“The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament.” ~ Catechism of the Catholic Church §1601

We congratulate you on your commitment to become Husband and Wife.

We hope the following information will be of some assistance to you.

Diocesan Requirements!

The Irish Episcopal Conference has recently decided that only those over the age of 18 may celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage in the dioceses of Ireland.

A pre-marriage course is expected to be completed by all couples in the Archdiocese of Armagh.
Courses may be booked by contacting ACCORD directly at: www.accord.ie.
We recommend that you book this course as soon as possible, as places fill up quickly and the marriage preparation cannot take place until the course has been completed.

An excellent online resource to help you with your marriage preparation – including the booklet, marriage preparation, marriage catechesis, the ceremony, and married life – can be found at: www.gettingmarried.ie.

How to book?

Bookings for the Sacrament of Marriage can be done by using our online booking system here.

Note that marriages are not celebrated on a Sunday or Holy Days of obligation.

Suggested timeframe after booking your wedding.

Approximately 6 Months before your wedding.

1. Request a copy of your Birth, Confirmation and Freedom to Marry certificate from the Parish in which you were baptised.  (This will not be required if you were baptised in Loughgilly Parish.)
2. Contact your local council office to obtain a marriage licence.
3. Contact the Parish Priest of the Parish in which you have lived for the past 6 months to arrange a meeting to complete a Pre-Nuptial Enquiry form.
4. Arrange to meet with the Priest celebrating your wedding.  The Celebrant will sign your marriage licence and complete final paperwork

Approximately 1 Month before your wedding.

Contact your Celebrant to arrange a suitable wedding practice time.
(If the Celebrant is a visiting Priest then please also contact the Loughgilly Parish Office to confirm the availability of the Church for the practice.)
Email your celebrant a copy of your Marriage Booklet including your Hymns.
Your Celebrant will review the booklet BEFORE YOU PRINT IT.
(Please note only Hymns should be sung during the Ceremony no secular song, music or instrumental is permitted.)

Baptismal / Confirmation Certificate and Letter of Freedom

Couples who require a Baptismal and Confirmation Certificate from the parish, as well as a Letter of Freedom to Marry, can contact the Parish Office.