Marriage

The perfect love that should exist between spouses demands total self sacrifice and absolute commitment. However, this beautiful ideal is humanly impossible. Therefore, Jesus instituted the Sacrament of Matrimony in which he gives spouses the capacity to love in a way that would be otherwise impossible. In this sacrament Jesus strengthens the bond of marriage so that in their mutual love spouses welcome children and educate them in holiness. In this way they become a reflection of Jesus' love for the Church.

To ensure that engaged couples have adequate time to prepare for the sacrament in a serious way, they must contact the St. Benilde Parish Office six to eight months in advance of the wedding date, and conclude the formal preparation process no closer than two month prior to the wedding date. Nine months to one year is ideal. It is recommended that couples contact the celebrant and church prior to check requirements and availability before contacting reception halls and other vendors.

This preparation time is not just a “waiting period” for the ceremony, but rather an important, teachable moment in preparation for the lifetime journey on which the couple is about to embark.

For additional information about the requirements of Marriage Preparation in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, Click Here.

Upon scheduling your wedding at St. Benilde Church, you will receive a "Wedding Guidelines Booklet" that should answer most of your questions and provide instructions for how to proceed with planning your wedding at St. Benilde. The parish staff and our wedding coordinators are always available to offer you guidance and direction. 

A copy of our Wedding Guidelines as well as the contact information for our Wedding Coordinators can be downloaded from the website. Our wedding coordinators are available to answer any questions you may have as you prepare to celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony at St. Benilde Parish. 

St. Benilde also offers in-home marriage preparation for engaged couples wishing to be married in the Church. This allows couples to meet one-on-one with another couple, providing a more intimate and personalized marriage preparation experience. A mentor Couple can uniquely journey together with you and your fiancee as you prepare to embark on your new life together.

For more information contact Casey Sprehe at [email protected] or 504-583-4465