Family Life

marriage preparation

Engaged parishioners in the Diocese of Arlington must initiate marriage preparation with their parish priest at least 6 months prior to the intended wedding date - even if the wedding will take place in another diocese.  Please see Policies below for full details.  Engaged couples are required to attend a Pre-Cana conference.  Conferences fill quickly, so please register shortly after the first meeting with a priest or deacon.

Catholic Diocese of Arlington

Policies for Marriage Preparation in the Catholic Diocese of Arlington


Pre-Cana Conferences

Conference for the Engaged

Saturday conference in Vienna.

Catholic Engaged Encounter
Friday evening through Sunday conference in Herndon.

Three to Get Married

Thursday evening plus Friday evening through Sunday retreat in Bethesda, MD.

Alpha Omega Clinic: Remarrying In the Church

Designed for couples re-marrying after an annulment, the death of a spouse, or con-validating their marriage.

"[Marriage] is a permanent contract that sanctifies in cooperation with Jesus Christ. He fills the souls of husband and wife and invites them to follow Him. He transforms their whole married life into an occasion for God's presence on earth."
-St. Jose Maria Escriva

Useful links & info

Are You Ready to Get Married?

Natural Family Planning

Cohabitation & the Catholic Church

Interfaith "Mixed" Marriage

Planning the Wedding Ceremony