Marriage Preparation Checklist

Practical Notes to Make Each Step Easier

The checklist above covers the essentials, but couples often find the process smoother when they understand a little more about what each step involves and how long it can take. The points below are general guidance for Catholic weddings in Ontario; the parish office can confirm what applies in your situation.

Start early

Many Canadian dioceses ask couples to contact their parish several months before the intended wedding date, often six months to a year ahead. Starting early leaves room for marriage preparation courses, which can fill up in busy seasons, and for gathering documents that may need to be requested by mail from other parishes.

Baptismal certificates

For a Catholic wedding, the baptismal certificate usually needs to be a recently issued copy from the parish where you were baptized, not the original keepsake certificate from your childhood. A recent copy includes notations that show you are free to marry. If you were baptized abroad, request it as soon as possible, since international correspondence can be slow.

Special circumstances

If one partner is not Catholic, belongs to another Christian tradition, or has been married before, there may be additional steps, such as a dispensation or permission from the diocese, or questions about a previous marriage. These situations are common and can be worked through, but they take time, so mention them at your first meeting.

The civil side

In Ontario, a marriage licence is issued by municipal offices and is valid for a limited period after issue, so time your application accordingly. The priest or deacon who officiates will handle the registration paperwork after the ceremony, but it is your responsibility to bring the licence beforehand.

Planning the liturgy

Couples can usually choose readings from Scripture, select music suited to the liturgy, and invite family or friends to serve as readers. Decide early whether your wedding will be celebrated within a Mass or as a ceremony outside Mass, as this shapes the rest of your planning.

For more on the sacrament itself, see our Sacraments page, and use the Contact page to reach the parish office when you are ready to begin.