Marriage Guide

Important Guidelines & Notes to Help Couples in Marriage Preparation
(St Joseph’s Cathedral)

1. PRELIMINARY CONSULTATION

WHAT TO AVOID:
  • Do not print your invitation cards or fix your wedding day without first consulting a priest and clearing all the government and Church requirements.
  • Do not consult priests who are not officially attached to the parish you are to wed. (This is to avoid unnecessary confusion and complication).
WHAT TO DO (by you and your fiancé / fiancée):
  • Attend a Marriage Preparation Course before your marriage.
  • See a priest of the parish you are to wed for a preliminary consultation at least 2 months before your intended wedding. Booking of your wedding date may be done at this time.

2. MARRIAGE LICENSE

  • You now need to promptly obtain a License to Marry (Borang KC02) from the National Registration Department (Marriage Section), at least 5 – 6 weeks before your intended wedding.
  • Fill the relevant particulars of the Borang KC02 and Statutory Declaration (Akuan Berkanun) and submit them to the priest for the Pre-Nuptial Inquiry.
  • To obtain a license to marry, you need to bring along:
    • The original copy of your Identity Card and Birth Certificate
    • A photocopy of your Identity Card and Birth Certificate
    • A recent passport-size photo of yourself
    • If you are from another country, you may need to bring along a legal certificate (Statutory Oath from your country’s Embassy / Consulate) to state that you are free to marry.

3. PRE-NUPTIAL INQUIRY

  • Bring the endorsed Borang KC02 back to the priest at least 4 weeks before your intended wedding. If everything is in order, he will do the Pre-Nuptial Inquiry for you both (bridal couple);
  • For the Pre-Nuptial Inquiry, the following are required:
    • All documents listed in Item 2(c) above;
    • Receipt from Registrar of Marriage;
    • Photocopy of Baptismal Certificate;
    • Photocopy of Confirmation Certificate;
    • Photocopy of the IC of two witnesses for your marriage (please choose two Catholics (a man and a woman) both at least 21 years old and preferably not immediate members of your family;
    • A letter from the parish priest (should you come from another parish), granting you permission to marry at another Church.

4. OTHER IMPORTANT NOTES (Please observe these carefully)

  • If you are printing your Wedding Booklet for the liturgy, the draft copy must be vetted by the priest at least two weeks before printing;
  • Observe the list of some Rules and Instructions to Florists (simple do’s and don’ts) when decorating the Church pews;
  • Bridal gown should cover shoulders fully;
  • No photographer or video cameraman is allowed in the sanctuary during service;
  • No confetti is allowed inside and outside the Church;
  • Be punctual for your wedding service;
  • That your non-Catholic guests attending the wedding service must respect the sacred atmosphere of the Church and must NOT receive Holy Communion at Mass.

5. DAYS & DATES TO AVOID (for your marriage)

Fridays, Sundays, Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, Easter Monday, December 20th – 25th, Holy days of Obligation.

6. PARENTAL CONSENT

If you are under 21 years old, your father or mother (if father is deceased) must go with you to the Registrar’s Office to sign Borang KC01D to endorse the parental consent of your marriage.
Note: For girls above 16 but below 18 years of age, permission is required from the Chief Minister through Borang KC01B.

7. MARRIAGE BANN

Your marriage bann will be displayed over a period of at least 4 weeks at the Church’s notice board.

8. APPOINTMENT

For appointments with priests and parish-specific details, please contact the respective parish offices.