How do I get married in the Catholic Church?

    The Catholic Church considers marriage a sacrament, and therefore takes marriage and the preparation for marriage very seriously. The Catholic parishes in Waterloo welcome the opportunity to celebrate this important decision with the couple, their families and friends.
    A couple should contact the parish as soon as they decide to be married in the Catholic Church. As a general rule, couples should contact the parish at least six months before the marriage.
    The pastor, or a parish staff person designated by the pastor, will meet with the couple to explain the preparation process and the documents which will be necessary in order for the marriage to take place. (For baptized persons, this includes a copy of your Baptismal Certificate and a Statutory Declaration of Freedom.)
    Some elements of the preparation process include a marriage inventory to aid in identifying strengths and growth areas in your relationship, meeting with a mentor couple, and attending a marriage retreat (Pre-Cana or Engaged Encounter).  Additional components include a Natural Family Planning intro course, establishing a weekly date night routine, attending Mass, making a holy hour, and parish functions with your mentor couple, and planning your wedding liturgy.  
    According to Church law, any baptized Catholic has the right to be married in the Church as long as they are free to marry, are mature enough to enter into a marriage covenant, and are willing to accept responsibility for living in a sacramental marriage. Baptized persons (Catholic or non-Catholic) who have been previously married must obtain a Decree of Invalidity in order to be married in the Catholic Church.
    Catholics may be married in a Catholic Church where they do not attend with the permission of the local pastor and the pastor of the parish in which they do participate.

• For information about being married in the Catholic Church, contact the parish office in the parish where you participate or plan to participate.

More FAQ:
• How do I petition for a Decree of Invalidity?
• Marriage--why should we get married in the Catholic Church?

Related Links:
• Directory of Catholic Parishes in Waterloo
• Frequently Asked Questions About Catholic Weddings
• Guide to Getting Married in the Catholic Church
• The Catholic Wedding Ceremony