"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." (CCC 1601, see also Mathew 19:5-6, Mark 10:7-12, Ephesians 5:22-32, Malachi 2:13-16).
Couples who wish to get married at St. Anthony of Padua Church please refer to the following guidelines:
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED IN ORDER TO GET MARRIED
The following applies to residence-visa holders who have been residing in the area served by the parish for at least 3 months. All others (e.g., visit visa holders), please contact the Parish Office
1)Newly issued Baptism Certificate from the Church of baptism
4) Civil Freedom to Marry
- Not civilly married: recently issued within the last 6 months a Certificate or Affidavit or Statement of singleness/no marriage/no impediment/ Free State (attested by the concerned government/embassy/consulate). If embassy/consulate does not provide, or no embassy/consulate, please contact Parish Office.
- If already civilly married: Civil Marriage Certificate photocopy
5) Passport copy and valid visa copy
6) Photograph (passport size): 2 photos each of groom and bride.
7) Previously married: further process may be required.
Please contact Parish Office with whatever applies:
- Death or burial certificate of previous spouse
- Civil Divorce/Annulment decree (a true copy)
- Church Annulment Certificate (original)
Note:
- Any document not in English may require an official translation.
- Please make sure that information (e.g., names, date of birth) on church certificates matches information in civil documents (e.g., birth certificate, passport), to avoid any problems later with civil recognition of marriage certificate, or difficulties due to difference in information in identity documents/certificates.
- If one person is non-Catholic, then for him/her documents (1) and (2) are replaced by:
If not baptized: birth certificate copy. In case of not belonging to any religion, the Parish Office may demand also a certification that he/she is not baptized.
If baptized: Baptism Certificate / Letter with details of baptism. Old or newly issued letter/certificate is acceptable.
Photocopies: should be clear and legible.