Canonical Paperwork

A marriage packet consists of completed canonical paperwork. Included in the marriage packet are baptism and other sacramental certificates, affidavits of free status, pre-nuptial questionnaire, dispensations (if needed), annulment paperwork (if needed), civil marriage license (if already married), relationship inventory results, certificates of completion for classes, Letter of Suitability (if needed), Permission or Delegations granted (if needed), and any notations deemed necessary.

1.      Obtain a newly issued baptismal certificate with notations of other sacraments. You may obtain this by contacting the parish in which you were baptized. The certificate must be a new and dated within 6 mths of the wedding. We cannot accept an original. You may send in a copy of your First Communion and Confirmation certificates, or you may also obtain those at the parishes in which you received those sacraments. In the event that there are absolutely no documents available, the priest or deacon can help you obtain an Affidavit of Baptism. Baptized non-Catholic Christians are requested to bring any information or documentation they might have regarding the date and place of their baptism.

2.      Each party must submit Affidavits of Free Status (2 per person). This form is to be filled out by family members or friends who have known you longer than 10 years. These forms can be filled out at the church office, or submitted to the parish office. Witnesses do not have to be Catholic to complete this form.

3.      A Pre-Nuptial Questionnaire will be completed in your initial interview. Both parties must be present to complete this.

4.      If one of the parties is not Catholic, a dispensation for mixed religion or disparity of worship is necessary. This will be determined at the initial interview. A dispensation is also required if you intend to marry a non-baptized person outside of sacred space, and permission must be granted by the Bishop. NO EXCEPTIONS.

*If either party has been married previously, an anullment is required before any marriage preparation can begin.