The Sacrament of Marriage is a covenant, which is more than a contract. Covenants always express a relationship between persons. The marriage covenant refers to the relationship between the husband and wife, a permanent union of persons capable of knowing and loving each other and God. The celebration of marriage is also a liturgical act, appropriately held in a public liturgy at church. Catholics are urged to celebrate their marriage within the Eucharistic Liturgy.
-United States Catholic Catechism for Adults
Marriage Process at Christ Cathedral
Updated 9/10/26
Step 1: Before You Start — Eligibility Check
Confirm all of the following before requesting a date:
- Wedding will take place on a Friday or Saturday at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., or 2:30 p.m.
- Requested date falls within the current or next calendar year (e.g., in 2026, only 2026–2027 dates are open; 2028 dates open in March 2027)
- Both parties are either two baptized Catholics, or one baptized Catholic + one non-Catholic
- If either party was previously married (civil or in the Church), that marriage has been annulled by a Roman Catholic Tribunal— if not started, contact a local priest now; a date cannot be issued until this is resolved
- Do not book a reception venue until the Christ Cathedral date is confirmed
Available worship spaces for marriage: Christ Cathedral, Chapel in the Sky, St. Callistus Chapel, or the Arboretum. Compare capacity/cost in the Wedding Guidelines. Questions → contact the Liturgical Administrator, Ana Guardado-Chavez.
Step 2: Which Process Applies to You?
Question: Does the bride or groom currently live within the Diocese of Orange? (Parish Boundary Map)
| If… | Follow… |
|---|---|
| Bride or groom lives in the Diocese of Orange | In-Diocese Process |
| Both live outside the Diocese of Orange | Out-of-Diocese Process |
Note: Participation in Christ Cathedral’s Marriage Preparation Course is mandatory for couples following the In-diocese process. Learn about Christ Cathedral’s Marriage Preparation Course Here.
In-diocese Process (Click to read)
In-diocese Process
- Gather Documents
⚠️ All applicable documents must be submitted together, in one envelope. Incomplete submissions are returned in full.
| Document | Required When | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Baptism certificate (new copy, church-sealed) | Always, at least one person must be baptized in the Roman Catholic Church | Must be dated within 3 months of submission. Request from your baptizing parish. If that parish no longer exists, submit sacramental book photocopy + proof of closure. Christ Cathedral/St. Callistus baptisms: (use this form), allow 1–2 weeks. |
| First Communion certificate | If received | Photocopy |
| Confirmation certificate | If received | Photocopy |
| Civil Marriage License | If civilly married to current partner and seeking blessing in the Catholic Church (i.e. Convalidation) | Photocopy |
| Death Certificate | If prior spouse is deceased | Photocopy |
| Civil Marriage License (prior marriage) | If previously married (any that ended) | Photocopy — one per prior marriage |
| Final Divorce Decree | Same as above | Photocopy |
| Decree of Catholic Annulment | Same as above | Contact a local priest if not yet started — required before a date can be issued |
| 4 Testimonies to Prove Free State to Marry | Always | (Download form). Signed in front of a priest, deacon, pastor, or notary. 2 testimonies from people who’ve known the groom since age 18; 2 testimonies from people who’ve known the bride since age 18. Testifiers need not be Catholic; couple need not be present for signing. |
| Wedding Agreement Form | Always, 1 per couple | (Download form) |
| Wedding Preference Form | Always, 1 per couple | (Download form) |
| Couple Contact Information Form | Always, 1 per couple | (Download form) |
2. Submit
- Mail or drop off the single envelope to Christ Cathedral Parish reception (office hours)
- Address:
Fr. Bao Thai
In-of-Diocese Couples
Christ Cathedral Parish
12141 Lewis St
Garden Grove, CA 92840- Documents are not returned unless you cancel your request
- Wait 3–4 weeks for wedding date confirmation
- A priest or Liturgical Administrator will contact you if additional documents not listed above are required
- While waiting: review Marriage Preparation Course requirements (below)
3. Marriage Preparation Course
Mandatory for this path. See full course details below. Confirmation of date + deposit payment required to begin.
