Congratulations on your upcoming wedding, we pray that it will be a joyous day filled with God's blessings.

Our Lady of Mercy is a vibrant and very active parish and our central mission is to serve our parish family which covers the entire Madrid Province. Unfortunately, there is only one priest assigned to the parish and it is therefore important to schedule all requests as much as possible in advance. Most couples schedule their wedding dates six months to one year before the desired wedding date.

We do realize that there are certain situations in which a couple may wish to make use of a bilingual priest. Fr. Ron has been in Madrid for many years and tries to accommodate as many requests as possible, but preference will always be shown to those who have made some contact/commitment/contribution to the spiritual life of our parish. Given the importance of personal contact, requests should be made in person to Fr. Ron at one of the Sunday 11:00 AM services at Our Lady of Mercy.

Please know that paperwork for the marriage may have special requirements, especially if one of the parties is not from Spain. See paperwork requirements. If both the bride and groom are not from Spain, please allow extra time for paperwork to be completed. You should begin the process about 6 months before the wedding date at the Arzobispado here in Madrid, located right next to the Cathedral on Calle Bailén, 8. (This is only for churches located in Madrid). After the religious celebration, you only have to register your marriage at the civil registry on Calle Pradillo, number 66 in order to receive your "libro de familia" or marriage certificate (you use the form provided by the parish or the Arzobispado).

We are a completely self-financing parish. (Since our parishioners are transitory, we do not enjoy the same stable contributions as other parishes). In order to respond to as many outside requests as possible we ask for your cooperation.

Fee and Guidelines

• If either the bride or groom has been a registered and active OLM parishioner supporting the parish over 6 months, there is no charge for our services. Donations are voluntary. (Every Catholic may receive the Sacraments in their own parish without charge. However, if you request a service from a parish you have not been supporting, you are voluntarily asking for something extraordinary, and should expect an additional fee).
• If you are a not registered OLM parishioner, we will ask for a fee for the following services:
  • Celebrating your wedding day at OLM or any church within Madrid Capital. You will be allowed to plan the ceremony as you like, with Fr. Ron's help. It can be bilingual and Fr. Ron will help you choose the vows, the readings, and go over every detail of your special day. You will be given a complete planning form that will discuss the ceremony from beginning to end. He will also personalize the celebration which adds a great deal to your special day.
  • If travel is involved, special arrangements will need to be made with Fr. Ron.
• In the case of true financial need, the fees can be reduced.
• Please inform your photographer to be discreet. They have been known to cause so much distraction during the Mass that the beauty of the prayer is overrun by a "show" atmosphere. You are free to bring in your own florist or musicians to OLM.
• Please eat something a little before the ceremony, especially during the summer months. This helps to avoid fainting.
• Please be prompt. Some brides choose to arrive a few minutes late -- please remember that more than 10 minutes is considered excessive.
• You should discuss the music with the musicians and then let Fr. Ron know what you have decided.
• Fr. Ron's full name is: Ronald Ochylski (The Church where you are married will need this information for their church records). The name of the parish in Spanish is: Nuestra Señora de la Merced -- La parroquia de Habla Inglesa. Fr. Ron's position is: Párroco. He is a priest of the Archdiocese of Madrid.
• You are welcome to volunteer to help other future couples in planning the details of their wedding in Madrid. If you are willing to help others in the future, let Fr. Ron know and give him permission to give out your email. It would be wonderful to share the knowledge you gain so some of the stress of wedding planning is reduced
• If you are in need of marriage preparation, please see Fr. Ron. Click here for more information. We have limited space and there is a usually a 3 month minimum waiting period.