Marriage

The call to love is the heart of the Sacrament of Marriage

Fr Anthony Lobo

Diocesan Requirements

If you normally live in our parish and are planning to be married here or in any other Church, you should try to give at least six months’ notice of an intention to marry to the Parish Priest by filling in the online Marriage Registration Form (purple button below). This is the Diocesan requirement.

Marriage Preparation

Marriage preparation is based on an initial meeting with Fr Anthony.

Couples planning to marry are encouraged to attend a Marriage Preparation Day organised by the Diocese of Portsmouth in partnership with www.marriagecare.org.uk. This is an in-person one-day course designed to help couples reflect on their relationship, faith, and the meaning of Christian marriage.

Please sign up as soon as possible for this diocesan course to ensure your preparation is completed in good time.

Unlike some countries, our parish does not offer a Pre-Cana course. However, we recognise the Marriage Care course as a valid and enriching alternative. You can find more information and register at: www.marriagecare.org.uk

Civil Requirements

You will need to give notice at the local Registry Office from 12 months before the date of your wedding but no later than 28 days before your wedding.

The Registry Office will provide the Marriage Schedule which should be given to the priest or given to the Authorised Person at your wedding rehearsal.

Each church in the Parish has its own Authorised Persons for the civil registration of your marriage. On the day of your wedding you, your witnesses and the Authorised Person will sign the Marriage Schedule. Your Marriage Certificate will be available after one month. 

Marriage Paperwork

The marriage paperwork will involve an initial meeting with the priest who will help you fill out a form giving the necessary details. He will also tell you the supporting documentation which will be needed.

This will include:

a) A recently issued copy of your Catholic Baptismal Certificate (note that to be married in a Catholic Church one of you at least must be a Catholic). This cannot be a copy of the original Baptismal Certificate but a new one to be asked in the Church where you were baptised. Ask for a Baptismal Certificate for marriage purpose.

b) Confirmation Certificate (if you are confirmed). This can be a copy of the original one you have at home. If you don’t have it, ask for a new Confirmation Certificate in the Parish where you were confirmed. 

c) Declaration of Freedom. This is a declaration made by an individual confirming that they have never been through any form of marriage, civil or religious. Declaration of Freedom must be made in the presence of a solicitor.

d) Some Evidence of your Baptism if you are baptised in a non-Catholic Christian denomination. 

We wish our couples and all those preparing for Marriage a fruitful time of discernment, prayer and preparation and our prayers go with them for the wedding day and their married life together.