Catholic Marriage: Requirements, Preparation & the Nuptial Mass Explained

2026-07-12 · 7 min

What Makes a Marriage Sacramental?

In the Catholic Church, marriage is not merely a contract or a social arrangement — it is a sacrament. A sacramental marriage between baptized Christians is a sign of the union between Christ and His Church. It is indissoluble, exclusive, and open to life.

Requirements for a Valid Catholic Marriage

For a marriage to be recognized as valid by the Church:

• Both parties must be free to marry (no prior marriage bond unless annulled)
• Both must be baptized Christians (at least one Catholic)
• The marriage must be witnessed by a Catholic priest or deacon and two witnesses
• Both must give free and informed consent
• The marriage must be open to having children

Pre-Cana: Marriage Preparation

The Church requires engaged couples to complete a marriage preparation program, commonly called Pre-Cana. This typically includes:

• A series of meetings with a priest or deacon
• A FOCCUS or similar inventory of communication and expectations
• Instruction on Natural Family Planning (NFP)
• Discussion of finances, communication, conflict resolution, and spirituality

The Rite of Marriage

The wedding ceremony is a Liturgy — it should be treated with the same reverence as Mass. Typical elements include: the Procession, Liturgy of the Word, the Homily, the Exchange of Consent ("I take you to be my wife/husband"), the Blessing and Exchange of Rings, the Nuptial Blessing, the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and the Final Blessing.

Catholic Wedding Readings

Couples may choose from a rich selection of Scripture readings. Popular choices include: 1 Corinthians 13 (the hymn of love), John 2:1-11 (the Wedding at Cana), Ephesians 5:21-33 (mutual love), and Tobit 8:5-8 (the prayer of Tobias and Sarah).

Impediments to Marriage

Certain conditions make a marriage invalid: existing marriage bond, lack of proper form (not witnessed by a priest), consanguinity (close blood relation), impotence (antecedent and permanent), and lack of proper intent (excluding children or fidelity).