Marriage

The first step is a meeting with the parish priest or pastoral minister to begin the wedding planning and preparation for married life. This should take place between six to twelve months prior the anticipated wedding date and before any arrangements are made or a wedding date is set. During this interview, the pastoral minister will provide an explanation of the Pastoral Guidelines for Marriage Preparation. Please discuss if:

• One or both are under the age of nineteenth;
• There is pregnancy involved;
• You are presently living together;
• One of the engaged is not Catholic;
• One or both have been married before in any type of ceremony or common law union;
• You are now civilly married and wish to have your marriage validated by the Catholic Church.

The Priest or his designee will use a variety of methods to assist in determining the maturity of the couple and their readiness for marriage. A premarital inventory (Fully Engaged) will be administered and diocesan forms will be completed.

The final date for the wedding is not to be set until the entire assessment process (A & B) has been completed and a decision to proceed has been made.

After the readiness for marriage has been determined, the couple will finalize the wedding date and begin the instruction process. The Priest will outline the sacramental preparation required (Pre Cana, Pre Cana Weekend Retreat, Remarriage, Convalidation, interviews with the priest, etc.)

Before the wedding ceremony can take place, the prenuptial file must be completed with the following documents:

• Certificate of Baptism for each Catholic party (less than six months old).
• A Pre-Nuptial Questionnaire (Form A) is to be completed with a priest, deacon or church representative and signed by all parties.
• A Letter of Freedom to Marry (Form B) is to be completed by two witnesses on behalf of each engaged person (i.e. two forms for each engaged). Forms are available at the parish.
• A Certificate of Completion from the Diocesan Marriage Preparation Program.
• A valid Florida Marriage License. Visit your county’s web site for more information.
• Death Certificate of previous spouse or Annulment Decree if you were previously married.
• Canonical Dispensations and Permissions (if necessary).

The couple will plan their wedding liturgy with the priest. Areas for liturgical planning include the selection of the scriptures, music, liturgical ministries and other related issues.