The Sacrament of Matrimony

“The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to be the dignity of a sacrament” (CCC #1601).

“Sacred Scripture begins with the creation of man and woman in the image and likeness of God and concludes with a vision of ‘the wedding-feast of the Lamb’ (CCC #1602).

Scripture speaks throughout of marriage and its ‘mystery,’ its institution and the meaning God has given it, its origin and its end, its various realizations throughout the history of salvation, the difficulties arising from sin and its renewal ‘in the Lord’ in the New Covenant of Christ and the Church” (CCC #1602).

In order to celebrate your Marriage at St. Mary Basilica

• At least either the bride or groom must be a baptized and confirmed Catholic in good standing. (For non-parishioners, there is a fee associated with the use of the Basilica church. The ritual used for the marriage is always the Catholic rite.)
• Contact the parish no less than six (6) months before your intended date of marriage.
• Complete the required diocesan marriage preparation.
• Agree to the St. Mary Basilica Wedding Policy, available at the link below.

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THE BASILICA OF SAINT MARY WEDDING POLICY… Download the document

THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY…. Learn more