Marriage

Preparing for Marriage at Our Lady Immaculate & St Etheldreda, Newmarket

1. Marriage Preparation Requirement (Diocese of East Anglia)

All couples preparing for marriage in the Diocese of East Anglia must attend one Diocesan Marriage Preparation Saturday Day, held here at:

Our Lady Immaculate & St Etheldreda Church 14 Exeter Road Newmarket CB8 8LT

This requirement applies regardless of where or when your wedding will take place. Attendance at one Saturday Day is essential for your parish priest to complete your marriage paperwork and grant permission for your wedding to proceed.

 

Booking Your Marriage Preparation Day

Please book your chosen Saturday Day using the diocesan online form: https://www.rcdea.org.uk/marriage-preparation/

On this page you will find:

  • The online booking form (details appear on your certificate)

  • The list of available dates

  • Full payment information (£125 per couple)

  • Additional guidance on the marriage preparation process

If you experience any issues with booking, please contact: Dr Antonia Braithwaite Marriage & Family Life Coordinator mflcoordinator@rcdea.org.uk

 

About the Saturday Day

  • Led by Dr Antonia Braithwaite and the diocesan Marriage & Family Life Commission team

  • Runs from 10:00am to 4:15pm

  • Tea, coffee, refreshments, and lunch provided

  • Please arrive in good time for registration

  • Dietary requirements can be noted on the booking form

  • All sessions take place at St Etheldreda’s due to its central location, large hall, ample parking, and suitable facilities

 

2. Booking Your Wedding in the Parish

Priority for wedding bookings is given to:

  1. Parishioners of St Etheldreda’ s,

  2. Those with recent family ties or baptismal connections to the parish.

Couples should contact the Parish Office to request a date and time. we strongly encourage at least six months’ notice of marriage. This ensures:

  • Adequate time for preparation

  • Completion of civil and canonical requirements

  • Attendance at the mandatory diocesan Marriage Preparation Course

 

3. Civil Requirements (England & Wales)

Couples must fulfil all civil requirements for marriage in England and Wales. Guidance can be found at: www.gov.uk/marriages-civil-partnerships/give-notice

Once the couple has given notice and received their Marriage Schedule, they should bring it to the Parish Office for secure safekeeping.

Each parish has a registered Authorised Person for Marriages. A statutory fee is payable to the Authorised Person; couples will be advised of this during preparation.

 

4. Canonical Requirements (Catholic Church)

Before meeting with the priest, couples should have:

  1. Baptism and Confirmation Certificates

    • Catholics: certificates dated within 6 months of the wedding

    • Baptised non‑Catholics: baptism certificate dated within 6 months

  2. Completed the Diocesan Marriage Preparation Course

    • Certificate must be inserted into the marriage papers

    • Standard fee: £125 per couple

    • Online course (SmartLoving) may be used only in exceptional circumstances where attendance in person is genuinely impossible

Once these elements are ready, the couple will meet with the priest to complete:

Couples are encouraged to print these forms or collect them from the Parish Office and begin completing them before meeting with the parish priest.

 

5. Permissions and Dispensations

Mixed Religion (Catholic marrying a baptised non‑Catholic)

The Parish Priest may grant Permission for Mixed Religion. The form is available here.

(This form must be kept with the marriage papers.)

 

Disparity of Worship (Catholic marrying a non‑baptised person)

A Dispensation from Disparity of Worship must be requested from the Bishop (via the Chancellor or Vicar General). All marriage documentation must accompany the request.

Dispensation from Canonical Form

Required when a couple wishes to marry in a non‑Catholic church. All preparation must be completed in the parish, and the petition sent to the Chancellor.

If the wedding is outside the Diocese of East Anglia, the Chancellor must consult the local Bishop before granting the dispensation.

 Form for Dispensation and Mixed Religion available here.

6. Marriages Outside England & Wales

For weddings outside the Episcopal Conference of England & Wales:

  • All documents must be sent to the Chancellor

  • A £20 fee (payable to RC Diocese of East Anglia) must be included

  • The Chancellor will prepare and forward the documents to the relevant diocese abroad

  • Couples must arrange courier collection and delivery

  • A tracking number will be provided for peace of mind

 

7. Summary of What Couples Must Do

Civil

  • Give notice at the local registry office

  • Obtain the Marriage Schedule

  • Bring the Schedule to the Parish Office

Canonical

  • Obtain recent baptism/confirmation certificates

  • Attend one diocesan Marriage Preparation Saturday Day

  • Meet with the priest to complete forms

  • Provide any required permissions or dispensations

  • Follow diocesan procedures for weddings outside the diocese or abroad.

If you have any questions or would simply like to begin your marriage journey with us, please get in touch with the Parish Centre Office on 01638 662492 or stetheldreda@btinternet.com.