Planning a Catholic Wedding, Step by Step
This guide translates canon-law pathways into plain language so you know what to expect, what documents to gather, and how to move forward with your parish confidently.
Canon Law Paths We Cover
These are the most common combinations parishes review in marriage preparation. Each path below explains what it means, what your parish usually checks, and how to prepare.
Definition
When both spouses are baptized, marriage is a sacrament by its nature. Your parish focuses on freedom to marry, preparation, and liturgical planning.
Parish review usually includes
- Recent baptismal certificates for both Catholic parties (commonly issued within the last 6 months)
- Any prior marriages, civil unions, or factors that could affect freedom to marry
- Completion of diocesan and parish marriage preparation requirements
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- Request new baptism certificates early so paperwork does not delay your date
- Schedule your first marriage-prep meeting at least 9 to 12 months before your preferred date
- Ask your parish for its local wedding policies, calendar windows, and music guidelines
Timeline impact: Usually the most straightforward timeline once preparation and paperwork are complete.
Canonical references: Can. 1055 §2, Can. 1066
Definition
A mixed marriage is between a Catholic and a baptized Christian who is not in full communion with the Catholic Church. Permission is required for lawful celebration.
Parish review usually includes
- Proof of baptism for the non-Catholic party and recent baptismal certificate for the Catholic party
- Required declarations and promises for mixed marriage permission
- Pastoral planning about where the wedding will be held and how families participate
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- Tell your parish early that this is a mixed marriage so permission paperwork starts quickly
- Discuss how each of you practices faith and how you plan to raise children
- Ask your priest or deacon what liturgy form is pastorally best for your families
Timeline impact: Often a moderate timeline impact because permission must be granted before celebration.
Canonical references: Can. 1124, Can. 1125
Definition
Disparity of cult means one party is Catholic and the other is not baptized. Without dispensation, the marriage is invalid. With dispensation, it is a valid natural marriage.
Parish review usually includes
- Evidence that the non-Catholic party is unbaptized or has no valid baptism record
- Dispensation request and supporting pastoral notes
- The couple's plan for faith practice, family life, and children
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- Bring any available Christian records even if you are not sure whether baptism occurred
- Expect extra lead time while the parish prepares and submits the dispensation request
- Ask what catechetical and pastoral preparation the parish expects in your case
Timeline impact: Usually longer than a standard case because dispensation processing is required.
Canonical references: Can. 1086 §1, Can. 1125
Definition
If either person had a previous valid marriage bond, a new marriage cannot be celebrated until the prior bond is resolved through death, documentary proof, or tribunal process.
Parish review usually includes
- Civil and church records for all prior marriages
- Whether a formal nullity case or other tribunal process is needed
- Pastoral readiness while waiting for any tribunal decision
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- Start this conversation immediately; tribunal timelines can be significant
- Gather complete records for prior marriages, divorces, and any church decisions
- Do not set a firm wedding date until your pastor confirms freedom to marry
Timeline impact: Commonly the largest timeline driver; date confirmation usually waits for resolution.
Canonical references: Can. 1085 §1, Can. 1671
Definition
Convalidation is a new act of consent in canonical form. Radical sanation validates an existing consent retroactively by competent authority without a new exchange of vows.
Parish review usually includes
- Civil marriage certificate and confirmation that both parties still consent to marriage
- Whether convalidation or radical sanation is pastorally and canonically appropriate
- Any unresolved prior-bond or freedom-to-marry issues
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- Bring your civil certificate and ask which path fits your circumstances
- Prepare for a focused sacramental prep process even if you already live as spouses
- Clarify whether your parish recommends a public liturgical celebration or simpler rite
Timeline impact: Varies case by case; simple convalidations can move quickly if paperwork is complete.
Canonical references: Can. 1156-1160, Can. 1161-1165
Definition
If a party is preparing for baptism or full communion through OCIA, the parish coordinates marriage prep with initiation milestones and pastoral readiness.
New to this term? See OCIA stages & timeline
Parish review usually includes
- Current OCIA stage, expected sacramental milestones, and local parish schedule
- Whether baptism, confirmation, or full communion should occur before the wedding
- Overall readiness for both sacramental life and marriage commitments
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- Share your OCIA timeline in your first marriage-prep meeting
- Build flexibility into your preferred wedding date range
- Ask who coordinates between OCIA team and marriage-prep team at your parish
Timeline impact: Often moderate to significant depending on OCIA timing and parish policy.
Canonical references: Can. 1065 §1, Pastoral policy (diocese/parish)
Definition
When records are missing or uncertain, the parish and chancery determine whether baptism can be proved, supplied by witnesses, or treated as doubtful for canonical purposes.
Parish review usually includes
- Search for baptism records in likely churches or denominations
- Possible witness testimony when documentary records are unavailable
- Whether the case is treated as mixed marriage, disparity of cult, or other path
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- Create a list of churches, cities, and denominations where baptism may have happened
- Collect names and contact details for relatives or sponsors who may verify events
- Tell your parish early so record verification can begin immediately
Timeline impact: Can be quick or slow based on record availability; starting early is essential.
Canonical references: Can. 1066, Can. 869 (doubtful baptism)
Canon Terms in Plain Language
Couples should not have to decode technical terms under pressure. Use this as a quick glossary while meeting with your parish.
For quick practical answers, see the Marriage FAQ.
Suggested Wedding Planning Timeline
Every parish has local policy, but this timeline helps most couples avoid preventable delays and stress.
- Schedule your first parish meeting and share your full sacramental background.
- Identify your canon-law path early, especially if prior marriage or dispensations may apply.
- Begin gathering records: baptism, confirmation, civil IDs, and any prior-marriage documentation.
- Complete pre-marriage inventory and diocesan or parish formation requirements.
- Submit permission or dispensation paperwork where required.
- Continue tribunal steps if applicable and avoid locking a date until freedom to marry is confirmed.
- Finalize liturgy framework with your priest or deacon (Mass or outside Mass, readings, music norms).
- Confirm witnesses, vows format, and any parish-specific rehearsal or planning meetings.
- Ensure all canonical paperwork is complete and approved.
- Confirm ceremony details, rehearsal schedule, and final parish checklist.
- Resolve any remaining document gaps immediately.
- Focus on prayer, communication, and practical readiness for married life.
Estimated Costs
Catholic wedding costs are generally modest compared to venue and reception expenses. These ranges are typical but vary by diocese and parish.
These are approximate ranges for the church ceremony only. Ask your parish for a specific fee schedule. Many parishes offer reduced fees for parishioners or those with financial need.
Document Checklist
Gather these early. Missing documents are one of the most common reasons couples lose time during planning.
- Government-issued photo ID for both parties
- Civil marriage license requirements (as directed by local civil authority)
- If civilly married: civil marriage certificate
- Recent baptismal certificate(s) for Catholic party or parties
- Proof of baptism for baptized non-Catholic party
- If available: confirmation records and related sacramental documents
- Prior marriage documents: civil decrees, death certificates, and any church decisions
- For disparity of cult: evidence of non-baptism when available
- For uncertain baptism: witness names and potential parish/church record locations
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These are the issues parish staff see most often. Knowing them in advance can save you significant time and stress.
This guide gives a canon-law-informed starting point for planning. Your pastor, parish, and diocesan tribunal make the final determination in your specific case.
If you have any prior marriage history, uncertain sacramental records, or unusual circumstances, begin the process as early as possible and avoid non-refundable bookings until your parish confirms next steps.