Marriage Preparation Process
Archdiocese of San Antonio

• Contact parish pastor/priest at least six months in advance of date desired for wedding. At that time the priest introduces the process, begins required paperwork, and discusses with the engaged couple the programs needed for the next phase, called Primary Marriage Preparation.
   
• Final determination of which programs a couple participates in is made with the priest. The programs available are Marriage Preparation Weekend Retreats, Engaged Encounter, Evangelization, Rite of Marriage-Sacrament and Vocation, Christian Marriage Life Skills classes, UNITAS, Marriage Sponsor Program, and FOCCUS. Since these programs fill up quickly, it is a wise idea to register and participate as early as possible.
   
• Please note: a wedding date is considered "provisional" until completion of Primary Marriage Preparation. Primary marriage preparation should be completed at least 60 to 90 days in advance of the desired wedding date.
   
• Engaged couples also should avail themselves at this time of participation in Natural Family Planning (NFP) classes, the only reliable and morally acceptable alternative to artificial methods of family planning. NFP requires the cooperation of both spouses, thus ensuring communication and a deepened intimate relationship among spouses.
   
• Some pastors may also require a pre-marital inventory or counseling, which is a very helpful and useful adjunct to the preparation mentioned above, or other preparation as they deem necessary.
   
• The couple returns to the priest for subsequent interviews and meetings concerning the knowledge/experience the couple gained from the Primary Marriage Preparation. The priest and couple then finish up required paperwork and plan the liturgy.
   
• Please note that 18 is considered the minimum age for marriage in the Catholic Archdiocese of San Antonio. The situation of pre-marital pregnancy is not considered sufficient reason for marriage and does not mean the preparation period will be waived. Previous marriages on the part of either person also require additional processes that may require a longer period of time.
   
• Requests for information or questions may be addressed to the pastor/priest.
   
• Questions concerning the programs themselves may be addressed to the Office of Marriage and Family Life Office at (210) 734-2620, ext. 1215.