Couple at the altar during a Catholic wedding ceremony

For Couples Planning a Catholic Wedding

Find Your Marriage Path

Answer a few questions about baptism, prior marriages, and OCIA. We'll outline the likely canon-law path and help you request a meeting with your parish.

Not sure what OCIA means?Read the OCIA explainer

Step One: Marriage Path Questions

Step one of two

These answers help your parish understand your situation. Final determinations are always made by your pastor or tribunal.

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Your baptism status

Fiance baptism status

Have you been married before?

Has your fiance been married before?

Are you already civilly married to each other?

Is either person in OCIA?

OCIA is the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. Quick explanation

Your Likely Path

Needs InfoCanon-law-informed starting point

Answer the questions to see your likely path

We will tailor next steps based on baptism status, prior marriages, and OCIA.

Need context on OCIA? Read this first

Canon Law Paths We Cover

These are the common combinations your parish will review:

Two baptized Catholics (sacramental marriage)
Catholic + baptized non-Catholic (mixed marriage, permission required)
Catholic + unbaptized (disparity of cult, dispensation required)
Prior marriage for either party (tribunal review required)
Already civilly married (convalidation or radical sanation)
OCIA or baptism pending (timing coordination)
Baptism status unknown (verification required)

Full Definitions and Planning Guide Marriage Preparation FAQ

Wedding Readings

Browse all the scripture readings available for your wedding liturgy, or take a short quiz to find readings that match your values.

Browse All Readings Take the Readings Quiz

Step Two: Contact Your Parish

Step two of two

Find your parish, pick a template, and copy the email to send from your own email app.

Find your parish

Your details

Your name

Fiance name

Desired date (optional)

Choose a template

Your email

Initial Inquiry

Subject:

Marriage Preparation Inquiry

Dear Father,

My name is [Your Name], and my fiance [Fiance Name] and I are hoping to be married in the Catholic Church. We are interested in beginning the marriage preparation process at [Parish Name].

We have not yet set a date and would appreciate guidance on timing.

Based on our situation: Complete the baptism questions to see a canon-law-informed starting point.

Could you let us know the next steps to get started? We are happy to meet at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Open in Email App

Tip: Visit the parish website to find their email address, then paste this message into your email.