Matrimony

Holy Orders and Matrimony, are directed towards the salvation of others; if they contribute as well to personal salvation, it is through service to others that they do so.....The matrimonial 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. (CIC 1534; 1601) 

In the Catholic Church, marriage is more than a natural institution; It is a spiritual contract and one of the seven sacraments. The effect of this sacrament is an increase in sanctifying grace for the engaged couple. This grace allows each spouse to help the other grow in holiness and cooperate in God's plan of redemption by raising their children in the Catholic faith.

The Marriage Process at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Parish

To begin a formal discernment process for marriage, call the office to make an appointment with one of our priests at least six months before your desired wedding date. For spring and summer weddings, we recommend contacting us a year in advance as our calendar fills up quickly.

***Please note that weddings will not take place during the Lent season (Ash Wednesday to Easter)***

During your appointment with the priest, the date and time of your wedding will be set, he will answer your questions and guide you through the pre-marriage process. Some of the requirements that will be discussed will be:

• Taking the marriage preparation class:
  • Next class is March 2025

• Obtaining a legal marriage license

• Wedding fees

• The elements of the Liturgical Celebration
  
  

• Sacraments: Both individuals must be baptized, confirmed, and have received their First Communion.
  
• Required Documents: Before your appointment with the priest, bring:
  • Baptismal Certificate: An original copy, valid for the last 6 months, for each person.
  • First Communion Certificate
  • Confirmation Certificate
• Make an Appointment: Call the Parish Office to schedule an appointment with the priest to start the process.
• Witnesses: You need two witnesses (Godparents). They must also meet with our Priest after the initial interview.
• Premarital Class
• 1 Month Before your Wedding
  • Marriage License: Obtain a Marriage License from Snohomish County Court 1 month before your wedding.
  • Schedule a Meeting with our Coordinator: to select a reading for your wedding from this book:
    • Spanish Book: Juntos Para Toda La Vida por Joseph M. Champlin y Peter A. Jarret, CSC
      • Lecturas_para_bodas.pdf (ecatholic.com)
    • English Book: Together for Life Wedding Readings by Joseph Champlin y Peter A. Jarret, CSC
    • Books are available in Spanish and English our office.
• 1 week Before your Weeding:
  • Rehearsal at our Parish
• Wedding Dates: Weddings are held on Saturdays.
  • Spanish Music Contact Information: 
    • Monica Mendoza: 206 261 4031 
    • Roman Lopez 206 578 0286 
  • English Music Contact Information:
    • Kathy Egashira: 206 586 3573

• Please contact Marcia Gimenez: [email protected]

Click Here to find helpful resources on the Archdiocese of Seattle webpage.