“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! The world truly needs strong, faithful couples witnessing to God’s love through the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. Our parish stands ready to help prepare you for your life together in Christ through this holy Sacrament.
The Diocese of Charleston requires a minimum of 6 months preparation for the Sacrament, so please contact us as soon as you are engaged so that we can share your joy and begin the process of preparation and reserving a date for your special day. Please understand that not all dates and times at the Cathedral may be available. Please see the Active Parishioner Guide and view our comprehensive guide for Holy Matrimony. Please contact Mrs. Stephanie Stewart at weddings@charlestoncathedral.com for more information. We look forward to helping you forge your future together!
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 Jesus Christ in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. 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 in a sexual relationship before marriage) is not part of God’s plan for marriage and decreases the chances of success in maintaining a permanent union by as much as 46%. For the sake of a healthy marriage and for your spiritual health, cohabitating couples are encouraged to separate and live apart to truly be able to receive the many graces that will flow from the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. We stand ready to help you both forge a healthy and life-long partnership.
