Getting Married in the Catholic Church – What is Needed
1. The first thing a couple need to do is to contact their local parish clergy where they live.
2. They must book the church where they wish to marry.
3. They must ensure they have a priest who has agreed to marry them.
4. The Pre-nuptial Inquiry Form for each person must be completed by the priest, for which the following are required:
A new long form Baptismal Certificate issued within six months of the proposed date of marriage from the parish of Baptism.
Indication of Confirmation (separate certificate if not recorded on baptismal certificate).
Proof of Freedom to Marry
(This can be established through the traditional letters of freedom from each of the parishes the person has lived in for six months or more since he/she was 18 years of age.
Alternatively they can ask a parent or somebody who has known them all their lives to write a letter stating their relationship to them and that to the best of their knowledge they have not been married religiously or civilly in any jurisdiction.
Another possibility is for the person to swear an affidavit before a Commissioner of Oaths attesting that he/she has never been married religiously or civilly in any jurisdiction.
It is always best to check with your local priest with regards to methods of establishing freedom to marry as practices vary from place to place.
Marriage Preparation Certificate
Permissions and Dispensations where applicable need to applied for. If either party has previously married, it is essential that freedom to marry be established before any marriage arrangements can be confirmed.
It is always best to check with your local priest with regards to regulations and practices in your own Parishes and Dioceses with regards to planning your Marriage in the Church.
Marriage Preparation Programme
We care about your relationship and future together. The marriage preparation course we offer is designed with you in mind.
Your Marriage Preparation Course offers both of you the opportunity to reflect on how you communicate, to explore your understanding of commitment, how to manage conflict, how to be responsible parents and live the sacrament of marriage.
During the Marriage Preparation Programme we invite you to:
1. Spend quality time together reflecting on your relationship and your future.
2. Relax and enjoy an atmosphere that is respectful, confidential and fun.
3. Meet other couples preparing for marriage.
Contact Accord
Central Office,
Columba Centre,
Maynooth,
Co Kildare
W23 P6D3
Phone 01 5053112
Email: info@accord.ie
Civil Requirements ~ Republic of Ireland
The couple must arrange to meet in person a civil registrar at least three months before the wedding to give the required three months notice of their intention to marry (in advance of the meeting with the registrar, meet one of the local clergy, book the church and know the name of the priest (solemniser) who has agreed to celebrate the Marriage).
1. Receive the Marriage Registration Form (MRF) from the civil registrar – without this document no Marriage can take place.
2. Show the MRF to the Priest (Solemniser) to check the details are correct.
3. Make the verbal declaration of no civil impediment not more than two days xxxxxxxx.
4. Return the signed MRF to any(?) civil registrar no later than one month after the wedding.
to check the website links
For information on getting married in Rome see the website for the Irish College in Rome www.irishcollege.org.
(We do hope that you find this information useful and we wish you both every happiness and success in the future. )
You will find more detailed information on getting married at the Jesuit website ‘Getting Married’ Getting Married
Congratulations
We would like to congratulate you both as you set on this wonderful journey and commitment together. Your journey towards marriage began the day you first met.
Marriage Prayer Cross of St. Brigid
The peace of the Father be with you,
The peace of Christ be with you,
The peace of the Holy Spirit be with you,
Always, each and every day and night.
Aman