Getting Started

We ask that you make contact with the priest whom you want to have officiate at your wedding as soon as possible; and at least six months prior to the wedding. He will help you complete the necessary paperwork and provide part of your marriage preparation instruction.

Whether you are marrying here or overseas, all Catholic marriages require pre-nuptial papers to be completed with a priest. It is essential you contact your parish as soon as possible to arrange an appointment with a priest to complete the required marriage papers. This is required for all weddings, both in and outside the church building. It is also required if your marriage is taking place overseas or in another diocese. The marriage papers must originate from the place where you currently reside.

If your wedding is to be held outside the church, or in another diocese or overseas, the papers are forwarded by your priest to the Vicar for Marriages in the Auckland Diocese, who will then provide any further documentation required. The marriage papers are then sent to the appropriate Vicar in the Diocese where you are being married, then forwarded to the priest who is to officiate at your wedding. In particular for overseas weddings, sufficient time must be allowed for this process.

The Church rejoices when couples come forward to prepare to enter the Sacrament of Marriage and embark on this great vocation of love and service.  The Church wants to support every couple in their marriage and one way we do this is to offer Marriage Preparation programs. 

The programs run by the Catholic Diocese of Auckland provide engaged couples with the knowledge, skills, and formation they need to have a happy, holy, lifelong marriage.

It is expected that any one marrying in the Auckland Diocese undergo an approved marriage preparation course. The details of these can be found here.