The Sacrament of Matrimony is a sacrament of service.  The couple, who have come to recognize God’s love for them in their love for each other, wish to celebrate that love in the context of their faith community, giving witness to Christ in their love.  The ministers of the sacrament are therefore those who enter into it.  The Archdiocese of San Francisco requires that couples who are planning to be married in the Church should make contact with the pastor no less than six months prior to the proposed date of the marriage.  Preparation consists of meetings with the pastor and participation in one of the marriage preparation processes approved by the Archdiocese of San Francisco.

The Church asks that we celebrate sacraments in the context of the communities we worship with.  If you are not registered in a parish (or are not active in a parish community) your parish is designated by geography.  We can help you find out which parish you belong to if you need that assistance.  Nevertheless, we must ask that you celebrate your wedding in the context of the community to which you belong. If you are travelling elsewhere for the wedding, you may seek preparation in your proper parish.