Sarah Mitchell
Getting married in the Catholic Church is a sacred and life-giving process that requires time and reflection. For those looking to have a Catholic marriage in Los Angeles, there are several steps to take, including obtaining a marriage license, completing pre-marriage preparation programs, and meeting with a priest to plan the ceremony. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has specific requirements for marriage, including that at least one party in the marriage must be a practicing Catholic. Couples should also be mindful of the expectations for behaviour and dress code when inside the church.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marriage License | Required, obtained at least one month before the wedding date |
| Validity of Marriage License | 3 months |
| Documents Required for Marriage License | Valid California ID, driver's license, passport, certified birth certificate, baptismal record, photo ID, or alien resident card |
| Marriage Preparation Course | Required, with a certificate of completion submitted to the priest |
| Pre-Marriage Preparation Programs | Required, sponsored by the Archdiocesan Office for Family Life |
| Certificate | To be presented to the priest |
| Inter-Faith Marriage | Requires a specific document or "dispensation" |
| Day and Time of Wedding | To be set by the priest or deacon of the parish |
| Wedding Rehearsal | To be set up after all preparations are done |
| Sacrament of Reconciliation | Recommended for all couples as part of spiritual preparation |
| Wedding Ceremony | To be held in the church, no later than 2:30 pm on Saturdays |
| Decorations | To be provided and set up by the couple, no decorations on the altar |
| Music | To be arranged and paid for by the couple |
| Readings | To be selected and prepared by the couple with the help of the Marriage Coordinator |
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What You'll Learn
Getting a marriage license
Obtaining a marriage license is a crucial step in getting married in Los Angeles. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process:
Requirements for the Marriage License:
To obtain a marriage license in Los Angeles, you must meet certain requirements. Both parties must provide valid identification, including a California ID, driver's license, passport, certified birth certificate, baptismal record, photo ID, or alien resident card. These documents must prove that you are over 18 years of age. Additionally, if you are paying by check or credit card, valid identification of the signer is required and must be presented at the time of the request.
Obtaining the Marriage License:
You can obtain a Los Angeles County marriage license at various Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Branch Offices. Here are a few locations to consider:
- Van Nuys: 14340 Sylvan St. Contact number: 818-374-7191. Office hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
- Norwalk: 12400 Imperial Highway, Room 1002. Contact number: 562-462-2137. Office hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- Los Angeles: 4716 E. César Chávez. Contact number: 323-260-2991. Office hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
- Los Angeles: 7807 S. Compton Ave. Contact number: 323-586-6192. Office hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
- Lancaster: 1028 West Avenue J-2. Contact number: 661-945-6446. Office hours: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Timing and Validity:
It is important to plan ahead when obtaining your marriage license. The license is typically valid for three months, so you should obtain it no earlier than six months before your wedding date. In Los Angeles, there may be a fee associated with obtaining the marriage license. Be sure to submit the license to the church office at least one week before your wedding date.
Additional Information:
If you have specific questions about the marriage license process or civil requirements, you can contact the County of Los Angeles Registrar Recorder/County Clerk at 562-462-2137 or 323-260-2991, or visit their website. Remember, this civil marriage license is separate from any religious or Catholic-specific requirements, which may include pre-marriage preparation programs or certificates.
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Pre-marriage preparation programs
The Catholic Church wants couples to be well-prepared for marriage, so it offers several pre-marriage preparation programs to help couples develop a better understanding of the sacrament and evaluate their readiness for married life.
Marriage preparation programs are available in different forms, including weekend retreats, being matched with a "sponsor couple", or participating in a series of marriage preparation classes. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles offers pre-marriage preparation programs that are a required part of the process for marriage in the Catholic Church. These programs are facilitated by priests, deacons, and married couples. They cover topics such as the sacramentality and spirituality of marriage, family of origin, communication, finances, and intimacy.
The engaged couple is asked to attend their marriage preparation program during the first three months of the required six-month preparation time. Upon completion of the program, the couple will receive a certificate that must be presented to the priest along with other required documents.
Some examples of pre-marriage preparation programs offered by the Catholic Church include:
- The Picture of Love Marriage Preparation Program: This program is available for engaged and convalidation couples and explores the joys and challenges of living out the Sacrament of Matrimony, focusing on inviting Jesus to be at the center of marriage and family life.
- Smart Loving Engaged Online: This program combines psychological insights with the Theology of the Body to help couples navigate the joys and challenges of married life. It is accessible online from anywhere.
- Agape Catholic Marriage Prep: This is an online, interactive, and mentor-led Pre-Cana Program that can also be given in-person.
- Joined by Grace: This program shows how the seven sacraments can help build marriages rooted in Christ, teaching couples to accept and be present for each other, give themselves completely, and serve and forgive each other. It includes a Program Manual, Mentor’s Guides, Couple’s Guides, and a DVD with videos by pastoral leaders and real-life couples.
