CATHOLIC CHURCH WEDDING REQUIREMENTS

COMPLETE ALL THESE ESSENTIALS, THREE MONTHS BEFORE MAKING YOUR VOWS IN CHURCH

1.                  BAPTISMAL AND CONFIRMATION CERTIFICATES

The bride and the groom must each have these. You will need new copies and the copies must have an annotation: “FOR MARRIAGE PURPOSES ONLY” it must be secured not more than three (3) months before the wedding day.

2.                  MARRIAGE LICENSE

The couple may apply for this from the city or municipal hall where either the bride or the groom currently resides. For those who are already civilly married, a certified true photocopy of the marriage contract with the registry number of the city or town where the marriage was performed must be submitted one week before the wedding date.

3.                  CANONICAL INTERVIEW

This interview with the bride and the groom will be done one month before the wedding date and will be conducted by the parish priest or his assistant.

4.                  PRE-MARRIAGE SEMINAR

Both the bride and the groom have to attend this. The schedule for the seminar will be given during the canonical interview or you may inquire at the parish office.

5.                  PERMISSION FROM BRIDE’S PARISH

A permit from the parish of the bride-to-be must be secured and presented to the parish office of the couple’s chosen ceremony venue. The parish office of your chosen church will provide the form.

6.                  MARRIAGE BANNS

These will be provided during the canonical interview and have to be immediately brought to the respective parishes of the bride and the groom for posting. These have to be returned to the office after three Sundays.

7.                  LIST OF NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF PRINCIPAL SPONSORS

This have to be submitted to the parish office one week before the wedding date. Church policy requires at least a pair of sponsors, and ideally a maximum of six sponsors.