Oscar Ramirez C. Photography and Video

The religious marriage by the Catholic Church is one of the most emotional and spiritual rites, and surely many times you have imagined walking down the aisle. However, at the same time it demands certain requirements that should be taken into account to plan properly. But not only that, since you must also choose the people who will play a transcendental role. Solve all the questions you need to know.questions you may have about getting married in church and about Catholic marriage below.

• 1. What is the first step to do?
• 2. Why should it be a nearby parish or church?
• 3. What is needed for "marriage information"?
• 4. What are premarital courses?
• 5. Is there a fee to get married in a church?
• 6. For the religious ceremony, are witnesses or godparents requested?
• 7. So, are there or aren't there sponsors?
• Mass or liturgy?
• 9. Is it also necessary to get married in a civil ceremony?

1. What is the first step to do?

The first thing to do to get married in church is to approach the parish, temple or church where you want to get married, ideally one close to the bride or groom's home. It is recommended to do this about eight to six months before the marriage.

There they must reserve the wedding date, register for pre-marriage courses and request an appointment with the parish priest for the "marriage information".

Oscar Ramirez C. Photography and Video

2. Why should it be a nearby parish or church?

In general, parishes are defined by territory. That is to say, all the faithful who live within the territorial limits of the parish belong to the parish. Therefore, ideally, they should be married in a church or parish that is within their residential area. But it is enough if only one of them lives in that jurisdiction. Otherwise, they will have to request a transfer notice to get married in another one. Andthen they will be given an authorization from the parish priest to be handed in at the church that is not in their territory.

3. What is needed for "marriage information"?

For this instance, both bride and groom must present their identity cards and baptismal certificate of each one, no more than six months old. If they are already married by civil marriage, they must also present their marriage certificate.

In addition, they will have to attend with two witnesses, not relatives, who have known them for more than two years. If this is not the case, then four people will be required, all with current identity cards. These witnesses will attest to the legitimacy of the union, as both bride and groom will be married of their own free will.

Estancia El Cuadro

4. What are premarital courses?

These talks are a mandatory requirement for couples to be able to get married in the Catholic Church. Generally there are four one-hour sessions, in which different topics are discussed under the guidance of monitors, through theoretical and practical exposition.

At the end of the talks, they will be given a certificate to present to the parish that is processing the marriage file.

5. Is there a fee to get married in a church?

There is no charge for the religious sacrament itself; however, most churches, churches or parishes suggest a monetary contribution depending on their size, availability and needs. In some, the financial donation is voluntary; however, others have established fees, which can range from approximately $100,000 to $550,000.

In many cases it has to do with the area that the church will provide and if other services will also be included, such as floral decoration, carpets, heating or music from a choir. In most cases you will be asked to make a financial contribution, in part or in full, at the time of booking the date.

Rustic Kraft

6. For the religious ceremony, are witnesses or godparents requested?

Unlike godparents at baptism or confirmation, as required by canon law, godparents at marriage have no religious obligations, nor do they have a specific role in the ceremony.

What happens is that they are often confused with marriage witnesses, who for a Catholic marriage are required on two occasions: the first, for the "marriage information", which is when they meet with the parish priest; and the second, during the celebration of the marriage, to sign the marriage certificate.

These witnesses may be the same or different; however, they are usually different, as the former must not be family members, while the latter may be. Parents are usually chosen as witnesses to sign the minutes. This is known as "sacrament sponsors".

7. So, are there or aren't there sponsors?

The godparents are more of a symbolic figure in the religious marriage, depending on the task assigned to them. For example, there are the "ring bearers", who carry and give the rings during the ritual. The "arras godparents", who give the bride and groom thirteen coins symbolizing prosperity. The "ribbon godparents", who surround them with a ribbon as a symbol of their sacred union.

The "bible and rosary godparents", who give both objects to be blessed during the ceremony. The "cushion godparents", who place the cushions on the kneeler to represent the couple's prayer. And the "sacrament or wake godparents", who are the ones who act as witnesses by signing the minutes.

Mass or liturgy?

For your religious marriage you can opt for a mass or liturgy The difference is that the Mass includes the consecration of the bread and wine, so it can only be celebrated by a priest. The liturgy, on the other hand, can also be celebrated by a deacon and is shorter. In both cases you will have to choose the readings and designate those who will read them.

Pro Diegesis

9. Is it also necessary to get married in a civil ceremony?

No. According to the Civil Marriage Law, it is enough to register it in the Civil Registry Office for the civil effects of your religious union to be recognized. Therefore, it is not necessary to get married in a civil ceremony, unless you wish to do so, but it is necessary to register the marriage.

How is the marriage registered? After the celebration of the religious marriage, they must go to the Civil Registry and Identification Service within eight days.

Now with the picture more settled, you will only have to choose your wedding rings and the wedding dresses you will wear to walk down the aisle. And if either of you is not Catholic, you can still get married in church by asking the parish priest for special permission.