all terms.
Your contact for any questions or concerns regarding this document is the Wedding Coordinator ([email protected]). This document and its terms are incorporated into our Wedding Scheduling Agreement.
Canonical Requirements
To start your marriage preparation, please contact the pastor or deacon at your home parish regarding your intent to marry and follow their instructions. Couples will be instructed by their presiding priest, deacon, and/or marriage preparation contact regarding all aspects of the Sacrament of Marriage. A wedding cannot proceed at Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church without all Canonical Requirements being met, including, but not limited to:
Contact the Wedding Coordinator to Schedule your Wedding
Contact the Wedding Coordinator to reserve your dates and times for both your wedding and your rehearsal as far in advance as possible. Once your dates and times are reserved, download the Wedding Scheduling Agreement. Print, complete, sign, and date the Wedding Scheduling Agreement and return it to the Wedding Coordinator at: Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church, Attention: Wedding Coordinator, 920 Big Thompson Avenue, Estes Park, Colorado 80517 along with the Scheduling Fee to confirm your wedding and rehearsal dates.
If more than one couple requests the same dates and times, the Wedding Coordinator will make every effort to meet the couples' wishes, giving preference to the order in which the requests were received, but ultimately scheduling is at the discretion of the Wedding Coordinator.
Scheduling Fee
The scheduling fee for weddings is $2,000. The scheduling fee must accompany the completed Wedding Scheduling Agreement to confirm your dates and times. The scheduling fee includes the use of the church for the ceremony, the bridal room, and the rehearsal the day before. It does not include a voluntary donation to the priest or deacon (the Celebrant), who witnesses the marriage, the fee for services of an organists/canton/musicians, or the Marriage Preparation program through the Archdiocese. It also does not include flowers, photographer, or any service other than the use of the church.
Wedding Schedule
Weddings are scheduled on Saturdays. Weekdays are available but must be scheduled in advance through the Wedding Coordinator.
Ceremony Timing Guidelines
Wedding scheduling encompasses a 2 3/4 hour block of time as shown below. Florists should be instructed to deliver flowers no earlier than one hour before the ceremony. The time alloted consists of:
NOTE: On Saturdays, Reconciliation at Our Lady of the Mountains starts at 3:00 p.m. so the wedding party must vacate the premises by no later than 2:45 p.m.
If you are holding your reception at Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church, timing of facilities use will also be scheduled through the Wedding Coordinator.
Rehearsal
Rehearsals are scheduled at 4:00 p.m. on Fridays, the day before a typical Saturday wedding and take approximately 1 hour. The Wedding Coordinator will handle the rehearsal. No outside wedding planners are allowed to run rehearsals. Scheduling of the rehearsal time will occur when scheduling the wedding event.
NOTE: Please bring your Marriage License to the rehearsal as the wedding cannot take place without the license.
Candles
Pew candles are also not permitted.
Bridal Dressing Room
The bridal room is for the convenience of the bride and her attendants. Bridesmaids should come fully dressed. The Bridal Room, which includes mirrors, can be used for hair and makeup touch-ups as necessary. The Bridal Room is available one hour prior to the ceremony and for ½ hour after the wedding. The room must be cleaned and straightened up after the ceremony. Our Lady of the Mountains is not liable for any lost or stolen items.
Flowers and Decorations
Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church is a beautiful and historic venue with natural stone and timber throughout. High ceilings and stained-glass windows create a stunning backdrop for yourwedding. Our Lady of the Mountains does not provide any other special decorations or storage for items so deliveries must be made the day of your wedding.
Our Lady of the Mountains does not provide any other special decorations or storage for items. Deliveries must be made the day of your wedding. All decorations must be prepared prior to arrival at the church and must be removed from the church directly after the ceremony and photos.
Florists should check in with the Wedding Coordinator regarding timing for delivery of flowers, typically one hour before the ceremony. The Our Lady of the Mountains staff will not sign for any deliveries and are not liable for any items.
Please discuss any ideas of activities you plan with our Wedding Coordinator well in advance. Our beautiful mountain setting requires that we evaluate several unique factors. In consideration for our abundant wildlife, and the safety of our guests, items such as rice, bird seed, flower petals, leaves, etc. may not be thrown or strewn inside the church, in the entryway, outside the church, or the church grounds.
Music
Entering into a Catholic, Christian marriage should be reflected in the selection of Sacred Music, expressing Christian faith, hope and love. The most important purpose of Sacred Music in the celebration is to help people reflect and pray. Favorite secular and popular songs are to be reserved for the reception. Decisions regarding the appropriateness of the musicians, instruments and songs are to be made in consultation with the Wedding Coordinator.
The use of pre-recorded music is not permitted for any Catholic liturgical celebration, including weddings. A list of local musicians who are familiar with Catholic weddings, as well as a suggested list of appropriate music selections, are available through the Wedding Coordinator. The Wedding Coordinator must review all music and readings at least 45 days prior to the wedding to provide ample time to make changes.
Additional Equipment
Any additional equipment (microphones, audio/visual, etc.) is the responsibility of the couple. As such, these must be in line with the dignity of the worship space and must be approved by the Wedding Coordinator before use.
Photography and Videography
The photographer (and videographer), whether a professional or a family friend, must consult with the Wedding Coordinator in advance to discuss the plan for photography during the ceremony.
