Marriage

Preparing for the gift of marriage

Marriage Preparation is essential to have a Catholic marriage and it is a great space to explore how to sustain a healthy and loving relationship.

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I want to book a preparation for my Catholic marriage.

There are currently four main ways of obtaining marriage preparation, which is required for anyone wishing to get married in the Catholic Church.

There may be a discount available for doing both the Marriage Care preparation and FOCCUS questionnaire. If you wish to book over the phone, please contact the Appointments service (Mon-Thurs 9am-6pm) on: 

If the suggested donation is difficult for you to manage, please talk to Marriage Care, who will strive to find a solution with you. Do not hesitate to contact us if you need more clarification, or your circumstances require an additional conversation and we will try to help.

1. Preparing Together Anywhere

The Preparing Together Anywhere Course is an interactive, skills-oriented, group course facilitated live using Zoom. The course is delivered over weekly sessions of 90 minutes over a period of 3 consecutive weeks, and is suitable for couples planning to marry in the Catholic Church. Preparing Together Anywhere has been awarded an imprimatur from Cardinal Vincent Nichols and upon completion of the course the couples receive a certificate as verification of attendance.

2. FOCCUS questionnaire

This is a bespoke, questionnaire-based exploration of relationship expectations. It is done individually with each couple over 2-6 one-hour sessions by a skilled facilitator using Zoom. This resource was developed by FOCCUS Inc., an apostolate of the Archdiocese of Omaha, and is suitable for couples planning to marry in the Catholic Church. Upon completion, the couple receives a certificate as verification of attendance.

3. Engaged Encounter Preparation

‘The Engaged Encounter marriage preparation courses are held over a weekend or over a series of online sessions (NEW in 2020). Couples receive a certificate of attendance which is normally required by the priest who is officiating at their wedding. We extend a warm welcome and invitation to book on our course.’

4. Bespoke preparation in your local parish

To prepare with your local parish, please enquire with your parish priest or deacon.