Sacramental Marriage

Congratulations on your engagement! 

In asking to be married in the Catholic Church, you are publicly proclaiming your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and asking to live as disciples of Christ in the Sacrament of Marriage. The sacred liturgy of your wedding, which begins your married life by the solemn exchange of marital consent, is above all else an act of worship, and we will help you prepare both for that happy day and for the lifetime of marriage that follows your nuptial liturgy.

We understand that you are concerned to have every detail of your wedding carefully planned and well-executed, and we will work with you to ensure that the sacred liturgy is a beautiful and memorable event for you and your families and friends. We ask you to remember that your wedding, although an intensely personal moment for you, is not a private event; rather, it is a public celebration of one of the seven Sacraments given to the Church by the Lord Jesus. For this reason, we must take care to ensure that the sacred liturgy is celebrated according to the mind of the Church and in conformity with liturgical law and local custom.

Our preparation program conforms to the Marriage Preparation Guidelines in the Diocese of Knoxville. Preparation for marriage requires reading and preparing documents, a pre-nuptial investigation, catechesis, and liturgical preparation, including several meetings with the priest or deacon and other marriage preparation staff.

Important guidance regarding previous marriages:  We cannot initiate wedding scheduling or marriage preparation for any couple with a previous marriage (while the former spouse(s) are still living), until such time as a decree of nullity has been issued by the Catholic Church. Unless a decree of nullity is issued by the Catholic Church through the Tribunal process, past marriage(s) are regarded by the Catholic Church as binding for life, even if there has been a civil divorce or annulment. Visit the Tribunal of Knoxville website for more information on annulments and initiating the annulment process. 

If you are ready to request your marriage at Holy Cross, please see the form below and follow the instructions included.