A couple seeking the sacrament of marriage should contact their parish priest or deacon at least six months prior to their proposed marriage. You will often meet with the priest or marriage coordinator to fill out necessary paperwork at the parish level.
This preparation period allows couples an adequate amount of time to register and complete all necessary requirements for marriage. This includes a marriage prep* class or weekend, the Prepare-Enrich online assessment, as well as learn and practice the use of Natural Family Planning which is an ordinary part of marriage preparation.
*Before signing up for a marriage prep program, please confirm with your church parish on the preferred program as some parishes offer marriage prep within their parish (such as In Home Marriage Prep or Witness to Love).