How to Get Married in the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Dallas (2026 Checklist)

The short answer

To get married in the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Dallas, contact your parish priest, deacon, or marriage coordinator in plenty of time, as the Diocese puts it, and before you book a reception venue. Most couples should start 9 to 12 months ahead. You will each need a recently issued baptismal certificate, an affidavit of freedom to marry from a parent or older relative, a completed prenuptial questionnaire, a Diocese-approved marriage preparation program, and a Texas marriage license used within 90 days.

If only one of you is Catholic, you can still marry in the Church. Under canon law, a baptized Christian partner needs permission for a mixed marriage, and an unbaptized partner needs a dispensation from disparity of worship. If either of you was married before, the Church must first confirm that the earlier marriage is null or dissolved, and no wedding date can be set until it does.

Marriage is a sacrament and a vocation, not just a ceremony. The paperwork below exists so the Church can confirm you are both free to marry and ready to make vows for life.

What makes a Catholic marriage valid

Every requirement in this checklist serves four conditions the Church holds for a valid marriage, everywhere in the world:

• You are both free to marry. Neither of you is bound by a prior marriage or another impediment (canon 1085).
• You both consent freely. No one is pressuring or forcing either of you.
• You both intend marriage as the Church understands it: for life, faithful to one another, and open to children. At the wedding, the priest or deacon asks you about each of these before your vows.
• You exchange consent in the proper form: before a properly authorized priest or deacon and two witnesses (canon 1108). Any exception, such as a different officiant or place, needs the bishop's approval.

A marriage between two baptized people is a sacrament. A marriage between a Catholic and an unbaptized person can be valid and holy, but it is not a sacrament.

When can we get married?

Church law allows weddings on most days of the year. They are avoided altogether only on Good Friday and Holy Saturday. Some dioceses and parishes do not schedule weddings on Sundays, holy days, or during Lent, so confirm your date with your parish before you book anything else.

Timeline: how far in advance to start

Canon law requires that, before any wedding, "it must be evident that nothing stands in the way of its valid and licit celebration" (canon 1066). The Diocese of Dallas's guide, Getting Married in the Catholic Church, does not set a minimum notice period. It asks couples to approach the parish "in plenty of time" to arrange the wedding, begin preparation, and complete the paperwork. Your parish sets its own lead time, so contact it before booking a reception venue.

1. 9 to 12 months out: contact your parish. Meet the pastor, parochial vicar, deacon, or parish marriage coordinator, confirm you are both free to marry, and reserve the church date.
2. 9 to 12 months out: register for marriage preparation. Your parish will point you to a Diocese-approved program, which may be a parish couple-to-couple program.
3. About 6 months out: gather documents. Request new baptismal certificates from your baptismal parishes, and ask a parent or older relative to complete your affidavit of freedom to marry.
4. 6 to 3 months out: finish preparation and paperwork. Complete your program and your prenuptial questionnaire with the priest or deacon.
5. 2 to 3 months out: permissions and liturgy. Your priest or deacon requests any mixed-marriage permission or dispensation. Plan readings and music.
6. Within 90 days of the wedding, and at least 72 hours before: get your marriage license. A Texas license is valid for 90 days and cannot be used for 72 hours unless you have a Twogether in Texas certificate.
7. After the wedding. Your marriage is recorded in the parish register, and each of your baptismal churches is notified (the Diocese uses Form i, Notification of Marriage to Church of Baptism) so it can be noted on your baptismal record.

Checklist: if you are both Catholic

These items come from the Diocese of Dallas Tribunal's prenuptial documents and its guide for couples. Most forms come in English and Spanish. Everything in the later checklists builds on this one.

Sacramental records (each of you)

• Recently issued baptismal certificate. The Diocese requires "a recently issued baptismal certificate/record." Request a new copy from the parish where you were baptized, not your original. It carries notations for First Communion, Confirmation, and any prior marriage, which is how the Church confirms you are free to marry. Ask your parish how recently it must be issued.
• First Communion and Confirmation records, if they are not noted on the baptismal certificate.
• Not confirmed yet? Canon 1065 says Catholics are to receive Confirmation before marriage "if it can be done without grave inconvenience." Tell your priest early. It is usually not a barrier to setting a date.

