The sacrament of matrimony or marriage is a covenant between a man and a women by which they “establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life.” The purpose of marriage is “the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring.” (Catechism of Catholic Church 1601)
For a brief overview of the meaning and significance of the Sacrament of Marriage:
Have you decided to get married?
The Catholic Church rejoices in your decision to marry and wants to journey with you in your preparations and assist you in growing in your love for each other, as well as in your relationship with Christ.
Marriage is a beautiful vocation, the beginning of family life, and a great adventure together. For more information about how to begin planning your wedding, please visit Steps to Getting Married.
Each person is called to prepare as well as possible to live our faith in our marriage and in our lives. The Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton wants to help you as you begin this process. Catholic marriage preparation is mandatory for marrying within the Archdiocese. Contact your local parish priest for information about marriage preparation.
We strongly recommend that the marriage course be taken at least 4-6 months before the wedding. Through a marriage preparation course, you will receive:
- Information about what the Church believes and teaches about Catholic marriage and family life.
- Advice and practical assistance for your daily married lives together.
- An introduction to Natural Family Planning (NFP), a reliable method of planning your family that is both based on science and in harmony with God’s design for sexual intimacy and Church teaching. NFP assists with planning or spacing births, and also often helps in working with any infertility issues.
- The witness of other married couples to the Sacrament of Matrimony and how it is lived in their lives.
If a marriage preparation program is not available through your parish priest, please visit our Marriage Preparation Programs page to find an alternative program within the Archdiocese of Edmonton.