Salford Diocese Homepage

Salford Diocese Office for
Marriage and the Family

symbolic image: Male and female wedding rings superimposed on a cross.

Marriage and the Family

Catholic teaching
about marriage

Marriage Preparation

Your preparation needs to begin at least 6 to 8 months before your anticipated marriage. In Salford Diocese six months notice is normally required before a wedding date can be set.

There are normally 4 steps in the preparation period.

Make an appointment to speak in person to your parish priest. This should be done before any other bookings or arrangements are made.

Click here to search for the contact details of your local parish.

In consultation with your parish priest arrange to attend a Marriage Preparation course.

In consultation with your parish priest arrange to attend a Fertility awareness seminar.

This will consist of a number of meetings with your parish priest to complete the necessary forms and prepare for the celebration of your marriage.

Civil Registration

Remember you also need to inform your local registry office of your intention to marry. Click here to find your local registry office.

Marriage Preparation Courses

We are very fortunate, that there are various courses throughout the Diocese on offer. They use different models according to need and circumstances. Some have meetings during the week in the evenings and others offer courses at the weekend. All courses include the following themes within our Catholic vision of married and family life: Communication, life of faith, family of origin, the gift of sexuality, family planning, keeping the romance alive, conflict resolution, marriage and family rituals, and suggestions and customs for your wedding celebration in Church.

Further details:
Please check out: marriage preparation courses.
Your Parish Priest may also be able to advise about other local courses.

Co-ordinator for Marriage preparation Courses:

Fr. Brian Cunnigham SI
Schoenstatt Institute
Mount Carmel Presbytery
Wilson Road
Manchester M9 8BG
Tel: 0161 740 2071