Marriage Preparation

First-Time Marriage Preparation

Bride and groom have both never been married before (and neither of you have children from previous relationships).

The first-time marriage course is a 2-day hybrid program. It takes place on Saturday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday from 8:30 AM to approximately 11:30 AM virtually and 12:45-5:00 PM LIVE (usually in Walnut Creek). You will spend the sessions in deep couple conversation, reflection, and prayer, as well as hearing from Marriage Team presenting couples.

Cost: $300 per couple

Remarriage or Convalidation Preparation

Bride or groom HAS been married civilly and are now having your marriage blessed in the Church; and/or

One or both of you have children from previous relationship(s); and/or

One or both of you have been widowed or had a previous marriage annulled.

The remarriage/convalidation course in English is hybrid (online all day Saturday as well as Sunday morning, and in-person on Sunday afternoon in Walnut Creek).

Cost: $300 per couple

Evenings for the Engaged

This program consists of several sessions. Each session meets generally on the same evening for six or seven consecutive weeks. The couple/couples leading the evening series will determine which day of the week the evening sessions are held, based on availability of all participants and whether it will be virtual, live, or hybrid.

The sessions typically begin between 7 PM and end at approximately 10 PM.

Cost: $300 per couple

It was great to get undistracted time together to talk deeply, openly, thoroughly..Helped strengthen my understanding of God in our marriage and what our love represents....I feel closer to God after this weekend because I feel closer to my fiance...” - Participant tesimonial

Preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage

Every engaged couple has concerns for the future. You also have goals, promises, and dreams you wish to attain. The priests, deacons, and other individuals in your parish and the Church want to help you prepare well to meet those goals, keep those promises, and live out your dreams well-equipped to face the pressures placed on married couples today.

There is a lot of effort that goes into planning the wedding day. We believe though that your effort in preparing for THE MARRIAGE — in your parish, with your priest/deacon (and possibly with a mentor-couple), and with our program — is essential to ensuring your marriage lasts 'till death do you part.' That and the help you receive from the Church and the grace of the Sacrament.

program basics

Your parish may have it's own Marriage Preparation program. Be sure to ask your parish priest!

Diocesan marriage preparation courses addresses facets essential to a Christian marriage including: communication skills, God's plan for marriage, understanding the Sacrament of Matrimony, sex in marriage, and becoming a family in the modern world.