One of the greatest steps to take in life is to commit yourself and your future into the hands of another person. You will need as much preparation as possible to be able to know what and who you are committing yourself to.

At St Patrick’s we run a pre-marriage course usually initiated by the Deacon or the Parish Priest. This normally consists of between four and six sessions each lasting about an hour. This is not a painful experience and we have received lots of good feedback from couples. It’s purpose is to help the couple understand the meaning of Christian marriage and become aware of marriage as a sacrament, a real meeting with Jesus Christ through their future partner. There are many aspects of marriage covered. Below is a list of some of the practical things you will need.

1. You will need to fill out a pre-nuptual enquiry form which asks for details such as name, address, family, your religious background such as Baptisms and Confirmation details (at least one of the partners must be a Catholic).

2. You will need to obtain a copy of your baptismal details (a certificate or details from the parish where you were baptised), a certificate of details of your confirmation. If you are a Catholic , but have not yet been confirmed you may need to receive the sacrament before the marriage takes place. In addition, a note, or letter from the parish where you were Baptised will be required to confirm that your name does not appear as married already ion their records!

3. The Priest or Deacon will ask you to make an appointment at the registry office to apply for a certificate to get married at St Patrick’s. The registrar will interview you separately and then the civil banns will be displayed at the registrars Office. After this you will both be issued with a certificate authorising the priest or Deacon to perform the civil side of the marriage. Without this the marriage cannot take place.

4. The rite of marriage has to be planned together by choosing appropriate readings from the sacred scriptures; suitable music and hymns selected (only Christian music is permissible). You will need to ask individuals willing to read at the service, to distribute the hymn books, order of service etc… A person will be needed to ring the church bell and alter server(s) invited to assist in the liturgy.

5. We recommend holding a rehearsal shortly before the wedding (a day or two). That is the best time to bring the bring the certificates provided by the registrar, alongside the organist/musicians fee (£35.00) and a donation for the church and alter servers.

Please do not throw confetti in the grounds of the church and please ask your guests to keep their voices low in the church as the Blessed Sacrament is present and it is a place of prayer.

Your wedding day will hopefully be the happiest day of your life and the beginning of a new life with a life long companion.