“Married Christians, in virtue of the sacrament of matrimony, signify and share in the mys­tery of that unity and fruitful love which exists between Christ and his Church; they help each other to attain to holiness in their married life and in the rearing and education of their children; and they have their own special gift among the people of God.” Introduction to the Rite of Marriage  #1, no. 33, in The Rites of the Catholic Church

Thank you for inquiring about the possibility of being married at the Cathedral of Christ the Light. We want to support and assist you in the best way possible as you embark on this very important commitment in your lives.

This page is intended to answer a few of the questions which are most likely on your mind at this time.

The first step in the process is to complete and mail the Cathedral Wedding Form.

How do we get married at the Cathedral of Christ the Light?

You need to contact the Parish Office by email (cpctl@oakdiocese.org), phone (510-496-7203) or in person at least six months prior to your possible wedding date. The Parish Office is open Monday – Friday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.

When do weddings take place at the Cathedral?

Weddings normally take place on Saturdays at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, or 3:00 pm.

Does the Cathedral have a policy regarding music?

Yes. There is a detailed description of the policy in the Music Guidelines for Marriage Celebrations which is given to all couples who are going to be married in the cathedral.

Do we need to take a marriage preparation class?

Yes. You are required to participate in one of the marriage preparation options outlined by the Diocese of Oakland.  You can find this information at:  http://www.oakflo.com/marriage_prep.html

Is there a fee for having our wedding at the Cathedral?

Yes. The wedding fee helps defray the costs of the services of the wedding coordinator, the sacristan, the custodians, security, as well as the cost of utilities, and parking.  This does not include the fees for music.

There are three fee schedules at the Cathedral of Christ the Light: for parishioners of the Cathedral, for non-parishioners residing within the Diocese of Oakland, for non-parishioners residing outside the Diocese of Oakland.

Fee for parishioners*

The fee is $1,500. No parishioner of the Cathedral of Christ the Light is ever turned away because of an inability to pay the fee.

Fee for non-parishioners in the Diocese of Oakland:

$2,500

Fees for non-parishioners outside the Diocese of Oakland:

$3,500

*The parishioner rate for weddings is set in order to honor the commitment of participating, contributing members of the parish. Usually, the parishioner rate applies to those who have been registered and participating members for at least six months prior to scheduling.

A security deposit is required:

Please note that $250 of your fee must accompany the initial form requesting a wedding date at the cathedral.

Does the Cathedral have a facility that we could use for our wedding reception?

Yes. The Cathedral Event Center is available for your rehearsal dinner and/or wedding reception. For more information call 510-496-7233.

For more information:

Please email the Parish Office, or call 510-832-5057.