Sacrament of Matrimony
A sacred covenant between a man and a woman, reflecting the unbreakable love of Christ for His Church. Begin your journey here.
How to Begin
Follow these steps to prepare for your Catholic wedding in Kuwait. Begin early — preparation takes a minimum of 6 months.
Contact Your Parish Priest
Visit or contact the priest at your parish before making any wedding arrangements. Do not set a date or book a venue without his approval first.
Attend Marriage Preparation Course
Both parties must complete a Marriage Preparation Course offered by the Vicariate. Check with your parish for upcoming course dates. Certificate is valid for 2 years.
Submit Your Documents
Gather and submit all required documents (see below) to your parish office. Documents must be originals or certified copies.
Pre-Nuptial Interview
Meet with your priest for the canonical pre-nuptial interview. This is a Church requirement to verify your freedom to marry and your understanding of the sacrament.
Plan the Liturgical Ceremony
Together with your priest, plan the prayers, Scripture readings, music, and wedding format. Liturgical preparation takes priority over all social arrangements.
Celebrate the Sacrament
Your wedding Mass is celebrated before a priest and two witnesses. Arrive on time — punctuality is essential so as not to disrupt other liturgical services.
Documents Required
Original documents or certified copies must be submitted to your parish office. Requirements may vary slightly per parish — confirm with your priest.
- Baptismal Certificate (issued within last 6 months, with "Free to Marry" status)
- Confirmation Certificate
- Birth Certificate
- Valid Passport (both parties)
- Civil ID / Residency (Iqama)
- CENOMAR — Certificate of No Marriage Record (from country of origin)
- NOC for Marriage (General or Filipino — see Vicariate website)
- Marriage Preparation Course Certificate
- Passport-size photographs (both parties)
- Details of two Catholic witnesses (passport copies)
- All documents listed under First-Time Marriage
- Dispensation from the Bishop required for marriage with a non-Catholic
- Non-Catholic party's Baptism Certificate (if baptised)
- Catholic party must sign promise to remain faithful and raise children Catholic
- Non-Catholic party must be informed of Catholic party's promises
- Additional permission required if non-Catholic is unbaptised
- All documents listed under First-Time Marriage
- Decree of Nullity (Church Annulment) — certified copy
- Civil Divorce Certificate (certified & translated if not in English)
- Death Certificate of former spouse (if widowed)
- Proof the previous marriage has been duly noted in Baptismal Register
- Letter from parish priest confirming freedom to marry
⚠ Please consult your parish priest early — annulment cases require additional time for canonical review.
Ceremony Guidelines
These pastoral guidelines help ensure your wedding is a beautiful, reverent, and meaningful celebration of the sacrament.
Music
Music must be liturgical in nature, helping the congregation to pray and participate. Choose sacred hymns appropriate to the celebration.
Flowers & Décor
Floral displays on the altar are welcome. Pew decorations are permitted provided they are removed after the ceremony.
Photography
Photography must not interfere with the ceremony. The couple is responsible for communicating proper decorum to their photographer.
Punctuality
Arrive on time. Delays disrupt other liturgical services scheduled at the church. Plan your group's arrival well in advance.
No Rice / Confetti
No rice, confetti, or similar items may be thrown in the church or on its grounds. Food and drink are not permitted inside the church.
Nuptial Fee
A nuptial fee is given to the celebrating priest. If the choir is specially called, a nominal fee applies. All decoration costs are met by the couple.
Church Grounds
The wedding group is expected to leave the church and its grounds as clean as they found them.
Civil Marriage
For civil recognition, a separate civil marriage contract may be drawn up at your country's embassy. Requirements vary — contact your embassy directly.
Register for Marriage Preparation
Select the form in your preferred language and complete the registration. Both forms must be submitted before your first meeting with the parish priest.
Registration Form
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Contact a Parish
Reach out to the parish where you intend to celebrate your wedding. Your parish priest will guide you through the entire process.