Holy Matrimony

Congratulations on your engagement. The Church rejoices with couples preparing for marriage and wants to help them build a faithful, generous life together. Holy Matrimony is both a sacrament and a vocation: a faithful, lifelong covenant in which husband and wife give themselves to one another, open to the gift of children, as a sign of Christ’s love for his Church.

Begin with a conversation

Contact the parish office early in your engagement to arrange a meeting with a priest. Discuss your hoped-for church and date before making binding arrangements with other venues. The parish will confirm availability and explain the preparation that applies to your circumstances.

Tell the priest if either of you has been married before, if you live outside the area, or if you belong to different Christian traditions. These are matters for a thoughtful personal conversation. Do not assume that a general website answer determines what is possible in your situation.

Preparing for married life

Marriage preparation includes reflection on the meaning of the sacrament, the responsibilities of married life, and the couple’s relationship with God and each other. It also includes the necessary records and planning for the liturgy. The parish’s guidance emphasizes preparation for a life together, beyond the arrangements for one day.

Ask for the current preparation steps, forms, timeline, and any costs directly from the parish. If baptismal records or other documents are required, staff will explain how recent they must be and how to obtain them. No single deadline on this page replaces that conversation.

Planning the celebration

The priest and parish staff can guide you in choosing readings, sacred music, and appropriate roles for family and friends. Ask about the particular church’s arrangements before reserving musicians, decorations, or other services.

Common questions

Should we book the reception before contacting the parish?

Arrange the church date with the parish first. A priest’s availability and the church’s calendar must be confirmed before you make binding plans for a reception, invitations, or travel.

What if one of us is not Catholic?

Tell the priest at your first meeting. He will explain the preparation, any permissions needed, and the form of celebration appropriate to your circumstances. You are welcome to ask questions together.

How do we arrange music?

Plan sacred music with the priest and parish musicians before hiring performers. Ask the office about organists, pianists, and cantors, and confirm the repertoire and any musician fees directly with those involved. Music should serve the prayer of the liturgy; save secular favorites for the reception. Use live musicians rather than prerecorded music for the wedding liturgy.

Can we have a rehearsal and photographs?

Discuss a rehearsal with the priest when arranging the wedding. Share the parish’s arrangements with the wedding party, photographer, and videographer beforehand so everyone can participate without interrupting the liturgy. Confirm any restrictions on movement, equipment, and decorations at the particular church.

What documents and costs should we plan for?

Ask the parish for the current document checklist, preparation arrangements, and any costs. Explain any financial difficulty directly to the office or priest. Confirm the requirements for your chosen church and personal circumstances.

Already married?

If you would like to discuss having your marriage recognized by the Catholic Church, contact a priest through the office. You are welcome to ask questions and receive guidance suited to your circumstances.

Contact the parish office to begin.