Key Wedding Planning Steps
The Priest or Deacon will help guide you through the steps
Call To Reserve A Date With Your Parish
9 Months to 1 Year Prior: Confirm an available date with your parish before booking your hall, photographer, music, flowers, or planner.
Fill Out The M-1 Archdiocese Form & Foccus Questionnaire
9–12 Months Prior: You’ll receive a link to the form and questionnaire from the parish office. Please complete and return it to the parish office before your first meeting with the Priest or Deacon.
Schedule First Meeting
9–12 Months Prior: Call the parish office to schedule your first meeting with a Priest or Deacon within two weeks of your initial contact. Your wedding date will be confirmed after this meeting.
Book Your Organist
9 Months Prior: This step may vary by parish. Please contact your parish office for details or refer to the Parish Wedding Preparation Guide further down this page.
Attend the Genesis Pre-Cana
6–9 Months Prior: Schedule your required Pre-Cana retreat by choosing a date and location in the Marriage Prep Courses section below.
Schedule A Natural Family Planning Class
6–9 Months Prior: Schedule your required Natural Family Planning class by choosing a date and location (link below) in the Marriage Prep Courses section below.
Find a Mentor Couple
6 Months Prior: Schedule your Mentor Couple meetings. They’ll guide you through the ‘Beloved’ video series, available on Formed.org (link below) in the Marriage Prep Courses section.
2nd Meeting with Priest or Deacon
6 Months Prior: Schedule your second meeting with the Priest or Deacon as directed during your previous meeting.
Email Your Certificates
4 Months Prior: Email your Natural Family Planning & Pre-Cana certificates to the parish office.
Acquire Marriage License
1 Month Prior: Obtain your marriage license within 60 days of your wedding and bring it to the rehearsal.
Final Meeting with Priest or Deacon
About 1 Month Prior: Schedule your final meeting with the Priest or Deacon as you approach your wedding date.
Complete Parish Registration Form
2 Weeks Prior: If you plan to live within the [Northwest V] Family of Parishes, please complete the online registration form available on our homepage.