Following are some of our most commonly asked questions and answers. Please contact our Marriage Preparation Office (480-967-7823) with other questions you may have.

When should we begin the marriage preparation process?

The Diocese of Phoenix requires a minimum of nine months of preparation time before a wedding. However, because of the importance of this lifelong commitment and the challenge of carefully preparing for a marriage while simultaneously planning a wedding and juggling other day-to-day responsibilities, we encourage engaged couples to begin the preparation process even earlier when possible. (For couples marrying in another country, click here.)

What if one of us has been married before?

If either of you have been married before, whether in the Church or by any other civil or religious authority, even if you are not Catholic, you will need to obtain an annulment before being married in the Catholic Church. Please contact Sr. Colleen Braun (480-967-7823) for additional information.

What if one of us isn't Catholic?

Only one partner is required to be a baptized Catholic as long as both partners agree to raise any children in the Catholic faith. The marriage prep office will assist you in completing the necessary paperwork. As part of your marriage preparation, you will also be invited to participate in specific activities or workshops that will allow you and your partner to discuss your spiritual/religious beliefs and find the gifts in both your similarities and differences.

Can we have our civil union blessed by the Church?

Yes, you may have your union "validated." In most cases, the steps for this are similar to the full marriage preparation program. Please call Carrie Powell in the Marriage Preparation Office (480-967-7823) for more information.

Do we need to be members of the Newman Center to participate in the marriage prep program?

Any couple preparing for marriage is eligible to attend our six-week marriage preparation classes. However, classes are just one component of our marriage preparation program. ASU students, ASU alumni/ae, and registered members of the Newman Center are welcome to participate in the full program. It makes sense to prepare for marriage in the parish where you attend Mass. If you are registered at another parish or are attending Mass at another parish, we recommend that you first inquire about preparing for marriage in your own community.

What if we have not been attending Mass anywhere?

You are still welcome to prepare for marriage at the Newman Center! Many couples use this window of opportunity as a chance to begin practicing their faith once again. They find that they have been meaning to start going to Mass again, but for whatever reason have not done so. If you do not have a parish that you call "home," we welcome you to consider planting yourself at the Newman Center. We ask that you attend Mass for a few weeks to get a sense of our community. Then, complete a registration card or register online. Once you are a part of the community, then it would make sense to begin your marriage preparation here. Of course, couples enrolled in our program continue to attend Mass at the Newman Center throughout their marriage preparation and hopefully afterward as well.

What does the full marriage preparation process involve?

Preparation for marriage includes the following:

• a prenuptial meeting with the chaplain or marriage preparation coordinator
• completing a premarital inventory to help you discuss your strengths and weaknesses as a couple
• meeting with a sponsor couple to review the premarital inventory
• attending marriage preparation classes or a weekend retreat
• attending a diocesan "God's Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage" workshop
• completing a course on natural family planning
• attending Mass regularly and prayerfully considering other activities to deepen couple spirituality
• planning your wedding liturgy

Please see the All Saints Marriage Preparation Program timeline for a detailed description of each of these steps. You are also encouraged to print a copy of the abbreviated checklist for your own records.

What does it cost?

The marriage preparation program is $125/couple ($175/couple if you are not members of the Newman Center or current ASU students). Most couples find that this is only a fraction of what they spend on the gown, flowers, cake, reception, and so forth.

How do we go about arranging to be married in the Old Church?

ASU students, alumni, and Newman Center members are welcome to reserve the Old Church for a wedding. You can check available dates on our online wedding calendar as well as view and print the Old Church contract. Please contact Carrie Powell at the Newman Center (480-967-7823) to complete the contract and reserve a date at least nine months in advance, unless you are currently completing your marriage preparation elsewhere. If you are a member of another parish community, you may reserve an available date no more than nine months in advance.

We both love nature and feel God's presence there. May we have a Catholic wedding outdoors?

God is certainly present in the beauty of creation. You and your fiancé may have found a beautiful location where you would like your family and friends to gather for an outdoor wedding. However, a Catholic wedding is not just a private affair affecting only your family and friends-it affects the entire community. The church building is an important symbol of your faith community, those who helped form your beliefs, those who will witness your vows, and those who will benefit from your service. You and your beloved will find spiritual strength in the people whom that church represents. For these reasons, a wedding between two Catholics is generally celebrated in a Catholic church. A wedding between a Catholic and another Christian should be held either in a Catholic church or another sacred location. Permission for this can be requested during the primary steps of marriage preparation. On rare occasions, such as when a Catholic marries a non-baptized person, a Catholic wedding may take place in a sacred location other than a church.

If you are ready to begin the marriage preparation process, you can request more information now, and we will contact you in the next few days. We look forward to journeying with you as you prepare for your marriage!