Freedom to marry

• Affidavit of freedom to marry (Dallas Form ii). One for each of you, completed by a parent or an older relative who has known you since early adolescence.
• Prenuptial questionnaire (Dallas Form V, also in Spanish as the Cuestionario Prematrimonial). You are each questioned by the priest or deacon about your freedom to marry and your intention to enter a permanent, faithful marriage open to children.

Preparation

• Marriage preparation certificate from a Diocese-approved program (see below).

Civil and logistics

• Texas marriage license, valid for 90 days.
• Liturgy planning. When both of you are Catholic, the wedding is normally celebrated within Mass.

Checklist: if one of you is Catholic and the other is a baptized Christian

A Catholic marrying a baptized Protestant, Orthodox, or other Christian is a mixed marriage. It is valid and sacramental. Canon 1124 requires the "express permission of the competent authority." In Dallas, your priest or deacon completes the Diocese's Permission for Mixed Marriage (Form iii A) with you.

Complete everything in the both-Catholic checklist, plus:

• Baptismal certificate from the non-Catholic partner's church, if at all possible. If there is no record, the Diocese has an Affidavit of Baptism form (also in Spanish). Ask your priest whether it fits your situation.
• Permission for a Mixed Marriage (Form iii A). Under canon 1125, the Catholic declares they will remove dangers of falling away from the faith and promises to do all in their power to have the children baptized and raised Catholic. The non-Catholic partner is informed of these promises but makes no promise themselves. Both of you are instructed on the purposes and essential properties of marriage.
• The rite. A mixed marriage ordinarily takes place outside of Mass, so that one spouse is not left unable to receive Communion. A Nuptial Mass is possible only with the bishop's permission, and Communion is not given to the non-Catholic spouse.
• One wedding, not two. Canon 1127 forbids a second religious ceremony to give or renew consent, before or after the Catholic one. It also forbids a joint service in which the Catholic and non-Catholic ministers each ask for your vows using their own rites.
• Want the wedding in the other partner's church? Under canon 1127, that requires a dispensation from canonical form (Dallas Form iii B). The Diocese's guide says the Catholic party's bishop can allow the wedding in the non-Catholic partner's church, with that church's minister officiating and two witnesses. A wedding outside the Diocese also needs the other diocese's bishop to agree.

Preparation from the other partner's church. If the non-Catholic partner's church offers marriage preparation, the Diocese says it must be paired with an approved Catholic process.

Checklist: if one of you is Catholic and the other is not baptized

A Catholic marrying someone who was never baptized (for example, someone who is Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, or of no religion) needs a dispensation from the impediment of disparity of worship, also called disparity of cult. Under canon 1086, the marriage is invalid without it. In Dallas, the Tribunal grants dispensations and permissions for marriages, and your priest or deacon submits the request. The marriage is valid and holy, though not a sacrament.

Complete everything in the both-Catholic checklist, plus:

• No baptismal certificate is needed from the unbaptized partner. They still complete the prenuptial questionnaire and an affidavit of freedom to marry.
• Petition for dispensation from disparity of worship, submitted by your priest or deacon. Allow extra time, since it goes to the Diocese.
• The Catholic party's promises. Canon 1086 requires the same conditions as a mixed marriage: the Catholic promises to remain faithful and to do all they can to have the children baptized and raised Catholic.
• The rite. The wedding is celebrated outside of Mass, using the rite for marriage between a Catholic and a non-Christian.
• One wedding, not two. The same canon 1127 rule applies here (canon 1129): no second religious ceremony and no blended service with two officiants each receiving your vows.
• Location. Canon 1118 allows this wedding "in a church or in another suitable place." Ask your priest before assuming a non-church venue will be approved.

If either of you was married before, or you are already civilly married

Previously married, Catholic or not. Under canon 1085, a person bound by a prior marriage cannot validly marry, and a civil divorce does not end that bond in the Church's eyes. The Diocese's guide is direct: "If either party, whether Catholic or not, has been married previously, a wedding cannot be scheduled until that past situation has been resolved." Even after a declaration of nullity, the decree is reviewed for any conditions it places on a new marriage. Start with your parish, where a trained priest, deacon, or layperson can help you open a case with the Tribunal.

