Marriage Preparation
Congratulations on your engagement!
Preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage
In God’s providence, you have found each other and are choosing to give yourselves to one another in love. Jesus Christ has elevated the love between man and woman to the dignity of a Sacrament—a sacred sign of His love for the Church.
At St. Albert the Great Newman Center, we are honored to accompany you as you prepare for this holy vocation. We offer several pathways to help you grow spiritually, emotionally, and practically as you approach your Christian marriage. Typically, marriage preparation takes at least six months to complete.
Before making any reception or venue arrangements, please meet with someone from our parish team to confirm the date of your wedding. To begin the process, simply fill out and submit the form below. A member of our marriage preparation team will contact you shortly to schedule your first meeting.
God, who has loved you into life and guided your journey so far, desires to walk with you even more closely as you prepare for this Sacrament. Open your hearts to Him, and invite Jesus Christ to be the center of your relationship as you move forward in faith.
Getting married at St. Albert’s but living elsewhere?
Many couples who plan to marry at St. Albert’s live out of town and choose to complete their preparation in another parish. That’s perfectly okay! Whether you’re preparing here or elsewhere, please fill out the form below if you plan to celebrate your wedding at St. Albert’s so we can guide you through the next steps.
Marriage Prep Checklist
Fill out the marriage preparation request form at the bottom of this page before completing anything else.
Meet with a marriage prep team member to complete the Pre-nuptial Questionnaire.
Complete your Pre-Marital Inventory.
Attend a Natural Family Planning informational class.
Meet with your assigned Sponsor Couple, attend a marriage preparation retreat, or complete our Fully Engaged class.
Catholics must obtain a new baptism certificate from the parish where they were baptized. (This must be issued no sooner than 6 months before the date of the wedding).
Non-Catholics, present proof of your baptism (if any).
You will receive a certificate for a discounted rate for the marriage license from the priest or deacon, and then no sooner than 90 days before the wedding, obtain your marriage license from a county clerk. (Time frame may vary for weddings in a different state.)
Set up a date with the priest or deacon to plan the wedding ceremony.