The Catholic Church views marriage as the joining of souls and permanent event.
1. Begin your wedding preparations a year or more in advance.
2. Discuss with your partner your views about having children, since the Catholic Church only recognizes marriages in which procreation is a possibility.
3. Consult with a priest and explain your intention to be married. Find out what your diocese requires for marriage.
4. Ask the priest any questions you have about the teachings of the church and its role in your marriage.
5. Enroll in a Pre-Cana, or marriage preparation program, which is designed to help you prepare emotionally, spiritually and socially for marriage.
6. Obtain copies of both of your Baptismal Certificates by calling or writing to the church where they are kept.
7. Add the Pre-Cana documents to your other records once you finish the program.
8. Arrange a premarital investigation with the priest prior to the wedding. Bring along all of your records, including information about the parish to which you belong and whether you are both free to marry in the eyes of the church.
9. Order your wedding gown
10. Select a site for the reception.
11. Order wedding invitations, mass booklets and thank-you notes four to six months prior to the wedding date.
12. Select readings for the wedding and ask family members to do the honor of reading them at the ceremony.
13. Send invitations out at least six weeks prior to the wedding.
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