What the Tribunal handles, and what you will need (Items Required for Introduction of Nullity Cases):

• Prior spouse has died: no case is needed. Bring the death certificate.
• A Catholic married outside the Church without a dispensation (absence of canonical form): the petition and matching questionnaire, the civil marriage certificate, the final signed divorce decree, and a baptismal certificate issued within the last six months.
• Consent may have been defective (formal declaration of nullity, often called an annulment): the petition and formal questionnaire, civil marriage and divorce records, the Church marriage certificate, and the names and addresses of four witnesses, not counting parents or stepparents, who knew your courtship and early marriage.
• Your former spouse had an earlier marriage that was still valid (ligamen, or prior bond): the civil marriage certificates and divorce decrees for both marriages.
• Both spouses were unbaptized, and you now seek baptism (Pauline Privilege): the Pauline Privilege questionnaire and civil records. Your advocate guides you through the rest.
• At least one spouse was unbaptized (Favor of the Faith, also called Petrine Privilege): the Petrine Privilege questionnaire. Your advocate guides you through the rest.

The Diocese of Dallas charges no fee for the nullity process. It does not publish a typical timeline, so do not book anything until the decision is final. Contact the Tribunal at (214) 379-2840 or [email protected]. Instructions are online in English and Spanish.

Already civilly married to each other (convalidation). If neither of you has a prior marriage, the Church can recognize your civil marriage. Under canon 1160, you exchange consent again in the Catholic form. The Dallas Tribunal explains that a convalidation is a new act of consent, not a blessing of the civil union. You complete the same paperwork as above. Ask your parish about preparation.

Marriage preparation (Pre-Cana) options in Dallas

Canon 1063 calls every diocese to prepare couples for marriage. In Dallas, the Diocese's Office of Marriage Ministries manages Diocese-approved preparation, and your parish tells you which program to take.

• Parish couple-to-couple preparation: some parishes offer individualized preparation with a trained married couple, or an approved adaptation of the diocesan programs. Ask your parish.
• Encuentro para comprometidos: the Spanish-language Engaged Encounter, listed in the Diocese's Spanish guide as offered by its marriage ministry office. Parish sponsor-couple programs ("Padrinos") are another option.
• Programs from another diocese: preparation completed elsewhere may satisfy the requirement. Bring your certificate to your parish.

Marriage preparation is available in Spanish, and the Diocese publishes its guide, Casarse en la Iglesia Católica, plus its key prenuptial forms in Spanish. For questions, call the Diocese at (214) 528-2240.

Costs, venues, and your Texas marriage license

Church fees. Fees are set by each parish, not by the Diocese, so ask your parish for its schedule early. Most parishes charge a few hundred dollars. Large or landmark churches can charge $2,000 or more. Musicians, flowers, and photography are usually separate. If money is tight, talk to your pastor: you do not need to postpone the sacrament because of cost, and the Church does not require expensive flowers, attire, or extras.

Can we get married outdoors or at our venue? Almost never. Canon 1118 says a wedding between two Catholics, or between a Catholic and a baptized Christian, "is to be celebrated in a parish church." Any other place requires the local bishop's permission, which is rarely granted for outdoor or venue ceremonies. The Diocese's Spanish guide says the same: "Permisos para que una boda se celebre en un edificio no-religioso raramente son otorgados" (permission for a wedding in a non-religious building is rarely granted). A wedding between a Catholic and an unbaptized partner "can be celebrated in a church or in another suitable place," still with approval. Plan the ceremony at the church and the reception at your venue.

Texas marriage license:

• Dallas County residents complete the application online with the Dallas County Clerk, schedule an appointment, and both appear in person at the Records Building, 500 Elm Street, Suite 2100. Call (214) 653-7099 with questions.
• The fee is $81 (Dallas County Clerk FAQ). Personal checks are not accepted.
• Bring acceptable ID, such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. IDs cannot be torn, taped, or laminated.
• There is a 72-hour waiting period before the ceremony, unless a judge waives it, you are active-duty military, or you have a Twogether in Texas certificate.
• The license expires 90 days after it is issued. Your officiant returns it to the clerk within 30 days of the wedding.
• Twogether in Texas is a state-approved premarital course of at least eight hours. Its certificate takes $60 off the license fee and waives the 72-hour wait. It must be dated within one year of your application (Twogether in Texas FAQ). Faith-based programs can qualify, so ask whether yours is registered.

