SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY

Getting married in the Catholic Church is indeed an extraordinary gift.

Where to begin to set this process in motion?

1. First, after the couple has shared the good news of their engagement with their family and friends, it is important to contact the Church.
2. Catholic couples needs to contact the parish church where they are registered.
3. Registered? Yes, usually, Catholics register with the parish church they attend every weekend and support with their active involvement. In most cases, the Catholic is going to their parish church where they were raised and have a long relationship with their congregation and their parish priest.
4. Often, in our transient society, folks move around often. This is true with members of  the parish who are active military. When moving to a new parish, any couple who is planning for a wedding in the near future ought to register with their new parish as soon as possible.
5. Our Diocese requires six (6) months of preparation time for a wedding. During this time, the couple will meet with the pastor (or one of our deacons, if the couple prefers) to fill out the necessary paperwork for getting married in the Church.
6. What should a couple bring for their first meeting?

• An Updated copy of their Baptismal Certificate, not the original certificate. This can be done by contacting the church of Baptism. If you were baptized on a military installation, you can order a new certificate by clicking here: Military Chapel Baptisms

7. A tentative date can be penciled in the parish calendar by simply calling the office after having met with the pastor or deacon. Reserving the church does not automatically mean the Parish Hall is available.
8. See "Documents" section for guiledlines regarding Church Use and Parish Hall Use.
9. Each couple will have to attend a Marriage preparation workshop. Contact office for more information on dates of Pre-Cana or Engaged Encounter.
10. Once a couple has completed the necessary paperwork, planning the ceremony comes next. The priest will provide a booklet to help the couple make the selections they wish to use for their wedding ceremony.

If you have any questions, give us a call at

850.897.7797

or simply use the form below.