Church Law


Couples must give at least 3 months notice of their intention to marry to the priest in the parish which they live.

Couples are expected to attend a marriage preparation course or undertake personal preparation with an individual priest.

There must be no impediment to the marriage. For example, an existing marriage bond, or close family or blood relationship.

Your priest will ask you to produce a baptismal certificate, a confirmation certificate, and a Letter of Freedom to marry (i.e. evidence that there is no impediment to your marriage.)

All Catholics must undertake to continue living their own faith and to do all in their power to have children of the marriage baptised and brought up in the Church.

Catholics are recommended to approach the sacraments of Penance and Communion before they celebrate marriage.

Catholic marriage must take place before a Catholic priest or deacon.

Marriage in a Catholic Church which is neither the parish of the bride nor the groom requires permission of the parish priests involved.

Any other formalities applicable to you will be explained by your priest.

Your wedding will be recorded in the marriage register of the parish in which you are married and also in the register of the parish in which you were baptised.