But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate. - Mark 10: 6-9

What is Marriage?

The marriage covenant, by which a man and a woman form with each other an intimate communion of life and love, has been founded and endowed with its own special laws by the Creator. By its very nature it is ordered to the good of the couple, as well as to the generation and education of children. Christ the Lord raised marriage between the baptized to the dignity of a sacrament.

The sacrament of Matrimony signifies the union of Christ and the Church. It gives spouses the grace to love each other with the love with which Christ has loved his Church; the grace of the sacrament thus perfects the human love of the spouses, strengthens their indissoluble unity, and sanctifies them on the way to eternal life. 

Catechism of the Catholic Church 1660-1661

Celebrating the Sacrament of Marriage

Couples who wish to marry in the Catholic Church are asked to contact the pastor at least nine months in advance, in order to meet with him. A wedding date is never to be set until meeting with the pastor. Couples are required to attend an approved marriage preparation course, in addition to regular meetings with the pastor or deacon.