Congratulations on your decision to get married. It’s an exciting time with lots of wedding planning ahead!

It is common practice for a couple to book the church a long time in advance. So it is important to contact the Parish Office to make sure that the church is available on the day you require. The Civil Authorities also have state requirements which must be fulfilled.

The following information may be helpful:

• Go to a priest in the parish of the bride at least THREE MONTHS before the date on which you plan to marry. The meetings of the couple with their priest are a key part of the preparation process. These meetings have taken on a new significance in recent times, because it can no longer be assumed that seeking a Church wedding is an expression of Christian faith on the part of one or both partners. These meetings are an opportunity for a couple to reflect on what Christian marriage asks of them.
• The priest will also advise you about the various documents that you need to collect. You will need to get a Certificate of Baptism from the parish in which you were baptized and a Certificate of Confirmation from the parish in which you were confirmed. These documents should be issued no less than six months prior to the date of marriage.
• Freedom to marry: The best advice when one party has been married previously (either in a civil or religious ceremony) is not to make arrangements until meeting with the pastor.
• Ask the priest who is to officiate at your wedding to help you with the task of creating your marriage ceremony. There are a variety of prayers, blessings, readings, etc. Read through these together and choose the ones you prefer. Choose the person(s) who will read at Mass, person(s) to read the Prayers of the Faithful. Rehearse the ceremony in church with the priest before the wedding day.
• To celebrate the sacrament of Marriage does not require the celebration of Eucharist (Mass). While it has been generally the custom, it may not always be appropriate for example in a “mixed” marriage or when a couple are not regularly practicing. Some couples today find the celebration of Marriage without the Eucharist, to be more appropriate for them.
• Marriages on Sundays, holy days and some special Church celebrations (Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Feast of All Souls) are not permitted in this Diocese.