Wedding Resources

The Sacrament of Matrimony is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, mirroring Christ’s love for His Church. Through this sacrament, the couple commits to a lifelong union of mutual love, support, and faithfulness, open to the gift of children. Marriage is both a spiritual journey and a vocation, calling the couple to grow in holiness together.

At least one person in the couple must be a baptized Catholic to celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony. If one partner is not Catholic, the Church requires additional preparation, and the Catholic party must promise to continue practicing their faith and to do their best to raise children in the Catholic faith. The non-Catholic partner is not required to convert but must respect the Catholic nature of the marriage.

To be married in the Church, both parties must be free to marry (not currently married to someone else or bound by a previous marriage without an annulment). The couple must participate in marriage preparation (often called Pre-Cana), meet with a priest or deacon, and complete the necessary paperwork, including providing baptismal certificates and other documentation.

Pre-Cana is a marriage preparation program that helps couples build a strong foundation for their life together. It includes guidance on communication, finances, family planning, and the spiritual aspects of marriage. This preparation is essential for understanding the sacrament and the commitment it entails, helping couples approach their union with intentionality and faith.

Yes, but it requires coordination between your local parish and the church where you wish to be married. Your local parish can assist with marriage preparation and provide the necessary documentation, which will then be sent to the parish at your destination. Be sure to start this process early to ensure all requirements are met.

Absolutely! While the structure of a Catholic wedding liturgy follows a sacred order, there are many ways to make it personal. You can choose Scripture readings, prayers, and music that reflect your relationship and faith. If you celebrate the Rite of Marriage within a Mass, you can also include special blessings and intentions.

If either party was previously married, the Church requires an annulment before entering into a new marriage. An annulment is a process that examines whether the first marriage was valid according to Church teaching. Speak with your priest or deacon for guidance on starting this process.

You can choose either a Nuptial Mass or the Rite of Marriage outside of Mass, depending on your circumstances. If both parties are Catholic, a Nuptial Mass is encouraged, as it includes the celebration of the Eucharist. If one partner is not Catholic, the Rite of Marriage outside of Mass may be more appropriate to promote inclusivity for all attendees.

The Catholic Church generally requires weddings to take place in a sacred space, such as a Catholic church, to emphasize the sacramental and sacred nature of the marriage covenant. Exceptions for outdoor or non-Catholic venues are rare and require permission from your local bishop. If you’re considering this, speak with your priest or deacon for guidance.