About the sacrament
“The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament.”
The parties to a marriage are a baptised man and woman who are free to marry and who freely give their consent.
So that their consent is free and responsible, and their marriage rests on solid human and Christian foundations, preparation for marriage is of prime importance.
A valid marriage creates a bond between the spouses that by its very nature is lifelong and exclusive.
Genesis 2:24 A man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and the two become one flesh.
Matthew 19:6 Jesus teaches that what God has joined together, no one must separate.
John 2:1-11 Jesus works his first sign at the wedding feast at Cana.
Ephesians 5:31-32 Saint Paul calls marriage a great mystery that speaks of Christ and the Church.
Catechism §1601 · Catechism §1625 · Catechism §1632 · Catechism §1638 · Genesis 2:24 · Matthew 19:6 · John 2:1-11 · Ephesians 5:31-32
Steps to your wedding
Start at least six months before the date you hope for.
- Step 1 · Six months or more before
Speak to the priest
Tell the parish about you both and your plans. Please do not fix a date before you have spoken to him.
- Step 2
Do the marriage preparation course
Every couple attends the course before the wedding. It covers the meaning of the sacrament, communication, family life, natural family planning and the rights and duties of spouses. Dates are given when you enrol.
- Step 3
Get your papers
The parish where you marry needs these from each of you.
- Step 4
Apply to marry
Meet the priest for the interview and complete the marriage forms together.
- Step 5 · Three Sundays
Your banns are read
Your names are announced at Mass on three Sundays so anyone who knows a reason you cannot marry can say so.
- Step 6
The wedding
Celebrated on the day agreed with the parish priest.
What is needed
Contact the parish at least six months before the date you have in mind, and before you book a hall or print invitations. The wedding usually takes place in the parish of the bride or of the groom.
Requirements
- At least six months' notice to the parish priest.
- Both free to marry: never married before, or any earlier marriage ended by the death of a spouse or declared null by a Church tribunal.
- Both complete the marriage preparation course and attend the counselling sessions with the priest.
- An interview with the priest for each of you, before the wedding.
- The banns are published on three Sundays in the parish of each party.
- If one of you is a baptised Christian of another church, the bishop's permission for a mixed marriage is needed. If one of you is not baptised, a dispensation from disparity of cult is needed. The priest arranges both.
- Two witnesses who will sign the marriage register.
Documents to bring
- A recent Baptism certificate for each Catholic party, issued within the last six months, with its margin notes. Ask the parish of Baptism for a fresh copy.
- Confirmation certificate.
- A letter of freedom (free state letter) from the parish priest of each party's home parish.
- A sworn declaration of free state from a parent or guardian, if the parish asks for one.
- Certificate of completion of the marriage preparation course.
- Passport photographs of the couple.
In many families the traditional marriage comes first, and some parishes ask that it is done before the church wedding. For a Catholic, the marriage is valid in the Church only when celebrated before the priest and two witnesses. Couples already married by native law and custom, or at the registry, can have their marriage convalidated in the Church, often called having it blessed. Please speak to the priest.
Questions people ask
How early should we contact the parish?
At least six months before the date, and before paying for a hall or printing invitations. Some dioceses ask for longer.
We have done our traditional marriage. Do we still need a church wedding?
Yes, if one of you is Catholic. The traditional marriage honours your families and your culture; the sacrament is celebrated in the Church before the priest and two witnesses. Couples already living as husband and wife can have their marriage convalidated in the Church.
Can I marry someone who is not Catholic?
Yes, with the bishop's permission for a baptised Christian of another church, or a dispensation if your partner is not baptised. The Catholic party promises to remain faithful and to do all they can to have the children baptised and brought up Catholic.
What are the banns?
A public announcement of an intended marriage, made on three Sundays, so that anyone who knows of a reason the couple may not marry can tell the parish priest.
Can we marry in another parish or town?
Yes, with the permission of the parish priest of the bride or the groom. Your own parish still prepares you and sends the papers.
Can we get married during Lent?
Weddings in Lent are discouraged and some dioceses do not allow them. Ask the parish priest before you fix a date.