You will have 45 minutes after the ceremony for posed photos in the church. This must be done quickly and quietly out of respect for the Blessed Sacrament within the Tabernacle. We suggest making a list of the photographs to be taken and informing those you want in the photos to not to leave the church until their photos are taken. On Saturdays, the wedding party must vacate the church by no later than 2:45 p.m.
If your wedding ceremony does not begin on time or runs over, your photography time will be shortened by the amount of time that your ceremony overran its scheduled time.
Due to the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in the Tabernacle, all photographs must be taken below the main altar (on the lower altar). The photographer and videographer may not walk in the sanctuary and may not move any furniture, candleholders, or chairs. Off-camera lights, strobe lights, and umbrella lights are not allowed before or during the wedding ceremony. No flash photography is allowed before or during the ceremony. The photographer and videographer must meet with the Wedding Coordinator before the wedding for instructions and available locations for photography. Once the Bride is at the steps of the Sanctuary, the photographer and videographer may move around discretely during the ceremony while remaining inconspicuous. Photography by guests during the ceremony is strictly prohibited.
After the ceremony, please proceed immediately down the main aisle and return to the main altar by the west side corridor, so that the signing of documents and photography may begin. Do not greet your guests at this time; you will be able to do that at your reception.
High Altitude Conditions
Estes Park has an altitude of 7500 or more feet and high-altitude conditions exist. The effects of dehydration can be severe and may affect anyone not living at this altitude no matter what their physical health. All in attendance should be aware of the importance of keeping hydrated and having access to an adequate water supply. Most importantly, the consumption of alcohol or other intoxicants will intensify dehydration and its effects.
Documents
The Celebrant or your marriage preparation contact, will discuss all documentation and processes necessary to proceed with your wedding. Regardless, please note the following:
After signing your Marriage License on the day of your wedding, please give it to the Wedding Coordinator. A photocopy of the license will be taken and the original Marriage License will be returned to you on the day of the wedding. Forward your original Marriage License to the County Clerk and Recorder's Office where you obtained the Marriage License (refer to the county instructions).
Cancellation and Fee Refund Policy
If the event is cancelled by the couple (for any reason other than as discussed below) AFTER the wedding has been scheduled, 25% of the Scheduling Fee will be retained by Our Lady of the Mountains to cover administrative expenses.
If the event is cancelled by the couple (for any reason other than as discussed below) within one week of the ceremony, 50% will be retained by Our Lady of the Mountains to cover administrative expenses.
In the event the Celebrant must cancel, it is up to the couple to find a replacement Celebrant. Contact the Wedding Coordinator as soon as possible. Our Lady of the Mountains can help you find a replacement Celebrant. If no replacement can be found in a timely manner, Our Lady of the Mountains will work with the couple to reschedule and no additional fee will be due. If rescheduling is not pursued or is not possible, Our Lady of the Mountains will retain 25% of the scheduling fee to cover administrative expenses.
The failure of a couple to meet Canonical Requirements in a timely manner will result in cancellation and Our Lady of the Mountains will retain 25% of the Scheduling Fee to cover administrative expenses.
Our Lady of the Mountains is located in the Colorado mountains; at times the area is subject to intense weather conditions. In the event the wedding must be cancelled due to inclement weather or other acts of God or to unforeseen maintenance, and cannot be rescheduled, 100% of the Scheduling Fee will be refunded. Cancellation is a last resort, but any decision to cancel issued by the Wedding Coordinator will be final; there is no appeal. The Wedding Coordinator will provide notice of the need to cancel as soon as is reasonably possible.
In the event Our Lady of the Mountains retains any portion of the Scheduling Fee, the remaining portion will be refunded within 30 days of cancellation (mailed to the address on file unless other delivery arrangements are made).
Site Review by Couple
Inclement weather, acts of God, changing seasons and/or unforeseen maintenance may affect the appearance of the Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church and the surrounding area at any given time. Though the staff at Our Lady of the Mountains strives to ensure its beauty and charm remains intact at all times, Our Lady of the Mountain cannot guarantee that the Church and its grounds will always present as “picture perfect”. By entering into the Wedding Scheduling Agreement, the couple confirms they have had the opportunity to personally view the Church and its grounds, have determined that it meets their needs and expectations, and are prepared for and accept the possibility of changes in aesthetics and conditions.
Indemnification and Waiver of Liability
By entering into the Wedding Scheduling Agreement, the couple agrees to indemnify and hold Our Lady of the Mountains, it officers, its employees and its agents free and harmless from and against any and all costs (including court costs and legal fees), losses, claims, judgments, liens, demands, liabilities, and causes of action of every kind and character (collectively, the “Claims”), but only to extent that a Claim (i) results directly or indirectly from actions of the couple pursuant to this Agreement and (ii) does not result from gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of Our Lady of the Mountains. This indemnification obligation is contingent upon Our Lady of the Mountains providing the couple written notice of a Claim.
Choice of Law
Event scheduling and terms are governed by and construed under the laws of the State of Colorado applicable to agreements made and fully performed therein, excluding any conflicts of law's provisions. The state courts of the State of Colorado in Denver County and, if the jurisdictional prerequisites exist at the time, the United States District Court for Colorado, shall have sole and exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine any dispute or controversy arising under or concerning this Agreement.