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Checklist for getting married in the Arlington Diocese

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1. Contact your parish at least six months (a diocesan
requirement) prior to your proposed date of marriage and set
up an initial meeting with a priest or deacon. This is
necessary even if you plan to wed outside of the diocese.
This meeting should take place before any social arrangements
for the wedding are finalized.

2. You are required to meet with your priest or deacon as a
couple a minimum of four times during the six-month period,
excluding the wedding rehearsal. Some priests or deacons may
require additional meetings.

3. Each couple will be asked to take the FOCCUS premarital
inventory. It is a tool designed to help engaged couples
learn more about themselves and their relationship. It will
also pave the way for them to discuss many of the topics that
are central to ensuring that their marriage lasts a lifetime.

4. Ordinarily, couples are required to register for one of
the following conferences (We suggest you register as soon as
you get engaged to ensure you can attend the conference of
your choice. However, be sure to speak with your priest or
deacon before registering.):

Conferences for the Engaged

Engaged Encounter

Three to Get Married

5. Your priest or deacon may require you to attend Natural
Family Planning classes. If he does not, we encourage you and
your fiancé(e) to learn more about this organic way to
plan a family that also respects the integrity of your
marriage. To learn more go to
arlingtondiocese.org/familylife/nfp.

6. In some instances, the priest or deacon may request that
you or your fiancé obtain additional counseling to
better prepare you to enter into Christian marriage.

7. There are special procedures for teenage marriages and for
couples with extraordinary circumstances. You will need to
speak with your priest for more information.

8. The preparing priest or deacon can assist you in preparing
the liturgy, readings, music and other elements of your
wedding.

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