Gran Caribe Real Catholic Chapel - Church Guideline Form

[Norma83]

Hi Guys!  I'm getting married on May 5th at the Gran Caribe Real's Catholic Chapel.  I've read a ton of threads from past brides that have gotten married here but I have not seen one bride mention anything about having to sign a church guideline form.  When I sent my coordinator, Ana Perez, a PDF of our permission letter and Baptismal Certificates, she sent me the church guideline form and said that a signature was required.  I reached out to someone that got married there last month and she said that she didn't sign any type of church guideline.  I'm sure this is some new requirement that the Church has implemented but I was curious to know if any other brides, getting married in the chapel, have had to sign this. 

 

The form isn't bad.  It just outlines the rules of the church.  They are things that you would normally do in church. 

 

I thought it was worth posting on here for future brides/grooms to be aware of (if in fact, this is a new requirement). 

 

Here are the guidelines that are listed on the form (word for word):

 

1.  Dress code:  should be according to the celebration.  Please avoid the use of hats, shorts, dresses too short, see-through and/or strapless that rest solemnity to the celebration and devotion by distracting followers.  We suggest using some type of scarf to cover up during the mass.  The use of shoes is requested at all times.

 

2.  Wedding vows will be limited to the exact text found in the marriage ritual.

 

3.  Punctuality is very important.  We ask you to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time as the priest will start on time, because there are often ceremonies scheduled for each hour.

 

4.  You are not allowed to eat, drink, chew gum, or to chat inside the temple.  Also, please keep cell phones turned off to show your respect for prayer.  As you approach the altar to read or participate in a ritual, or when crossing the aisle of the chapel bow your heard towards the altar as a gesture of reverance and respect. 

 

5.  The flower arrangements for the chapel is optional but it is very important to consider that every flower is an offering made to God our Lord, so it must remain inside the chapel after the celebration.

 

6.  Refrain from throwing rice, bubbles, ballons or any other object inside the chapel.  The atrium is the appropriate place (from the door to the chapel and out) for this.  In this Prelature we believe that many people do not have food to eat and that it's wrong to waste the rice - being a basic food item that can be shared with the needy.

 

7.  Children who cry:  If your child cries or screams please go with him to have a stroll through the atrium of the chapel to calm him/her down, give the child a piece of candy and let others listen to the mass without a distraction and pray with a spirit of recollection.

 

8.  Choirs and musicians in general:  their presentation shall be uniform, both in clothing and musical performance.  The group must keep composure and respect througout the mass.  The audio should be moderate.  The music interpreted will comply with religious norms; they must be songs with lyrics and music composed to praise the Lord.  Profane chants are not allowed.

 

9.  Photographers:  their wardrobe and personal presentation is very important.  They are not allowed to be barefoot, in inapporpriate clothing or hats.  They should respect the altar or chancel area staying at least one meter away from the altar and may not distract the bride and groom from the celebration, etc.  Especially in the most sacred and important moments such the consecration and the silence after the communion.  They must keep a good composure and respect throughout the mass.

 

 

 

[neena]

Hello, I signed the form.  My one question is I have seen pictures of other brides and they did not have their shoulders covered, as stated in the church guideline form.  Does anyone know about this?  My dress is strapless so I guess I need to find something to cover my shoulders with.

[Pierre Violle]

some pics of front beach the chapel:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PIERRE VISUAL STUDIO - Wedding & TTD Photography
 

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[Norma83]

Originally Posted by neena 

 

Hello, I signed the form.  My one question is I have seen pictures of other brides and they did not have their shoulders covered, as stated in the church guideline form.  Does anyone know about this?  My dress is strapless so I guess I need to find something to cover my shoulders with.

 

Hi Neena -

 

My dress was also a strapless and I had no issues.  My coordinator, nor the Father, said anything to me about it.  Some of my guests wore strapless dresses and no one told them anything either.  I was a little worried about this as well, and I just took a shawl just in case they told me anything -- and I never had to use it.  Since they didn't bring it up, I didn't either. 

 

I hope this helps!

 

-Norma

[Moments That Matter]

Gorgeous pics Neena - Congrats!   looks like you had an amazing wedding ! Wishing you all the best on your journey ahead together, filled with Good Times! and lots o laughter! Enjoy

[ornxoxo]

Thanks for sharing.  I was wondering as well how strict they would be about the strapless dress since it seems like these are new rules.

[LoriGran]

Thank you for this information. Doesn't seem bad at all and it basically common sense kind of requirements. As for the strapless, by what it says I think strapless is fine as long as its not revealing where your chest is coming out of dress. I'm looking to book the chapel for 2014 and I just can't wait!!!

[Norma83]

Originally Posted by Lori Granados 

 

Thank you for this information. Doesn't seem bad at all and it basically common sense kind of requirements. As for the strapless, by what it says I think strapless is fine as long as its not revealing where your chest is coming out of dress. I'm looking to book the chapel for 2014 and I just can't wait!!!

Yeah, you are right, Lori.  I think it's more of a formality than a "requirement".  Like you say, if you are way revealing they can come to you and say you signed the form, yada yada. 

 

I hope you have a great experience planning your wedding!  I truly enjoyed planning mine and it was the best day ever!  I'm sure your wedding is going to be just the same.  Enjoy every minute of it and if you have any questions, please just ask. 

 

-Norma

[ornxoxo]

I just saw this guideline attached to one of my email. However, there's another pager saying that 2 baptism certificates required. I thought if one is a catholic, it's ok to have a catholic ceremony. Does anyone know anything about it? Would it be a full mass or just a blessing ceremony?

[LoriGran]

I just saw this guideline attached to one of my email. However, there's another pager saying that 2 baptism certificates required. I thought if one is a catholic, it's ok to have a catholic ceremony. Does anyone know anything about it? Would it be a full mass or just a blessing ceremony?

My fiancé and I are both catholic and from what I know, I believe both bride and groom must be catholic in order to have a catholic ceremony/wedding. There is also a few requirements you need to do in your church in your hometown in order to get married. Here is a thread that I found extremely useful with A LOT of information on the catholic ceremony at the Gran Caribe. http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/69693/every-thing-you-want-to-know-about-catholic-ceremony-at-grand-caribe-real/0_100