Marriage

First, please accept our heartfelt congratulations on taking this profound step in your relationship!

For Catholics, marriage is not simply a joyful celebration but a living Sacrament in which Christ becomes present in and through the lifelong union of a woman and a man. Husbands and wives show the loving face of Christ to the world as a couple. As a couple, Christ charges you with this special mission, which we encourage to accept as your own. We want your wedding to be beautiful and joyful. Nonetheless, your marriage – which begins in earnest the day after your wedding – is the more important aspect of your union.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS

• The Catholic Church affords the Sacrament of Marriage the seriousness it deserves. The Archdiocese requires that you begin to prepare for the sacrament at least eight months prior to your wedding. Your first steps should be to reserve the church for your wedding and for your rehearsal. Then you should invite a priest to witness your union. Please do not assume that one of the priests here at Loyola will be able to preside at your wedding. If you wish, you may invite a visiting priest to preside. If he is from another diocese he must provide proof that he is a priest in good standing. Only after you have reserved the church and engaged a priest should you begin to plan for your reception. For scheduling, please call Kathy Murzyn at 303.322.8042. Please note that Loyola can schedule weddings for Saturdays only. No wedding may be scheduled after 2:00 p.m.
• Loyola offers Marriage Preparation to active Loyola parishioners who have been registered here at Loyola for at least six months but who intend to marry in another diocese (in or out of state).
• We are pleased to be able to offer our beautiful church to Catholic couples from other parishes, provided they are registered at their home parish and can obtain a letter of good standing from their home pastor. Such couples are expected to find their own presiders and should complete their Marriage Preparation elsewhere. Please note that in case of scheduling conflicts Loyola parishioners come first.
• If either party has been previously married in a Catholic ceremony, that marriage must be annulled before a date can be set for the wedding.

PRELIMINARY PREP

• During the eight months prior to your wedding you will meet with one of the priests at Loyola at least twice. At your first meeting Father will get to know you and review the preparation process with you. Requirements include an approved Marriage Preparation course (usually over a weekend), completion and review of the FOCCUS (Facilitate Open, Couple, Communication, Understanding and Study) inventory and training in Natural Family Planning. As well, one of the priests at the parish will help you complete the necessary paperwork. Once you have begun the marriage preparation process please do not procrastinate, as due dates can sneak up on you – and cannot be adjusted. Although we are happy to help you, you are responsible for making sure that all the requirements have been met.

NECESSARY DOCUMENTS

• For Catholic(s), a current copy of each individual’s baptismal certificate (issued within 6 months of the wedding date) from the parish of baptism. The baptismal certificates must be given to the parish office. Non-Catholics are asked to try and obtain a copy of their baptismal certificate or baptismal record.
• Marriage License – The State of Colorado requires a Marriage License, which is valid only for thirty days. The wedding cannot be performed without a license.