What is Marriage?
The sacrament of holy matrimony comes about through a promise made by a man and a woman before God and the Church, which is accepted and confirmed by God and consummated by the bodily union of the couple. Because God himself forms the bond of sacramental marriage, it is binding until the death of one of the partners (CCC, 1625-1631). In order to marry in the Catholic Church, both candidates must be free to marry. This means neither candidate has been validly married before in the past. Widows, widowers and those who have obtained an annulment of their previous marriage are free to marry. Both candidates must be at least 18 years of age, and at least one of them Catholic.
Marriage Celebration at St. Joseph’s Basilica
If you wish to celebrate the sacrament of Matrimony at St Joseph's Basilica, we require that the couple register at least six months before the day of marriage. To register and book the Basilica for your wedding celebration, please contact the parish office and speak to one of the priests 780.488.7295.
We celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage on Saturdays at 11:00am, 1:00pm and 3:00pm. Note that the Sacrament of Marriage is not celebrated on Sundays. Please be aware that the Basilica does not have any facilities for a wedding reception.
If you were civily married outside the Church by a Justice of the Peace or outside the Catholic Church and wish to have your marriage convalidated, please contact one of our priests 780.488.7295.
Marriage Preparation Course
To register for the mandatory Marriage Preparation course after meeting with one of the priests, click here.