Getting Married in the Church

Congratulations!  The Church joyfully anticipates the opportunity to celebrate with you this life-changing Sacrament that, as St. Paul tells us, is the image of Christ's love for His Church!

Click here to find Prayers and Blessings specifically for you and your families at this graced moment in your life!

The Archdiocese of New Orleans recognizes the vital role the parish community plays in the life of each couple both before and after their wedding.  It is God who joins man and woman in marriage and sustains them in love and it is in the the parish community that we encounter Him most fully.  Though it is not always possible, preparation for the Sacrament of Marriage is best when it occurs within the context of the faith community of the local parish.  

Getting Started

Your first step is to contact your local parish priest or deacon at least 6 to 8 months before the wedding to work out a plan to prepare for your marriage in the Church.  Your parish priest or deacon will know which resources are avialble to you and will recommend the best possible marriage preparation given your particular circumstances.  Once you have spoken with your Priest or Deacon, you can use the links below to register for a program. 

If you are working with a priest or deacon from outside the Archdiocese, he can email or call the Office of Marriage and Family Life at (504) 861-6243 for information and guidance.

The Marriage Preparation Particular Law details the specific requierments for marriage preparation in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. For reference, the Particular Law for Marriage Preparation can be foud here.

Programs for Marriage Preparation

Parish-Based Mentor Couple Programs - A married couple, ideally from your parpasdfish, will meet with you a number of times to provide one-on-one companionship through the marriage preparation process.  When avialable, Parish-Based Mentor Couple Programs often provide the best context for couples preparing for marriage.  Contact your parish for more information.

Already married and want to be a mentor couple for engaged couples?  Contact your parish, and then give us a call at 504-861-6243 to discuss options.  Registration for upcoming training to become a mentor coupe or starting a program in your parish can be found in the Links section of the Parish Coordinator Page.  

Catholic Engaged Encounter  - CEE offers an in-depth, private, personal marriage preparation experience within the context of Catholic faith and values. Led by a team of trained married couples and a priest, engaged couples escape for a weekend to privately discuss many aspects of marriage, always from the viewpoint of your own relationship.(Dates and Online Registration Here)

Are you interested joining a community of couples who minister to engaged couples? Contact the CEE community at salvant@nocee.org..

Archdiocesan Days for the Engaged -  A two-day seminar held on separate Saturdays (Part A and Part B) from 9:00am to 4:00pm.  
(Dates and Online Registration Here)

Online Preparation - For those who are separated by distance or are otherwise unable to take advantage of an in-person marriage preparation program: catholicmarriageprep.com

Special Marriage Preparation - For those who have already been married civilly and are now getting married in the Church (convalidation) or have already been living together for a substantial period of time, a one day seminar, which includes the REFOCCUS inventory. 
(Dates and Online Registration Here)
 

Natural Family Planning

The Office of Marriage and Family Life is pleased to provide fantastic resources for a number of methods of Natural Family Planning: Northwest Sympto-Thermal, Creighton Fertility Care, Family of the Americas, and Couple to Couple League.  If you would like to learn one of these methods or have any questions regarding Natural Family Planning (NFP) please see below, or call the Office of Marriage and Family Life at 504-861-6243.

Northwest Sympto-Thermal - Uses a combination of basal body temperature and observations of physical changes to chart progress through the woman's fertility cycle.  This information can be used effectively to either achieve or postpone a pregnancy.  Classes are conducted in a group setting and consist of four, three-hour evenings spread over the course of two months.  Available on both the Southshore and the Northshore.  Registration is through the Office of Marriage and Family Life: call 504-861-6243 or email mfl@arch-no.org.

Creighton - The Creighton Fertility Care system uses observation of physical symptoms to both chart progress through the woman’s fertility cycle and provide a wealth of information regarding the woman’s health to a certified practitioner.  This information can also be used by medical personnel trained in NaPro Technology, a cutting-edge healthcare system that works to maintain or restore a woman’s natural reproductive system.  Classes are one-on-one with a practitioner and consist of an introductory presentation followed by monthly follow-up meetings until autonomy is achieved.  Registration is through the Hope Fertility Care Center.

Family of the Americas - A method that is both simple and affordable, yet still very effective—it uses observation of physical symptoms to chart progress through the woman’s fertility cycle.  This method is said to be ideal for a woman discontinuing the use of artificial contraception. It is now available through the Hope Fertility Care Center, and one-on-one classes consist of an introduction and monthly follow-up meetings until autonomy is achieved.  To schedule an appointment or to learn more, please email mbruce@womansnewlife.com.

Couple to Couple League - There are two instructor couples in the area for this sympto-thermal method, and they are both on the Southshore.  Classes are three, pre-scheduled evening sessions done specifically couple-to-couple (imagine that!). Live and self-paced online courses are also available.  Registration is online by clicking here.