Marriage has two core purposes:

• The mutual love, support, and lifelong partnership of the couple.
• The welcoming and raising of children in a loving, faith-filled home.

A valid Catholic marriage is one that embraces both of these aspects fully. It’s about choosing to share your entire life with someone you love and trusting in God’s plan to guide you together, especially in welcoming children as a gift, not a guarantee. The physical relationship within marriage is a sacred expression of love—intended to be shared in a lifelong, faithful union where new life can be nurtured and cherished.

Unity

Marriage is a covenant between one man and one woman. It’s an exclusive relationship built on trust, mutual affection, and sacrificial love. Spouses are called to give themselves to each other completely, supporting one another through every season of life.

Indissolubility

When a couple stands before God and the Church and promises to love “until death do us part,” that promise is meant to last a lifetime. The Catholic Church upholds this permanent bond as something sacred and beautiful, not to be broken.

These commitments are not easy. That’s why Christ offers couples the grace of the sacrament—a divine source of strength and peace as they walk their shared path. With prayer, preparation, and a faithful heart, marriage becomes not only a lifelong bond but a source of deep joy and a witness to God’s love in the world.

If you are considering marriage at our church, we’re here to support and guide you every step of the way. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Speak with the priest before making other commitments. Don’t book a reception or print invitations until you’ve confirmed availability with the parish.
2. Give at least six months’ notice of your intended wedding date.
3. Complete necessary paperwork, including proof of baptism and freedom to marry.
4. Attend a marriage preparation course, arranged through the parish.
5. Fulfill civil legal requirements, including obtaining a Marriage Schedule from your local registry office. This document is required for the wedding to proceed.

Who Can Be Married at our parish?

To be married in our parish, at least one person must have a qualifying connection. This means:

1. You live within the Parish.
2. You regularly attend Mass at the parish and have done so for at least six months.
3. Your parents reside in the parish and have done so for more than six months.
4. You were baptised and/or confirmed at St Mary and St Augustine, St. Joseph’s or St Thomas of Canterbury, Exton.

What if one of us has been married before?

If either of you have a previous marriage and your former spouse is still living, speak to the priest as soon as possible. The Church requires that both parties be free to marry. However, there may be grounds to explore whether a previous union was valid in the eyes of the Church. This process takes time, but it’s worth pursuing with care.

What if one of us isn’t Catholic or isn’t Christian?

Mixed marriages are possible. A Catholic should ideally marry in a Catholic church unless special permission is given. Interfaith couples are encouraged to talk openly about their beliefs and shared hopes. The Catholic partner must promise to continue practising the faith and to raise any children in the Church.