Jesus said, “From the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.
Mark 10:6-9
Congratulations on your engagement!
Your wedding day marks the beginning of a beautiful new chapter, and we would be honored to accompany you as you prepare for a lifetime of love and commitment.
At Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Glendale, Arizona, we believe that marriage is more than a wedding day. It is a sacred promise, a lifelong partnership, and an invitation to grow together in God’s love.
Whether you’ve been active in the Church for years or are reconnecting with your faith, we look forward to helping you prepare for this special step.
A Beautiful Beginning in Christ
In the Catholic Church, marriage is a sacrament—a visible sign of God’s love and grace.
Through the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony, a couple promises to love and remain faithful to one another throughout their lives. With Christ at the center of their marriage, they are called to grow together in faith, support one another through life’s joys and challenges, and build a home rooted in love.
Marriage preparation is an opportunity to reflect on that commitment, strengthen your relationship, and prepare not only for your wedding day, but for the years ahead.
How to Begin Marriage Preparation
Planning a Catholic wedding at OLPH? Here’s how to get started.
We encourage couples to contact us at least one year before their desired wedding date.
Our staff will help you begin the process and complete a Marriage Preparation Request.
You do not need to be a registered parishioner to begin marriage preparation at OLPH, although we encourage you to become part of our parish community.
You will be assigned a marriage coordinator who will guide you through the preparation process, explain the required documents, and help you understand what comes next.
Marriage preparation includes conversations and activities designed to help you grow as a couple, reflect on your commitment, and prepare for married life.
Depending on your preferred language, your preparation will include:
- English-speaking couples: FOCCUS marriage preparation inventory.
- Spanish-speaking couples: Fully Engaged marriage preparation inventory.
Your assigned coordinator or facilitator will guide you through the process and help you reflect on important aspects of married life, including communication, commitment, faith, and shared expectations.
As you complete your preparation, your coordinator will help you understand the arrangements and guidelines for celebrating your marriage at OLPH.
Please plan ahead: Marriage preparation generally takes 7–9 months, so we recommend beginning the process approximately one year before your desired wedding date.
Weddings are not scheduled at OLPH during Lent.
Marriage Fees
We want couples to have clear information as they begin planning.
| Registered and active OLPH parishioners | $800 |
| Other couples | $900 |
A $100 deposit is required to reserve your wedding date and is applied toward your total fee.
The marriage fee includes use of the church, the priest, marriage preparation, and guidance from your marriage coordinator.
Music is arranged separately.
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Your wedding is a sacred celebration, and we want to help you create a beautiful and prayerful experience for you and your loved ones.
Here are a few important guidelines to keep in mind as you plan.
Music
We encourage couples to consider OLPH’s parish musicians for their wedding celebration.
You may also choose an outside choir. In that case, an additional $70 fee applies for an OLPH musician to explain the church’s sound equipment setup and the procedures to follow before and after the celebration.
Your coordinator can help you understand the available options.
Photography and Videography
We welcome photography and video recording so you can preserve the memories of your special day while respecting the sacredness of the ceremony.
- Flash photography is not permitted.
- Photographers and videographers must not interrupt the liturgy.
- Photographers and videographers may not enter the altar area or access the steps leading to the altar.
Please share these guidelines with your photographer and videographer before your wedding.
Flowers and Decorations
To preserve the beauty and sacred character of the church, decorative arches, special carpets, rose petals, rice, and artificial flowers on the pews or altar are not permitted.
Decorations must not obstruct the liturgy or movement within the church.
Your coordinator can help you understand which decorations are appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
We encourage you to speak with our parish office before making wedding arrangements.
If either person has a previous marriage, the Church will need to review the circumstances to determine whether a declaration of nullity or another process is necessary.
Our staff can help explain the appropriate next steps.
Please contact our parish office. We welcome your questions and can help you understand the Church’s requirements and preparation process for your particular circumstances.
Please let our parish staff know when you begin the process.
We can help you explore the appropriate preparation opportunities.
No. Parish registration is not required to begin marriage preparation at OLPH.
However, we warmly encourage couples to register and become active members of our parish community. Your wedding is the beginning of a new chapter, and we would love to continue accompanying you in your faith journey.
Registered and active OLPH parishioners also qualify for the parishioner wedding fee.
Ideally, one year before your desired wedding date. Marriage preparation generally takes 7–9 months, and contacting us early gives you time to complete the process.
Ready to Begin Your Marriage Preparation?
Your wedding is one day. Your marriage is a lifetime.
We would be honored to accompany you as you prepare to begin this new chapter together.
Contact the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish Office to learn more about marriage preparation and take your first step.
We look forward to celebrating with you and welcoming you into our parish community.