Congratulations on your decision to get married. It’s an exciting time with lots of wedding planning ahead! This is a summary of the items you will need to keep in mind. They may look a bit heavy but can be completed fairly easily!
- Three months’ notice of marriage is both a Church and State requirement.
- Couples are required to complete a Pre-Nuptial Enquiry Form in their parish of residence. They must provide a recently issued Certificate of Baptism, and Letter(s) of Freedom from any parish in which they have lived for 6 months or more. Any of the Priests will be glad to assist you with these forms. As these papers take some time to complete, it is advisable to make an appointment in advance. All the necessary contact details are given on this site.
- It is a standard requirement for Catholic Marriages that couples participate in a Marriage Preparation Course. This is to respect the significance and importance of this event for your happiness and for the wellbeing of your family. The courses are prepared and presented by married couples, and based on the experience of thousands of couples. This is a time for yourselves, looking beyond the wedding day to all that will enrich and enhance your love. A Course normally takes place in one day or over two evenings.
- For further information about Accord Pre-Marriage Courses in the Waterford area, please ring Accord at 051 878 333, or book online on the Accord website.
- In the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore, marriages may not be celebrated on Sundays or Holy Days.
- If you have any further queries regarding your Church Ceremony, please contact the Parish Office.
Your Marriage can be celebrated within the Mass or as a Ceremony outside of the Mass. The text for both options is available below:
Civil Requirements:
Couples are required to attend for interview with the Registrar at least three months before their intended marriage. This must be done by prior appointment. They will be issued with a Marriage Registration Form (M.R.F.) which they will retain and have signed on the day of their wedding, before returning it completed to the Registrar. The Registrar now requires that couples make a declaration, before or during the marriage ceremony that there is no impediment to their marriage.
Registrar’s Office: Community Care Centre, Cork Rd., Waterford. Tel 051 842 824 or 051 842 825.