How to Get Married in the Catholic Church: Your Complete Guide

 

What is Catholic Marriage?

Marriage is a covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, and it is by its nature ordered toward the procreation and education of children. While marriage was established in the Garden of Eden by God, it was raised from a natural institution to the dignity of a Sacrament by our Lord Jesus Christ.

Marriage, when validly received, is a life-long commitment that lasts until the death of one spouse. A truly valid marriage can never be ended by divorce. Through the reception of the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony, God gives actual graces to the couple to live out their marriage. Do not neglect such immense graces! If you are planning a Catholic wedding, make it a priority to understand what you're entering into and to prepare properly.

4 Steps to Getting Married in the Catholic Church

Step 1: Familiarize Yourself With the Church's Teachings on Marriage

To worthily receive the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony, specific conditions are required for validity:

• ✓ One man and one woman: Both must be free to contract the marital union, unmarried, and not related within the third degree (second cousins are the minimum acceptable relationship)
• ✓ Free consent: Both individuals must be willing to enter the marriage of their own decision—not forced by parents or others—and must be aware of what they're entering (cannot be intoxicated)
• ✓ Open to children: Both spouses must be open to having children. If one or both spouse had no intention of raising children, the marriage would not be valid
• ✓ Church requirements: An authorized minister (priest or deacon) must officiate, and two witnesses must be present to testify to the exchange of consent
• ✓ Proper timing: The marriage should not be performed during periods of penance like Advent or Lent

Note on Convalidation: If you were married outside the Church or without proper witnesses, your marriage can be convalidated (validated) so it becomes sacramentally valid.

Step 2: Begin Attending Mass and Speak With Your Priest

If you haven't already, begin attending weekly Sunday Mass at a Catholic Church. If you are not yet Catholic, learn more about the process of becoming Catholic through RCIA classes.

Once you're ready to marry, make your priest aware of your desire to marry in the Church. Weddings are usually scheduled at least 6 months in advance, so start this conversation as soon as possible. Your priest will be happy to guide you through the process.

Important: Never let cost deter you from a Catholic wedding. Parishes work with families at all financial levels. No one is ever turned away from receiving the Sacraments.

Step 3: Complete Pre-Cana Marriage Preparation

All Catholic parishes require couples to complete marriage preparation classes before receiving the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. Since marriage is an irrevocable commitment until the death of one spouse, Catholic couples must be properly prepared.

These classes are called "pre-Cana classes," named after the town of Cana where Jesus performed His first public miracle at the Wedding of Cana. Catholic marriage preparation focuses on marriage as a Sacrament—not a mere civil ceremony. Classes cover the purpose of marriage, the duties of husbands and wives, the importance of Catholic weddings, the Church's teaching on contraception and natural family planning, family goals, financial planning, conflict resolution, and more.

CatechismClass.com offers a comprehensive, affordable, and convenient online marriage preparation course. The course draws upon the writings of the Popes, the Catechism, Scripture, and the writings of saints. Our online Marriage Preparation course takes 4-5 hours and is designed for confirmed Catholics. If you are not yet confirmed, you must first receive Confirmation before receiving Holy Matrimony.

Step 4: Pray and Prepare Spiritually

Beyond the practical preparations—venue, invitations, registry, finances, moving—this is a time to prepare spiritually. In addition to praying together and attending Mass together, consider reading "Three to Get Married" by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. Archbishop Sheen emphasizes that our Blessed Lord must be at the center of every successful and loving marriage.

Make the Lord the center of your marriage. Despite the inevitable ups and downs of life, the graces of the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony will sustain you through any challenge.

What's Your Situation? Find Your Path Forward

Every couple's journey is different. Find your starting point and move forward:

Get Started With Your Marriage Preparation

Catholic marriage is a beautiful sacrament that deserves proper preparation. Whether you're just beginning your journey or you're already on the path, we're here to help you prepare spiritually and practically for this lifelong commitment.

Enroll in Our Marriage Preparation Course

Make your marriage a true sacrament. Get the preparation and graces you need for a lifetime of love, commitment, and fidelity in Christ.