The Sacrament of Marriage
Weddings at Divine Mercy Parish Wallsend–Shortland
Marriage is one of life’s most joyful and significant commitments. In the Catholic Church, Marriage is a Sacrament—a sacred covenant in which a man and a woman freely give themselves to one another in a faithful and lifelong union, open to the gift of family life and strengthened by the grace of God.
Catholic marriage is therefore much more than the celebration of a wedding day. It is a lifelong covenant of love and mutual self-giving, through which husband and wife become a visible witness to God’s faithful and enduring love.
Marriage preparation invites couples to look beyond the wedding ceremony and reflect more deeply on the life they are beginning together—their relationship, faith, responsibilities, hopes, family life and commitment to a shared future.
A SACRED COVENANT
A faithful, lifelong union between husband and wife, open to the gift of family life and strengthened by God's grace.
MORE THAN A WEDDING DAY
A lifelong covenant of love and mutual self-giving, not just the celebration of a single ceremony.
Preparing for Your Marriage
Meet with the Priest
Contact the Parish Priest or Parish Office well in advance of your proposed wedding date to begin the conversation.
Complete Documentation
Completion of Church and civil documentation is an important part of preparing for your marriage.
Marriage Preparation
Reflect on your relationship, faith, communication and the place of God within your married life.
Prepare the Liturgy
Choose the form of ceremony, Scripture readings, prayers and music together with the priest.
Preparing for Your Marriage
A Lifelong Covenant of Love
Catholic marriage is much more than the celebration of a wedding day. It is a lifelong covenant of love and mutual self-giving, through which husband and wife become a visible witness to God's faithful and enduring love. Particular circumstances — such as marriage between a Catholic and a non-Catholic Christian, a person of another faith, or a previous marriage — should be discussed with the priest early, as additional permissions, dispensations or documentation may be required.
Australian Legal Requirements
Marriage in Australia is governed by the Marriage Act 1961. Before your wedding day, a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) must be lodged with your celebrant at least one calendar month in advance, together with the required identity and legal documentation.
Meeting Your Celebrant
You will meet with the Parish Priest or an authorised Catholic celebrant to lodge your Notice of Intended Marriage and discuss the legal requirements for your ceremony.
Two Witnesses
Australian law requires two adult witnesses to be present and to sign the marriage register at your ceremony.
Celebrating Your Wedding
Your wedding may be celebrated as a Nuptial Mass, where the exchange of vows takes place within the celebration of the Eucharist, or as a Marriage Ceremony without Mass, a shorter rite focused on the marriage vows themselves. Your Parish Priest or celebrant can help you decide which is most fitting for your circumstances.
Weddings at Divine Mercy Parish are ordinarily celebrated in our own parish church, which our couples know and love as the setting for this beautiful sacrament. We are always happy to discuss your preferences for the ceremony.
Marriage Preparation
Preparing for marriage in the Catholic Church is more than completing paperwork — it is an invitation to reflect deeply on your relationship and on what you are promising each other and God. Divine Mercy Parish offers marriage preparation that explores communication, commitment, family life and faith, helping couples build a strong foundation for their life together.
Please speak with the Parish Priest as early as possible in your wedding planning — ideally at least six months before your intended date — so that preparation and legal requirements can be completed without a rush.
Particular Circumstances
Every couple’s story is different, and the Church recognises this. Couples who have been previously married, who come from different Christian traditions, or whose situation requires particular pastoral care or Church permissions (such as a dispensation or annulment) are warmly encouraged to speak with the Parish Priest early in the process.
These conversations are held with sensitivity and confidentiality, and no couple should hesitate to reach out because their situation feels complicated. We are here to help you navigate whatever your circumstances may be.
Your Legal Requirements Checklist
Marriage in Australia carries legal as well as sacramental obligations. The checklist below outlines what you will need to prepare — your celebrant will guide you through each step.
1. Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)
The NOIM must be signed by both parties and lodged with your celebrant no earlier than eighteen months and no later than one calendar month before your wedding date.
2. Evidence of Identity and Age
You will need to provide evidence of your date and place of birth and current identity — typically a birth certificate or passport — as required under the Marriage Act 1961.
3. Evidence a Prior Marriage Has Ended
If either party has been married before, official evidence such as a death certificate or a divorce order will need to be provided to your celebrant.
4. Baptismal and Church Documents (Catholics)
Catholic parties will need a recent baptismal certificate, and the Parish Priest will advise if any Church permissions or dispensations are required for your circumstances.
5. Witnesses and Registering Your Marriage
Two witnesses aged eighteen or over must be present and sign the marriage register at your ceremony. Your celebrant then lodges the marriage certificate with the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages on your behalf.
Marriage is a Sacrament
In marriage, a man and a woman give themselves to each other for the whole of life, and this union becomes a visible sign of God’s own faithful and life-giving love.
Your Wedding Day, and Beyond
Your wedding day is a joyful beginning, not an ending. The marriage preparation you undertake is meant to support you well beyond the ceremony, as you build a life of faith, love and mutual support together.
Every Couple's Story is Different
Whatever your background or circumstances, we are here to help you prepare well for the sacrament and to celebrate your wedding with joy at Divine Mercy Parish.
Begin with a Conversation
If you are planning your wedding — or simply want to know where to start — you do not need to make any commitment before contacting us.
Tell Us Your Story
We invite you to begin with a simple conversation with the Parish Priest. Tell us about yourselves and your wedding hopes, and ask your questions.
Explore the Next Step
Together we can explore your preferred date, discuss marriage preparation, and outline what happens next.
We Would Be Privileged to Accompany You
At Divine Mercy Parish Wallsend–Shortland, we would be honoured to walk with you as you prepare for your wedding and the marriage that follows.
Come with your questions, your hopes and your story. Your wedding conversation can begin today.
CONTACT US
Divine Mercy Parish Wallsend–Shortland
Parish Office
St Patrick's Church, 11 Macquarie St, Wallsend NSW 2287
Website
divinemercyparish.org.au
