Marrying in a Catholic Church

To marry in a Catholic Church there are a number of laws:

1. Both parties have to be free to marry i.e. not bound by any previous bond or vow
2. One of the parties must be Catholic.
3. A Catholic may marry only in his/her own parish. If a Catholic wishes to marry out with their own parish, both parish priests must be in agreement.
4. A couple wishing to marry must give at least six months notice to the parish priest directly.
5. Pre-nuptial preparation will take place in accordance with the law laid down by the Church.
6. There is no fee to marry in any Catholic church. If a couple wishes to do so, they may make a donation to the Church.

These basic rules have been supplied by Rev. J. Burke of St. Francis’ Church, Port Glasgow and must be followed by every couple marrying in a Catholic Church.

Should a couple have more questions/seek clarification, they should contact their own parish priest.