For Catholics, the Sacrament of Marriage, or Holy Matrimony, is a public sign that one gives oneself totally to this other person. It is also a public statement about God: the loving union of husband and wife speaks of family values and also God's values. 

Matrimony is the marriage contract between Christians raised by Christ to the dignity of a sacrament. The theological and dogmatic treatment of this sacrament does not look very much to its main features of unity and indissolubility which are basic characteristics of all marriage in natural ethics; they are rather premisses, though of course they attain greater significance and depth and stability in marriage as a sacrament. The fact, then, that these features take up a considerable amount of space in Church documents must not be allowed to hid the theological content of this sacrament which comes to us from revelation and belongs to the supernatural order. As a sacrament matrimony is entirely oriented on man's supernatural goal. Matrimony and Holy Orders are the two sacraments which not only serve the individual in reaching this goal but are there for the benefit of the community. Matrimony is there for the mutual help of the spouses and the increase of the people of God. Devotion to his twofold end is the way of salvation for married couples, a way sanctified by the sacrament. 'Yet she shall be saved through childbearing; if she continue in faith, and love, and sanctification, with sobriety' (1 Tim:2:15).


To learn more about the sacrament of matrimony according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, click here

Congratulations!  The Church joyfully anticipates the opportunity to celebrate with you this life-changing Sacrament that, as St. Paul tells us, is the image of Christ's love for His Church!

Click here to find Prayers and Blessings specifically for you and your families at this graced moment in your life!

The Archdiocese of New Orleans recognizes the vital role the parish community plays in the life of each couple both before and after their wedding.  It is God who joins man and woman in marriage and sustains them in love and it is in the the parish community that we encounter Him most fully.

Getting Started

Your first step is to contact your parish priest or deacon at least 6 to 8 months before the wedding to work out a plan to prepare for your marriage in the Church.  Your parish priest or deacon will know which resources are avialble to you and will recommend the best possible marriage preparation given your particular circumstances.  Check out the "Getting Married in the Church" page of the Office of Marriage and Family Life for more details about what the preparation process might look like for you.   If you are working with a priest or deacon from outside the Archdiocese, he can email or call the Office of Marriage and Family Life at 504-861-6243 for information and guidance. 

Natural Family Planning

The Family Life Apostolate is pleased to provide fantastic resources for a number of methods of Natural Family Planning: Northwest, Creighton and Couple to Couple League. If you would like to learn one of these methods or have any questions regarding Natural Family Planning (NFP) please call the Family Life Apostolate at 504-861-6243.