• To start a family: "God blessed them, and God said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth'" (Genesis 1:28)
• To share their love with someone special: Getting married in the Catholic Church is a way for two people (a man and a woman) who love each other to share their love in a special way. They can make a commitment to each other to be faithful and to support each other for the rest of their lives.
• To be blessed by God: Catholics believe that getting married in the Church is a way to receive God’s blessing on their relationship. By making a commitment to each other in the presence of God and the Church community, they can receive God’s grace and guidance as they journey through life together.

In the Catholic Church, two people who are not already married and are of the opposite sex (a man and a woman) can receive the Sacrament of Matrimony. They must be free to marry (not currently married or in a relationship that could lead to marriage) and must be committed to a lifelong partnership of love and faithfulness to each other. Additionally, they must be willing to raise any children they have in the Catholic faith.

In the Catholic Church, someone must receive the Sacrament of Matrimony in a church, chapel, or other Catholic sacred place. At UH, couples may choose to get married at the AD Bruce Religion Center.

The wedding ceremony is usually performed by a priest or deacon and is attended by family and friends.

The timing of the wedding can vary based on the couple’s preferences and the availability of the church.

The couple typically meets with the priest or deacon several times before the wedding to prepare for the sacrament and to ensure that they are ready for the commitment of marriage.