Out-of-diocese Process (Click to Read)
Out-of-diocese Process
- Gather & Submit Documents (single envelope)
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Out-of-Diocese Couple Contact Information Sheet | (Download form) |
| Testimony of Prenuptial Investigation | (Download form) Completed by your local parish priest/deacon |
| Wedding Agreement Form | (Download form) |
| Wedding Preference Form | (Download form) |
- Address:
Fr. Bao Thai
Out-of-Diocese Couples
Christ Cathedral Parish
12141 Lewis St
Garden Grove, CA 92840- Wait 3–4 weeks for wedding date confirmation
2. Complete Marriage Prep at Your Home Parish
- All marriage preparation and paperwork happens at the parish you will attend after the wedding — not at Christ Cathedral
- Your priest/deacon must ensure a nihil obstat reaches the Diocese of Orange at least 2 months before the wedding date
Marriage Preparation Course
Requires ~10 meetings over 6 months. Must finish no later than 2 months before the wedding. Begins only after date confirmation + deposit paid. Questions? Email [email protected]
Roles:
Engaged Couple – You, the couple who is seeking marriage at Christ Cathedral. Includes couples who are civilly married.
Wedding Coordinator – A Christ Cathedral representative who will help you plan the wedding ceremony at Christ Cathedral
Presiding Priest – The priest who will be celebrating your Wedding ceremony. You will need to invite him for the 5th Witness to Love Meeting. Please contact your assigned Wedding Coordinator for the name and contact information of your Presiding Priest
Coach Couple – Couple from Christ Cathedral who is assigned to guide you through the Christ Cathedral Marriage Preparation Course
Marriage Preparation Coordinator – A Christ Cathedral representative who coordinates the Marriage Preparation Course and the Coach Couples
Mentor Couple – A couple who the Engaged Couple chooses to journey with to complete the Witness to Love section of the Christ Cathedral Marriage Preparation Course. Highly recommended to begin the search for your Mentor Couple as early as possible. See Mentor Couple Requirements below.
Mentor Couple Requirements
- Married in the Church 5+ years; attends Mass weekly; attends the parish you’ll join after the wedding; not a family member
- Should be someone whose marriage you admire, who’ll hold you accountable, and who’ll take the role seriously
- Will meet with you 6 times at their home + attend the Witness to Love Retreat
- Start looking early. Tips: watch for couples at Mass, attend parish family events, ask your Coach Couple or priest for suggestions
Marriage Preparation Course Sample Timeline
| Month | Milestones |
|---|---|
| 1 | Pay deposit (course can’t start before this) → Introductory email from Marriage Preparation team → Complete FOCCUS Inventory online → FOCCUS meeting with Coach Couple → Witness to Love kickoff (Coach + Mentor Couple) → Witness to Love Meeting 1 (at Mentor’s home) → Sign up for & complete NFP Basics → Sign up for NFP Method Course (1–3 months long) (NFP Resources) |
| 2 | Witness to Love Meeting 2 |
| 3 | Witness to Love Meeting 3 → Witness to Love Retreat (can be attended at a later date as long as Meeting 3 is completed) |
| 4 | Witness to Love Meeting 4 |
| 5 | Witness to Love Meeting 5 (with Presiding Priest present) |
| 6 | Witness to Love Meeting 6 → Submit all certificates → Receive Course Completion Certificate |
Submit at completion (to Marriage Prep Coordinator email):
- FOCCUS Inventory Certificate
- Witness to Love Certificate
- Witness to Love Scavenger Hunt
- NFP Basics Certificate
- NFP Method Course Certificate
Marriage Preparation Course Links
Note: When registering for an NFP Method Course, do not choose another introductory course to NFP that has already been covered by NFP Basics.
Resources
Reception Reservation
To reserve a venue for a wedding reception on Christ Cathedral’s campus, please complete the Request for Proposal form using the following link: Request for Proposal