How to Be Married in a Catholic Church

For a marriage to be valid in the Catholic Church, a couple must meet certain requirements.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Tuxedo Cummerbunds
• Tuxedo Shirts
• Tuxedos
• Wedding Gowns
• Wedding Veils
• Wedding Rings
• Wedding Licenses

1. Select a partner who is not related to you by blood or marriage. (Marriage between relatives is forbidden in the Catholic Church.)
2. Be sure you and your partner are old enough for marriage in the eyes of the Catholic Church. A man must be at least 17 years old and a woman must be at least 15.
3. Consult with both sets of parents if either of you is a minor. You will need their consent before a pastor will marry you.
4. Discuss with your partner your views about having children, since this possibility must exist in order for your marriage to be valid in the Catholic Church.
5. Participate with your partner in premarital counseling.
6. Arrange to be married before a priest and two witnesses if you and your partner are both Catholic.
7. Be prepared prior to the wedding for your pastor to publicly announce that you and your partner plan to marry and to encourage anyone who has a reason why the union should be prevented to speak out.
8. Remember that once a marriage between two Catholics is consummated, it can never be dissolved in the eyes of the church.

Tips & Warnings

• Use your engagement as a time for considering the religious aspects of your relationship and talking about your future together as a couple.
• If you and your partner are not baptized, your marriage will be valid and your children will be legitimate in the Catholic Church. But unlike the marriage of a baptized couple, the union will not be considered a sacrament.
• Take the proper steps if you are Catholic and plan to marry a non-Catholic. You must promise to remain a Catholic and to baptize your children and raise them as Catholics; obtain permission from the local bishop; and inform your spouse of these promises.
• Understand that mixed-faith marriages are usually performed according to the Catholic rite. Occasionally, a non-Catholic minister will be allowed to participate.