What is Catholic Marriage?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes marriage as a, "covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament." (CCC 1601).

From the beginning, marriage has been a part of God's plan that is oriented toward eternal participation in "wedding feast of the lamb" (Rev 19:7,9). Marriage is an, "image of the absolute and unfailing love with which God loves man and is intended to be fruitful" (CCC 1604). 

Who can get married at St. Mary's Cathedral?

Parishioners

Either the bride or groom must be a registered member of the parish, be known by our Rector and attend Sunday Mass (the same requirements are necessary for parishioners doing marriage prep here, but getting married at a different parish).  Additionally, he or she must be a member 6 months PRIOR to the wedding to be considered for the discount. 

Non-Parishioners

While couples should be married at their own parish, it may be possible for non-parishioners to be married at the Cathedral provided they are:

1) Practicing Catholics (i.e. attending Sunday Mass each week)

2) Provide a signed letter from their parish Pastor stating he knows who the bride and/or groom is and that they are practicing Catholics

3) The couple must have a priest or deacon to preside over their marriage here. Additionally, the priest or deacon must have permission from our Rector to preside over a marriage here. The priest or deacon must also have a letter of good standing, if he is from a different Archdiocese. For couples from a different Archdiocese, all paperwork must be sent to our Portland Archdiocese

Please click on the image below to view our Policies and Procedures before calling to inquire about a wedding