Sacrament of Marriage

Marriage in the Catholic Church is more than the celebration of a couple's love for each other.  While the Church rejoices in your love, we also recognize the One who is the author of your love.  These guidelines have been established so that this time of joy will not only be an experience filled with happiness but also one that expresses faith and reverence in God in whose love we have been created.

May I be married at St Charles?
If you wish to be married at St Charles, it is desirable that one of you be a resident of St Charles Parish.  If neither of you live in our parish, then it is necessary to have permission of your own pastor before we can celebrate your wedding.

How soon before my wedding should I contact the church?
It is necessary that you speak with one of the clergy of our parish not less than six months before your proposed wedding date.  This six-month preparation period is the policy of the Archdiocese of San Francisco and cannot be dispensed with at the parish level.

What documents do I need?
If you are Catholic, the documents needed are your baptismal and confirmation certificates.  Church law requires that the baptismal certificate should not have an issuing date older than six months.  Write or phone the Church where you were baptized to obtain a newly-issued certificate.

What if my future spouse is not Catholic?
You may get married at St Charles.  If possible, baptized Christians should provide some sort of documentation to that effect.