A Catholic who lives within the Diocese of Phoenix is subject to the marriage preparation process of the Diocese of Phoenix. This is the case even if the couple plans on being married outside of the Diocese of Phoenix. Once a couple is engaged and planning for marriage, they should contact their local Catholic Church in the Diocese of Phoenix to begin the marriage preparation process. More information on the marriage preparation policy can be found HERE.
For a couple living in the Diocese of Phoenix but is planning on being married in another diocese, please note the following:
- The couple must do the marriage preparation requirements of the Diocese of Phoenix.
- Any dispensations or permissions are issued by the Diocese of Phoenix except for permission for marriage outside of an approved place. That must be granted by the diocese where the marriage will occur.
- The prenuptial file for the couple must be sent from the parish where the couple was prepared to the Office of Canonical Services & the Tribunal of the Diocese of Phoenix for review and approval. Once approved, it is sent to the diocese where the wedding will take place for further review and approval. The file is then sent to the parish where the wedding will take place. For proper processing, the Office of Canonical Services & the Tribunal will need these files at least 30 days before the date of the wedding for weddings within the United States and 60 days for weddings outside of the United States.