“The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a Sacrament.” From the Catechism of the Catholic Church #1601
Holy Matrimony was created by God and elevated by Christ to the privilege of a Sacrament.
If you are recently engaged and looking at this page for information on a wedding here at the Cathedral, congratulations on your engagement! In asking to be married in the Catholic Church, you and your future spouse are publicly proclaiming your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and asking to live as disciples of Christ in the Sacrament of Marriage. The sacred liturgy of your wedding, which begins your married life by the solemn exchange of marital consent, is above all else an act of worship; and we will help you prepare both for that happy day and for the lifetime of marriage that follows your nuptial liturgy.
Cohabitation (living together) before marriage is not part of God’s plan for marriage and decreases the chances of success in maintaining a permanent union. Cohabitating couples should separate and live apart before requesting the Sacrament of Matrimony. A date is not able to be set unless the couple is living separately.
We are unfortunately unable to accommodate all of the requests for weddings at the Cathedral. To find out more about weddings here at the Cathedral, please send your questions to weddings@charlestoncathedral.com. Cathedral policies and guidelines may be viewed by clicking the link below. Diocesan guidelines require at least six month’s notice before setting a wedding date. Please contact the church before reserving places for receptions/dinners – not all dates may be available.
Cathedral Wedding Policy Booklet
