The Sacrament
of Marriage
A celebration of love, faith and lifelong commitment. We are delighted to accompany you as you prepare for your wedding day.
Preparing for Your Wedding in Maghera Parish
Marriage is a significant and joyful step in life. Couples planning to celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage in the Catholic Church are encouraged to contact the parish as early as possible so that the necessary preparations can be made.
Start Planning Early
Couples should give at least three months’ notice of their intention to marry. Earlier contact with the parish is strongly recommended, particularly to allow time for Church preparation, documentation and civil registration.
Church Requirements
The following documents and arrangements will normally be required. The priest preparing you for marriage will explain which requirements apply to your circumstances.
Contact the Parish
Give at least three months’ notice, and ideally contact the parish well before choosing or confirming your wedding date.
Baptism & Confirmation
A recent Baptismal Certificate, normally issued within six months of the wedding, and a Confirmation Certificate where applicable.
Freedom to Marry
Proof that both parties are free to marry in the Catholic Church. Where either person was previously married, their freedom to marry must be established before arrangements are confirmed.
Canonical Requirements
Any necessary permissions or dispensations will be addressed as part of the marriage preparation process.
Marriage Preparation Course
Completion of an approved Marriage Preparation Course is normally required. ACCORD provides information and preparation services for couples.
Pre-Nuptial Enquiry
A Pre-Nuptial Enquiry Form must be completed with the priest responsible for preparing each person. Those living away from their home parish may need certificates from the relevant parishes.
The priest or Maghera Parish Office will advise on the documentation required and help guide you through the Church preparation process.
Marriage Preparation
Marriage preparation is an important part of preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage. Couples are encouraged to begin this process well in advance of their wedding date.
As well as completing the necessary documentation, couples will have an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of Christian marriage and to prepare the readings, prayers, music and other elements of their wedding ceremony.
Preparing the Ceremony
Your wedding liturgy is a moment of prayer and celebration. Take time to choose readings, prayers and music that reflect the sacred character of Christian marriage. The priest will help you make appropriate selections.
Wedding Rehearsal
A rehearsal before the wedding ceremony is recommended. Where possible, those who will have a particular role in the ceremony — such as readers, members of the wedding party and others involved in the liturgy — should attend.
Arrangements for a rehearsal should be made directly with the parish.
Visiting Priests
Couples who wish to invite a priest from another parish or diocese to celebrate their marriage should discuss this with Maghera Parish in advance.
The priest must be in good standing and, where required by civil law, be appropriately registered or authorised to act as the solemniser of the marriage. The parish will advise on any documentation or permissions that may be required.
Civil Marriage Requirements — Northern Ireland
Alongside Church preparation, couples must comply with Northern Ireland's civil marriage requirements. Church notice and civil notification are separate processes.
Each person must give notice to the registrar in the district where the marriage will take place. The minimum statutory notice period is generally 28 days, but couples should allow substantially more time for appointments, documents and processing.
- Contact the appropriate district registrar well in advance.
- Each partner must submit the required marriage notice and supporting documents.
- Confirm the marriage venue and authorised officiant with the registrar.
- Obtain the marriage schedule as instructed before the ceremony.
- Ensure the signed marriage schedule is returned to the registrar within the required period after the ceremony.
Church and Civil Notice Are Separate
Contacting the parish does not constitute civil notification. Confirm the latest requirements, notice periods and marriage-schedule procedures with the General Register Office for Northern Ireland or the relevant district registrar.
Three Steps to Getting Started
Contact the Parish
Speak to the Parish Office or local priest early to discuss your plans and Church requirements.
Arrange Preparation
Gather certificates, arrange your marriage preparation course and meet the priest for the Pre-Nuptial Enquiry.
Complete Civil Steps
Notify the registrar, attend your appointment and ensure the correct marriage documentation is in place.
For marriage preparation course information, visit ACCORD Ireland.
As You Begin Your Life Together
Your wedding day is the beginning of a lifelong commitment and a celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage. Our parish community is delighted to accompany you as you prepare to make this commitment before God, your families and friends.
We encourage you to approach your preparation thoughtfully and prayerfully, allowing sufficient time for both Church and civil requirements.
For guidance, please contact the Maghera Parish Office or your local priest. Telephone: 028 7964 2983. Email: pastoralcentre@magheraparishderry.com.
We wish you every blessing as you prepare for your marriage and your life together.