Frequently asked questions

What makes a Catholic marriage valid?

You must both be free to marry, consent freely, and intend a lifelong, faithful marriage open to children. You exchange consent before an authorized priest or deacon and two witnesses, unless the bishop approves an exception.

How far in advance do we need to contact the church in Dallas?

The Diocese does not set a minimum, but it asks you to contact your parish in plenty of time. Starting 9 to 12 months ahead gives you time for preparation, paperwork, and any permissions.

What documents do we need to get married in the Catholic Church in Dallas?

Each Catholic needs a recently issued baptismal certificate with First Communion and Confirmation notations. Each of you also needs an affidavit of freedom to marry from a parent or older relative, a prenuptial questionnaire, a marriage preparation certificate, and a Texas marriage license.

Can a Catholic marry a non-Catholic in the Catholic Church?

Yes. A baptized Christian partner needs permission for a mixed marriage. An unbaptized partner needs a dispensation from disparity of worship. In both cases, the Catholic promises to remain faithful and to do all they can to raise the children Catholic.

Do I have to be confirmed to get married in the Catholic Church?

Canon law asks Catholics to receive Confirmation before marriage if it can be done without grave inconvenience. Tell your priest early so he can help you prepare.

Can we have a Catholic wedding outdoors in Dallas?

Almost never. Weddings between Catholics, or between a Catholic and a baptized Christian, take place in a parish church unless the bishop grants permission. The Diocese says permission for a non-religious building is rarely granted. A wedding with an unbaptized partner may be approved for another suitable place.

How much does a Catholic church wedding cost in Dallas?

Fees are set by each parish. Most charge a few hundred dollars, while large or landmark churches can charge $2,000 or more. Musicians, flowers, and photography are usually separate.

Do we need Twogether in Texas for a Catholic wedding?

No, but it helps. A Twogether in Texas certificate takes $60 off your Dallas County marriage license and waives the 72-hour waiting period. Faith-based programs can qualify, so ask whether yours is registered.

How long does an annulment take in the Diocese of Dallas?

The Diocese does not publish a typical timeline, and it charges no fee for the nullity process. You cannot schedule a wedding until the case is resolved.

Is Catholic marriage preparation available in Spanish in Dallas?

Yes. The Diocese lists Encuentro para comprometidos, the Spanish-language Engaged Encounter, and publishes its marriage guide and key prenuptial forms in Spanish.

Planning your Catholic wedding? Cana is built for couples getting married in the Church. Keep this checklist, your registry, and your vendor search in one place.

Sources

Requirements can change. Always confirm with your parish priest or deacon. Last checked October 27, 2026.

• Code of Canon Law, Book IV, Part I, Title VII: Marriage (canons 1055–1165), Holy See
• Getting Married in the Catholic Church, Diocese of Dallas Tribunal
• Casarse en la Iglesia Católica, Diocese of Dallas Tribunal
• Tribunal Parish Resources: Prenuptial Documents, Diocese of Dallas Tribunal
• Tribunal, Catholic Diocese of Dallas
• Tribunal FAQ, Catholic Diocese of Dallas
• Items Required for Introduction of Nullity Cases, Diocese of Dallas Tribunal
• Tribunal Parish Resources: Nullity Documents, Diocese of Dallas Tribunal
• Catholic Marriage FAQs, For Your Marriage, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
• Newsletter, August 2016: The Order of Celebrating Matrimony, USCCB Committee on Divine Worship
• Catholics Dating Non-Catholics, Catholic Answers
• Mass and Disparity-of-Cult Marriages, EWTN (citing the Ecumenical Directory, no. 159)
• Marriage License, Dallas County Clerk
• Vital Records FAQs, Dallas County Clerk
• Wedding Ceremonies and Marriage License Information, Dallas County Justice of the Peace Precinct 3, Place 2
• Twogether in Texas FAQ, Texas Health and Human Services Commission