Congratulations on your engagement! What an exciting season of life. In the Catholic Church, marriage is so much more than a big party—it’s a sacrament, a covenant, a vocation. That means preparing for your wedding involves two sides of the same coin:

• The practical details like venues, invitations, dresses, and vendors.
• The spiritual preparation like meeting with your priest, Pre-Cana, and prayer.

When you give time and attention to both, you’ll not only have a beautiful wedding day—you’ll be laying a strong, grace-filled foundation for your life together.

Important Note: Every Parish Is Different

Before you dive into the checklist below, keep this in mind: requirements can vary from parish to parish and diocese to diocese. Always confirm details with your parish priest or local diocesan office. Some dioceses require longer preparation timelines, different forms of Pre-Cana, or additional steps.

Think of this guide as a “map,” but your parish priest is the tour guide who will walk with you step by step.

12–18 Months Before the Wedding

Pray Together

Begin your engagement by inviting God into your plans. This can be as simple as praying a decade of the Rosary, going to Eucharistic Adoration, or reading Scripture together. Prayer helps remind you that marriage isn’t just your project—it’s God’s plan for your lives.

Contact Your Parish

As soon as possible, call your parish office or schedule a meeting with the priest or deacon. They’ll walk you through what’s required and help you set a tentative date. Many dioceses require 6–12 months’ notice, so the earlier the better.

Book Your Reception Venue

If you’re marrying at your parish church, confirm your ceremony date and time before booking your reception. Reception venues (halls, banquet centers, etc.) can book up more than a year in advance, so reserve early to avoid stress later.

Draft a Guest List & Budget

Decide roughly how many people you’ll invite and what you’re comfortable spending. Knowing your guest count helps you choose venues, vendors, and catering packages that fit your needs and values.

9–12 Months Before the Wedding

Gather Sacramental Documents

You’ll likely need updated baptismal and confirmation certificates. If one of you is not Catholic, additional permissions or dispensations may be needed. This paperwork isn’t just bureaucracy—it’s a testimony of your life in Christ up to this point.

Sign Up for Pre-Cana / Marriage Prep

Most dioceses require some form of marriage preparation—either a weekend retreat, a series of classes, or mentorship with a married couple. It covers topics like communication, family life, finances, intimacy, and prayer. It’s a gift, not a burden.

Book Key Vendors

Secure your photographer, videographer, caterer, and DJ or band. These professionals book quickly and locking them in early gives you peace of mind.

Shop for the Dress

Bridal gowns often take 6–9 months to order and alter. Shopping early gives you more time to make a thoughtful choice without rushing.

Send Save-the-Dates

Once you have your ceremony and reception booked, let guests know your wedding date, especially if they’ll be traveling. Save-the-dates can be mailed, emailed, or both.

6–9 Months Before the Wedding

Begin Natural Family Planning (NFP) Instruction

Many dioceses require an introduction to NFP. Even if it isn’t required, it’s a valuable way to understand God’s design for marriage and deepen your trust and communication as a couple.

Plan the Wedding Liturgy

Meet with your priest to choose readings, music, and participants. You’ll also decide whether to have a full Mass (especially if both of you are Catholic) or a Liturgy of the Word. The goal is not to personalize every detail but to create a reverent, prayerful liturgy that glorifies God.

Book Additional Vendors

This is the time to reserve your florist, baker, transportation, and rental companies.

Choose Wedding Party & Attire

Ask your bridesmaids and groomsmen, and confirm the attire for the entire wedding party. This helps avoid last-minute scrambling.

Set Up a Registry

Friends and family who have loved and supported you to this moment want to continue to support you even past it! A registry makes it easier for them and ensures you receive items that will help you build your home together.

3–6 Months Before the Wedding

Go to Confession

The Church encourages couples to go to reconciliation before the wedding. Receiving the Sacrament of Matrimony in a state of grace allows God’s love to flood your hearts more freely.

Finalize Reception Details

Do tastings, finalize menus, and confirm décor and rental items. This is the time to make sure your celebration reflects your values and hospitality.

Send Invitations

Mail your invitations about 3–4 months before the wedding, especially if you have many out-of-town guests.

Do Hair & Makeup Trials and Dress Fittings

Scheduling these in advance avoids last-minute stress and ensures you feel confident on your big day.

Meet with Your Priest

Confirm all paperwork, finalize liturgy choices, and go over the rehearsal plan.

1–2 Months Before the Wedding

Apply for a Marriage License

Each state has its own requirements (waiting periods, expiration dates), so don’t leave this to the last week.

Confirm Vendors

Reach out to each vendor to review contracts, times, and final payments.

Create a Day-of Timeline

Coordinate the ceremony, photos, reception, and speeches. Share this with your wedding party and vendors so everyone is on the same page.

Deepen Your Spiritual Life

Attend Mass together, spend time in Eucharistic Adoration, or even plan a retreat. These final weeks are a sacred time to prepare not just your wedding but your covenant.

Wedding Week

Rehearsal & Rehearsal Dinner

Gather your wedding party, practice the ceremony, and enjoy a relaxed meal together.

Pack for the Honeymoon

Plan outfits, travel documents, and anything you’ll need for your first trip as a married couple.

Stay Rooted in Prayer

The week before your wedding can feel overwhelming—but don’t forget the reason for all this. Go to Mass, pray together, and keep Christ at the center.

Final Thoughts

The Church’s requirements aren’t hurdles—they’re invitations. Pre-Cana, NFP, paperwork, and confession all point you toward the deeper reality that your marriage is a sacrament, a reflection of Christ’s love for His Church.

So yes, pick the flowers, order the cake, and enjoy the excitement of your engagement. But most importantly, prepare your hearts. Because your wedding is a single day—your marriage is forever.