Congratulations on your engagement! This is the beginning of a new and exciting chapter and we are pleased to support you along the way.
The Diocese of Darwin has over 15 different churches spread over the vastness of our Diocese. You can choose to be married at any of these, whether your decision is based on proximity or a favorite church.
To organize your wedding, simply search for and contact the parish where you wish to be married.
When you contact the local parish, the priest or parish secretary will discuss your wedding with you.
If you have questions about getting married in the Diocese of Darwin, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first, to organise my wedding?
If you are interested in getting married in one of the churches in Diocese of Darwin the first step is to choose which one. You can use the ‘search for a church’ section above to find the churches closest to where you would like to get married.
Once you have found the church you are interested in, phone the local parish (where the church is located) to discuss your needs. If you have already set a date for your big day, you’ll be able to determine whether the church is available. If you don’t yet have a date, you’ll be able to discuss the booking process and begin your wedding preparation.
Does my wedding ceremony have to be a Mass?
Our parish priests are asked this question a lot! The answer is no. When you get married in a Catholic church you have the option of a ‘Wedding Ceremony’ or a ‘Nuptial Mass’. A Wedding Ceremony celebrates the Liturgy of the Word and includes gospel readings (which you select with your priest) and the Liturgy of Marriage, where you exchange vows and rings and the priest will pray a nuptial blessing over you. A full Nuptial Mass includes the above celebrations and is followed by the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
The parish will discuss these options with you and help you choose what’s best for you and your family.
Do I have to be Catholic to get married in a church?
As marriage is one of the seven sacraments in the Catholic Church at least one party to the marriage (either the bride or groom) should be a baptised Catholic. It’s not necessary for you both to be Catholic or baptised Catholic.
What is marriage preparation?
Before your wedding day you’ll have the opportunity to complete a pre-marriage education course. It will be an opportunity for you and your partner to discuss your goals for the future, your roles in the relationship, how you’ll deal with conflict, parenting and many other critical things in the lead up to your marriage.
There are a few different options available for couples including private one on one courses or group sessions with other couples. All courses are delivered by trained facilitators or professional relationship educators, not by the priest who is marrying you.