ln keeping with the directives of the Diocese of Tucson, A MINIMUM OF FOUR MONTHS ADVANCE NOTICE IS REQUIRED FOR ANY MARRIAGE at St. Francis de Sales Parish. According to normal policy, marriages of Catholics are to take place in the parish of the Catholic bride, or, when the bride is not a Catholic, in the parish of the Catholic groom. At least one of the parties of a proposed marriage must be a registered member of the Parish, either in their own or in their family's name. Please phone the Parish Office at (520) 885-5908 for further information.

Congratulations!  May God bless your engagement and coming marriage!  Just as you probably have a checklist for planning the wedding and the reception, you will also need a checklist of things you need to accomplish as you prepare for a Sacramental Marriage in the Catholic Church.  If you follow the steps, it will reduce stress and help you be totally ready.

• Contact the parish at least 4-6 months before your hoped-for date.  Meet with the Pastor to establish a potential date.  Please do not arrange for a reception venue before meeting with the pastor, in case there is a date conflict.  You need to arrange for the ceremony BEFORE you arrange for the reception.
• Decide what Marriage Preparation course you will be doing.  Engaged Encounter (a weekend tucson.engagedencounter.com), Foccus, or the St. Francis de Sales Marriage Preparation Seminars, and contact the coordinators for the one you choose.
• ​​​​If you are divorced, you must have your previous marriage annulled.  When you meet with the pastor, make arrangements to begin the process.  Note: it can be rather lengthy, so the sooner, the better.  If your previous marriage has been annulled, be sure to bring a certified copy of the Annulment Decree for inclusion in your marriage file.  If you are widowed, a copy of your spouse’s Death Certificate is required.
• Acquire a recent (within the last six (6) months) Baptismal Certificate for the file.  If you were Baptized at St. Francis, ensure your Baptism is in the records.
• Make arrangements to meet with either the Pastor or his representative to fill out The “Pre-marital Inventory”  (or questionnaire) and get copies of the “Freedom to Marry” form to establish your freedom to marry.  Both will be explained to you by the parish.  
• In case a Catholic person is marrying a baptized non-Catholic person, or a non-baptized non-Catholic person, or you wish to be married outside a Catholic Church, a dispensation must be acquired.  Speak to the pastor’s representative about what exactly is required.
• You will need to acquire a Marriage License from the County.  A license is good for 12 months from the date of issue, so plan accordingly.  
• Meet with Pastor or his representative again to plan the wedding ceremony.  (ie. Scripture readings, petitions, music, etc.)