Getting Married in the Catholic Church

The rite of marriage is but one moment, however significant, in the process of a marriage that begins before the rite and deepens and grows thereafter. In preparing couples for marriage, the Church focuses on both the rite and the process. In Catholic belief, Christ is at the center of married love; celebrated in the context of the Church and its faith tradition, marriage is understood as a covenant and an integral part of the journey of faith. So marriage in the Church is approached with great seriousness and deliberation. It is the responsibility of the pastor or other pastoral staff members appointed to help a couple discern their freedom and readiness to take this step.

The Church requires a preparation period of at least six months prior to the wedding to explore the couple's readiness, to take care of necessary paperwork, and to ensure that the couple takes the time needed to prepare well. There are several components to the preparation process in the Archdiocese of San Francisco, and we can assist you through every step along the way. Engaged couples should secure a date for use of the church and begin this process before making commitments with caterers, reception facilities, etc.

Introduction | Getting Married at Old Saint Mary's