The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony
A Covenant of Love
Marriage is not merely a contract or a piece of paper — it is a covenant, a total gift of self between a man and a woman, blessed by God and made a path to holiness. In it, a love that images God’s own faithfulness is made visible to the world.
If you’re thinking about a Catholic marriage
Whether you’re newly engaged or have wondered for years, here are the questions couples most often bring.
“Isn’t marriage just a piece of paper?”
Not in the Church’s eyes. Sacramental marriage is a covenant — a permanent, faithful, life-giving bond that mirrors Christ’s love for his Church.
“We’re already living together — can we still marry in the Church?”
Yes. The Church meets couples where they are and helps them prepare. Your situation is not an obstacle to grace; it’s a starting point.
“Is the Church against intimacy?”
Far from it. The Theology of the Body teaches that married love — body and soul — is a good and holy gift, designed by God to be total, faithful, and open to life.
“Was one of us married before?”
That doesn’t necessarily close the door. Speak with a priest about your history; the annulment process exists to bring clarity and, often, freedom.
“So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man put asunder.”
Preparing for a Catholic Marriage
Marriage preparation is not red tape — it’s a gift, helping you build on rock. Here is the path.
- 1
Contact your parish early
Reach out six months to a year before your hoped-for date. Begin with the priest or deacon who will walk with you.
- 2
Meet with the priest or deacon
He’ll help you understand the sacrament, review any prior marriages, and gather the needed documents.
- 3
Marriage preparation
A program such as Pre-Cana or a couple’s inventory helps you talk honestly about faith, finances, family, and communication.
- 4
Learn Natural Family Planning
NFP forms you in a love that is open to life and attentive to one another — a true and healthy way to plan a family.
- 5
Celebrate the wedding liturgy
You confer the sacrament on each other through your vows, with the priest or deacon and the Church as witness.
A Prayer for Married Couples
Lord Jesus, grant that we may love one another as you have loved us. Make our bond faithful and fruitful, our home a place of peace, and our love a sign of your own. Keep us close to you and to each other all the days of our life. Amen.
What the Church Believes About Marriage
Three truths worth carrying into your preparation and your life together.
Covenant, Not Contract
A bond, not a bargain.
- A contract exchanges goods; a covenant exchanges persons — a total, lifelong gift of self.
- Sacramental marriage is permanent, faithful, and open to the gift of children.
- It images the unbreakable love of Christ for his Church.
The Theology of the Body
St. John Paul II’s great gift.
- The human body has a “spousal meaning” — it is made for self-giving love.
- Married love is called to be free, total, faithful, and fruitful.
- Far from diminishing the body, the Church proclaims its God-given dignity.
Natural Family Planning
Loving according to God’s design.
- NFP reads the natural signs of fertility to space or welcome children responsibly.
- It is healthy, effective, and deepens communication and respect between spouses.
- Many dioceses and groups offer instruction; ask your parish for resources.
Ask in confidence
Still have questions about Marriage?
Ask anything and receive the Church’s own words — quoted from the Catechism, cited, and linked to the source. Tap a question to begin, or write your own.
This tool shares the Church’s teaching — it is not a substitute for your parish. To prepare for marriage, speak with a priest or deacon; begin the conversation early.
Recommended Resources
A few trusted books and sacramentals to go deeper. These are affiliate links — if you purchase through them, CatholicFides may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps sustain this work.
Three to Get Married
Fulton Sheen on marriage as a path to God.
The Catholic Company ↗Theology of the Body for Beginners
Christopher West on St. John Paul II's vision.
The Catholic Company ↗Catholic wedding crucifix
Christ at the center of the marriage.
The Catholic Company ↗The Art of Natural Family Planning
Couple-to-Couple League's complete NFP guide.
The Catholic Company ↗Begin Your Preparation
A marriage built on Christ is built on rock. Find a parish near you and reach out — the sooner you begin, the richer your preparation can be.
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