- Joy-Filled Marriage: This program offers a comprehensive approach to marriage preparation, covering the sacramentality and theology of marriage, as well as practical life skills.
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Choosing a date and time
When choosing a date and time for your Catholic wedding in Los Angeles, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to note that the priest or deacon of the parish has the sole responsibility for setting the date and time of the marriage. Therefore, it is advisable to contact the parish office as early as possible to discuss your preferred dates and times, as the schedule may already be filled for certain days and times.
Secondly, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles has specific guidelines regarding the timing of wedding ceremonies. Weddings can be held on Fridays at 4:00 pm, excluding the first Friday of the month, or on Saturdays at 12:30 pm, 2:00 pm, or 3:30 pm. No wedding may take place after 2:30 pm on Saturdays due to the parish schedule of confessions and Mass.
In addition, certain requirements must be met before scheduling a wedding date, especially if one or both parties have been previously married. The priest will assist the couple in the preparation period and will perform the ceremony. It is important to allow adequate time to complete any necessary steps, such as obtaining the required documents and completing pre-marriage preparation programs.
Another important consideration is the procurement of a civil marriage license. This license is valid for three months, and it is recommended to obtain it one month before the wedding date. The couple must submit the license to the church office at least one week before the wedding. Obtaining this license involves specific requirements, such as providing valid identification and meeting age requirements.
Lastly, it is worth noting that the schedule of your wedding day preparations, such as the wedding rehearsal and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, should also be considered when choosing your wedding date and time. These events typically take place in the days or weeks leading up to the wedding, so ensuring their availability will help ensure a smooth and well-prepared celebration.
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Inter-faith marriages
If you are planning an interfaith marriage in Los Angeles, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, you will need to obtain a marriage license from one of the Los Angeles County offices. This is a requirement for all marriages, regardless of faith. You should obtain this license at least one month before the wedding, as it is only valid for three months.
Next, you should contact the Parish Office of your chosen Catholic Church and complete a Sacrament of Marriage form. The priest or deacon of the parish will then set a date and time for your ceremony. Note that weddings cannot take place after 2:30 pm on Saturdays due to the parish schedule of confessions and Mass.
If one party is Catholic and the other is from another faith, a specific document or "dispensation" is required. The Catholic party will also need to sign a promise to remain Catholic and do their best to ensure that any children are baptised and raised as Catholics.
All couples are encouraged to participate in Pre-Marriage Preparation Programs, which are sponsored by the Archdiocesan Office for Family Life. These programs are designed to help couples reflect on the meaning of marriage and their future together. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate that must be presented to the priest.
Finally, the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) is highly recommended for all couples as part of their spiritual preparation. This can be done at the church a week before the ceremony.
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The ceremony
The priest will help the couple plan and prepare for the ceremony. The couple can select and prepare readings from the Sacred Scriptures with the help of the Marriage Coordinator. Couples are encouraged to invite Catholic friends and family members to proclaim the readings and participate in the ceremony. Family members and friends can also take part in the Eucharist, provided they are prepared to receive the Lord, and are encouraged to take the opportunity for confession before the wedding. The couple may decorate the church, but they must provide their own decorations and are responsible for setting up and removing them before the next ceremony. No decorations may be placed on the altar, and arrangements should be kept as simple as possible.
On the day of the wedding, the civil marriage license is filled out and signed by the priest and witnesses. The couple must also pay for the music for the ceremony, and the parish can provide a list of musicians who can be contracted.
The Catholic Church requires that at least one of the parties in the marriage must be a practising Catholic. In the case of an interfaith marriage, the Catholic party must sign a promise to remain Catholic and do everything in their power to ensure that any children are baptised and raised as Catholics.
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Frequently asked questions
Both parties must be Catholic, and a marriage license must be obtained one month before the wedding. A certificate of completion for a marriage preparation course must also be submitted.
A marriage license can be obtained at any of the following Los Angeles County offices:
- Van Nuys 14340 Sylvan St. – 818-374-7191 – 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
- Norwalk 12400 Imperial Highway, Room 1002 – 562-462-2137 – 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Los Angeles 4716 E. César Chávez – 323-260-2991 – 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
- Los Angeles 7807 S. Compton Ave. – 323-586-6192 – 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
- Lancaster 1028 West Avenue J-2 – 661-945-6446 – 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
You need to show a valid California ID, driver's license, passport, certified birth certificate, baptismal record, photo ID, or alien resident card proving you are over 18 years old.
Some popular Catholic churches in Los Angeles for a wedding include:
- Christ the King Roman Catholic Church in Hollywood
- St. Bernard in LA
- Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Pacoima
- Brendan Catholic Church
The wedding ceremony must be held in the church and cannot take place later than 2:30 pm on Saturdays. The date and time of the wedding must be set by the priest or deacon of the parish. A wedding rehearsal is also required before the ceremony.
