The Sacraments
Marriage
A covenant of lifelong love — made before God, witnessed by the Church, and sustained by grace.
The Sacrament
What is Catholic Marriage?
Catholic marriage is a sacrament — one of the most profound and most beautiful ways that God enters into human life. When a man and a woman exchange their vows in the presence of God and the Church, something irreversible happens: two lives are joined in a covenant of lifelong, faithful, and fruitful love.
The ministers of the sacrament are not the priest or deacon — they are the couple themselves. The priest witnesses the marriage on behalf of the Church and blesses the union. But it is the spouses who give themselves to one another in the exchange of consent, and in doing so, act as sacramental ministers of God's grace to each other.
Catholic marriage reflects the love of Christ for his Church — total, faithful, fruitful, and permanent. The grace of the sacrament does not simply bless the wedding day; it sustains the couple through every joy and difficulty of married life, for as long as they both shall live.
Wedding ceremony image
Photo to be provided
The Nature of Marriage
What Catholic Marriage Means
The Church teaches that marriage has four essential properties. Understanding these is part of preparing for the sacrament.
Unity
Catholic marriage is between one man and one woman — a complete and exclusive gift of self. There is no partial giving; the spouses give everything to one another.
Indissolubility
Catholic marriage is permanent. The bond created by valid consent cannot be dissolved by any human power. This permanence is not a burden but a gift — a security in which love can flourish.
Faithfulness
Marriage demands exclusive fidelity — the spouses belong wholly to one another. Faithfulness is not merely a rule; it is the lived expression of the unconditional love at the heart of the sacrament.
Openness to Life
Catholic marriage is open to children. The love of husband and wife is, by its nature, life-giving. The Church respects the family planning decisions of couples while upholding the inseparable connection between love and life.
Eligibility
Who Can Marry Here?
Two Catholics
A marriage between two Catholics is celebrated as a nuptial Mass — the fullest form of the wedding liturgy, including Holy Communion for the couple and their guests.
Catholic & Non-Catholic
A Catholic may marry a baptised non-Catholic with a dispensation. This is usually a ceremony outside of Mass (or within Mass where appropriate). The couple receive the same blessing and sacramental grace.
Catholic & Non-Baptised
A Catholic may marry a non-baptised person with special permission. This is called a 'mixed religion' marriage. Father [Name] will guide you through the canonical requirements with warmth and care.
Preparation
Marriage Preparation Programme
Good marriages are prepared, not just celebrated. Our preparation programme helps couples explore the depth and beauty of the commitment they are about to make.
Begin Here
Make an Enquiry
To enquire about a wedding at Madonna Ministry, please contact Father [Name] directly or email the parish office. The earlier you make contact, the more time we have to prepare a truly beautiful celebration of your marriage.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should we contact the parish?+
We ask couples to contact us at least 12 months before their intended wedding date, and ideally 18 months in advance. This allows time for preparation, booking the church, and ensuring all canonical requirements are met without stress.
Can we marry at Madonna Ministry if we don't usually attend here?+
In principle, Catholic marriages take place in the parish of one of the parties. If you are not a regular parishioner here but have a genuine connection to the parish, please get in touch and we will discuss what is possible. A letter of permission from your own parish priest may be required.
One of us is not Catholic — can we still marry here?+
Yes. A Catholic may marry a baptised non-Catholic in a Catholic ceremony with a dispensation from the Bishop (which the parish applies for on your behalf). In some cases, a Catholic may marry an unbaptised person with permission. Please speak to Father [Name] at your earliest opportunity.
What if one of us has been married before?+
A Catholic who has been previously married in a Catholic ceremony (or in any valid Christian marriage) cannot marry in the Church without first obtaining a declaration of nullity from the Diocese. This is sometimes called an 'annulment'. Please speak to Father [Name] in complete confidence — he will explain the process clearly and compassionately.
Can we choose our own readings and music?+
Within the liturgical guidelines of the Church, there is considerable scope for personalising your wedding Mass. You will choose from a selection of approved Scripture readings, and our Music Director can advise on appropriate sacred and classical music. We ask that all music is fitting for a holy celebration.
The Beginning of Everything
Your wedding day is just the beginning of a lifelong adventure of love. We would be honoured to celebrate it with you.