The Sacrament of Marriage is a covenant, which is more than a contract. Covenants always express a relationship between persons. The marriage covenant refers to the relationship between the husband and wife, a permanent union of persons capable of knowing and loving each other and God. The celebration of marriage is also a liturgical act, appropriately held in a public liturgy at church. Catholics are urged to celebrate their marriage within the Eucharistic Liturgy.
-United States Catholic Catechism for Adults
Wedding Orientation Schedule
Mandatory for couples intending to marry at Christ Cathedral.
Date: 3rd Sunday of each month
Time: 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
• Orientation will start promptly at 1 p.m. Please arrive early – seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Note that those who attend the 12pm Spanish Mass at Christ Cathedral should attend a Mass at a different time as the 12pm Spanish Mass ends after the Wedding Orientation begins.)
Location: Large Gallery (View campus map)
As a courtesy to our staff, volunteers, and other couples, please email [email protected] if you would like to cancel or reschedule your Wedding Orientation date.
Orientation Information:
• Couples are required to attend only one (1) meeting at least nine (9) months prior to the proposed wedding date
• Wedding date, time, and venue will be confirmed approximately three (3) to four (4) weeks after attendance of Wedding Orientation (please have backup wedding dates in case your first choice is unavailable)
• Read and complete the following instructions in-person at the Wedding Orientation
Documents Required for Marriage:
If possible, bring all applicable documents listed below to the Wedding Orientation (questions about documents can be answered at Wedding Orientation).
• Baptism Certificate (newly-issued certificate needed – must be issued within 6 months from wedding ceremony date)
• First Communion Certificate
• Confirmation Certificate
• Wedding Agreement Form (download form here)
• Wedding Preference Form (download form here)
• Testimony to Prove Free State to Marry (Four (4) copies, download form here)
• Pre-nuptial Investigation (Two (2) copies, form given at Wedding Orientation)
If marriage will be between a baptized Catholic and non-Catholic:
• Disparity of Worship Dispensation/Permission for Mixed Religion (download form here)
If already legally married and seeking blessing within the Catholic Church:
• Civil Marriage License
If previously married:
• Marriage License
• Proof of Annulment
• Final Divorce Decree/Judgement
• Death Certificate
Marriage Preparation
All couples who attend a Wedding Orientation after January 1, 2025 and reside within the Diocese of Orange are required to complete the following programs for their Marriage Preparation: FOCCUS Pre-Marriage Inventory, Witness to Love, and NFP Basics. Please do not register for these programs until your wedding date has been confirmed by our Liturgical Administrator and you have paid the deposit for your wedding ceremony.
Couples where both the groom and bride reside outside the Diocese of Orange are to complete their marriage preparation at a parish within their home diocese.
Resources
Reception Reservation
To reserve a venue for a wedding reception on Christ Cathedral’s campus, please contact the Hospitality and Events Department at [email protected].