Marriage Preparation

Congratulations on your engagement! Corpus Christi Parish is excited to accompany you and your fiancé on this journey to the Sacrament of Matrimony. Here are the steps and requirements for marriage preparation:

Seven Steps Marriage Preparation in Diocese of Phoenix

1. Contact the Parish Office

When: At least 9 months before your wedding

Email: Nancy at Marriage@corpuschristiphx.org to set up a meeting with Deacon Dennis Lambert. Plan on spending 1.5 hours at this meeting.

2. Marriage Preparation Inventory

When: As soon as possible after meeting with Deacon

Complete a series of questions to help you dialogue about habits, expectations, and values. Meet with facilitators to guide you through areas needing attention or problem-solving.

3. Married Life Skills Training

When: 7-8 months before the wedding

Various educational programs are available to grow practical skills such as conflict resolution, decision making, financial management, prayer, and communication.

4. God’s Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage

When: 4-6 months before the wedding

Based on John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, this program explains the church’s teachings on marriage and sexuality.

5. Natural Family Planning

When: 4-6 months before the wedding

Learn about Natural Family Planning to plan your family effectively in cooperation with God’s plan for marriage.

6. Sacrament of Reconciliation

When: Before the wedding, as necessary

The Church invites all Catholics to prepare themselves spiritually.

7. Visit phxmarriageprep.org for classes and class schedules.

General Requirements/Instructions

1. Residency: At least one of you must reside within our geographical boundaries and be registered at Corpus Christi. Contact us for special circumstances.
2. Baptismal Certificate: A newly issued Baptismal Certificate with annotations of your sacraments, dated within 6-9 months of your wedding date. Non-Catholic Christians should bring their certificates.
3. Marriage License: Obtain a Marriage License from Maricopa County Clerk of the Superior Court four to six weeks before the wedding. Online Marriage License (please refer to Maricopa County's website)
4. Affidavit of Free Status: Complete this form included in your pre-nuptial packet.
5. Certificates: Turn in all certificates, including completed class certificates, at least 4 weeks prior to your wedding.
6. Weddings Outside Diocese: Requires an additional thirty to 90 days to process. Begin marriage preparation one year in advance.
7. Readings and Music: Choices can be found on Together for Life Online or contact Matthew Henry at matthew.henry@corpuschristiphx.org.
8. Wedding Coordinator: Mindy Chau will coordinate with couples for their rehearsal and wedding day selections. Contact her at mindysog1@gmail.com.
9. Wedding Attire: Reflect the nature of the Sacrament of Matrimony. See the article on “Reverence and Modesty at Weddings” for more specifics.

On your Wedding Day

• Bride and Bridal Party: Exclusive use of the Cry room one hour before and after the ceremony.
• Groomsmen: Request separate space if needed.
• No Alcohol: No alcoholic beverages permitted in the Church.
• Non-Smoking: The church is a non-smoking building.
• Photographers and Videographers: Permitted but must be discreet and quiet.
• Timeliness: Ensure that all wedding party participants arrive early or on time.
• Decorations: No rice, confetti, silk or real flower petals inside or outside the church. No liturgical decorations may be moved or removed.

Recommendations for Additional Marriage Preparation

• The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman
• Witness to Love: How to Help the Next Generation Build Marriages that Survive and Thrive by Mary Rose Verret

Parish Center Rental

We are delighted to offer our Parish Center as a beautiful venue for your wedding reception following your sacramental marriage in our church. Our hall can comfortably host up to 300 guests, and we provide a catering kitchen for your convenience. To make your planning easier, we offer a preferred list of vendors for all catering services.

The rental fee for the Parish Center is $2,500, with a few minor additional fees that may apply. For more information or to reserve your special day, please don't hesitate to reach out to Nancy Krappitz at marriage@corpuschristiphx.org. We look forward to helping you create a memorable celebration!

Reverence and Modesty at Weddings

The celebration of Christian marriage is an opportunity for the whole community to experience the Lord through powerful symbols: spoken and sung Word, bread and wine, music and light, vows and rings, bride and groom. In this celebration of the love of husband and wife, we see a reflection of God’s love for us, the people of God.

Careful planning should take place with the main consideration being: “How will this help us, our families, and our friends enter into a prayerful celebration of God’s love in our marriage?” We hope you will find these guidelines useful.

GUIDELINES (PDF)

2024 Wedding Fees

It is customary to give the deacon or priest a stipend for officiating at your wedding. This stipend is a recommendation and is left to your discretion. The Church fee covers the usage of the church and grounds for rehearsal and the day of the Wedding. This fee helps us to defray the cost of utilities, maintenance, and cleaning for the time of use for the facilities and to help provide a beautiful and sacred space for your Wedding Day.*

Please submit these fees at least four weeks before your Wedding Day.

*If these fees present a hardship please reach out and speak with our marriage coordinator*

Matthew Henry: Director of Music & Liturgy: at Corpus Christi will meet with you regarding music, psalm, and song selections for your wedding. Matthew is a talented musician and singer who brings a wealth of wedding experience to your day. Matthew can be reached at matthew.henry@corpuschristiphx.org

Mindy Chau: Wedding Coordinator: at Corpus Christi. Mindy and her team will be a valued resource for your rehearsal and day of your ceremony. She and or her team will contact you six-weeks before the Wedding to go over rehearsal/Wedding Day details. Mindy can be reached at mindysog1@gmail.com should you have additional questions.