The course takes place over twp days: a Friday evening (7:00pm – 9:00pm) and Saturday (10:30am – 3:30pm).

• For dates marked ‘Online only’, both Friday and Saturday sessions will take place on Zoom.
• For dates marked ‘Online/Gillis’, the Friday evening session takes place on Zoom and the Saturday session at the Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB).

To register for a course, please use the Eventbrite booking page – online courses or the Evenbrite booking page - in-person courses.

If you have any questions about the booking process, please contact chancery.marriage@staned.org.uk.

*Please make sure that you speak to your parish priest here in the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh to discuss your situation before registering for a course. Please also give at least six months’ notice to your parish priest.

Course dates

2/3 May 2025 – Marriage Preparation, Online/Gillis Centre

23/24 May 2025 – Marriage Preparation, Online/Gillis Centre

19/20 September 2025 – Marriage Preparation, Online only

24/25 October 2025 – Marriage Preparation, Online/Gillis Centre

The Course 

A marriage preparation course is a requirement for those wishing to be married in the Catholic Church. This course seeks to lead couples to a greater understanding of God’s plan for marriage and his call to live this beautiful vocation as fully, freely and fruitfully as possible.

Couples are invited also to reflect on some important aspects of growing and sustaining their relationship including sacraments, prayer, good communication and managing conflict. It also presents the Marriage Rite, emphasising the importance and significance of the vows made in the church, before God, family and friends.

Sessions are led by Fr Benedict Iwatt, Vicar Episcopal for Marriage & Families, and presented by clergy and married couples.

If you have any issues, please contact Fr Benedict Iwatt at vemarriage@staned.org.uk