Marriage

Congratulations on your engagement and your decision to make your commitment to each other before God in a Catholic marriage ceremony. A Catholic wedding tells the world that you are choosing to live out your sacred vocation in the context of a Catholic marriage. The Catholic Church takes marriage very seriously, and we hope that the canonical preparation for a Catholic wedding is undertaken with the care that this momentous decision calls for. Research has shown that the chances for a successful marriage are enhanced by thoughtful and responsible preparation. A minimum of six months is required by the Catholic Church for the required instruction, paperwork and documentation. We would be honored to help members of CCAS prepare for your wedding in Memorial Church here on the campus or elsewhere. Please contact Chaplain Nancy Greenfield by email or at (650) 704-0787.

Catholic Weddings in Memorial Church

Stanford University determines eligibility for using Memorial Church for weddings. This is done through a meeting with Melissa Prestinario, the university wedding coordinator, at (650) 723-9531. Once your wedding date is confirmed by Memorial Church, please contact the Director of Catholic Wedding Preparation immediately to ensure that we have enough time to gather all the necessary documentation. For further information, contact Chaplain Nancy Greenfield.

The Catholic Marriage Preparation Process

Preparation for marriage includes the following:

1. A prenuptial meeting with the Director of Catholic Wedding Preparation
2. The completion of a pre-marital inventory which helps you to assess your strengths and weaknesses as a couple
3. The completion of required forms such as Self-testimony and Witness forms. This is completed with the Director of Catholic Wedding Preparation
4. Submission of baptismal documents. For Catholics, you are asked to request a newly issued copy of your baptismal certificate from the church of your baptism; non-Catholic Christians may submit a photocopy.
5. Attending marriage preparation classes, counseling sessions or a weekend retreat. (This varies, depending on the requirements of the parish where you are being married. We will help you to determine your options))
6. If you are marrying a non-Catholic, then a dispensation or permission for mixed religion may apply. This is done through the Director of Catholic Wedding Preparation.
7. If you or your future spouse has been married before, then an annulment may be required, even if the marriage was not a Catholic ceremony. We can help with this.
8. Planning your wedding liturgy with your celebrant

PLEASE CALL NANCY GREENFIELD AT 650-704-0787 WITH ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE ABOUT A CATHOLIC WEDDING. WE ARE PLEASED TO HELP.