Marriage

Because marriage is both a vocation (a calling from God) and a sacrament, special gifts and graces are given to the couple entering Matrimony. Participants enter into the sacrament of Matrimony with the intention that their union will be permanent, faithful, and fruitful.

Arrangements for weddings must be made by the parties to the proposed marriage by meeting with the pastor at least six months in advance of the wedding.  No wedding date will be scheduled until after your meeting with the pastor.  This will allow sufficient time for the couple to complete the required meetings, to attend the pre-marriage programs and to prepare a proper celebration of the sacrament.

Marriage Preparation Checklist

You will be guided through this process with a priest or deacon:

1. Meet with the priest or deacon to fill out the Pre-nuptial Questionnaire.
2. If the marriage is between a Catholic and a non-Catholic, work with the priest or deacon to complete a dispensation form.
3. Catholics, not sooner than six months before the wedding, obtain a new baptism certificate from the parish where you were baptized.
4. Non-Catholics, if possible, obtain a copy of your original baptismal certificate.
5. Set up and attend the Natural Family Planning introductory session.
6. Decide with the priest or deacon’s help if you will attend an Engaged Encounter weekend or will complete a Sponsor Couple Mentoring program.
7. Register and complete either the Sponsor Couple or Engaged Encounter.
8. No sooner than 90 days before the wedding, obtain your marriage license from the town. (Time frame may vary for weddings in a different state.)
9. Set up a date with the priest or deacon to plan the wedding ceremony.

VISIT United States Conference of Catholic Bishops:  Marriage Preparation