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Marriage Preparation

Marriage

A Catholic is not married in the eyes of the Church unless the Church has authorised the wedding. This can take several months, especially if a wedding is to be celebrated in a foreign country.

 * If you are a Catholic living within the St Helen's parish boundaries (even if you worship elsewhere), please contact Canon John Griffiths via the parish office to begin the Catholic application for your wedding.

 * If you are a Catholic living elsewhere who wishes to get married in St Helen's, please contact the priest of the parish where you actually live to begin the process; once he has indicated that the marriage can go ahead in accordance with Church Law, please contact contact St Helen's parish office.

 * If you are a non-Catholic engaged to marry a Catholic, please approach the priest of your partner's parish as indicated in one of the two situations above. If you are active in another Christian community, you may find it useful to browse the UK Association of Interchurch Families.

There are many groups and resources to assist in preparing for or supporting marriage.

PLEASE NOTE: It is in your own interests not to spend any money on wedding preparations until the priest you approach has indicated that the marriage can go ahead in accordance with church law, and your chosen venue has confirmed its availability.