Marriage Preparation Courses
Couples planning to marry in the Catholic Church are required to complete a marriage preparation course.
Important: Before booking a course, please speak to your parish priest in the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh to discuss your marriage plans. You should give your priest at least six months’ notice before your intended wedding date.
Course dates and booking
Each course takes place over two days:
- Friday: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
- Saturday: 10:30am – 3:30pm
There are two types of course available:
Option 1: Fully online (Zoom)
Both the Friday evening and Saturday sessions take place online via Zoom.
Available dates:
- Friday 19 – Saturday 20 February 2027
- Friday 14 – Saturday 15 May 2027
- Friday 24 – Saturday 25 September 2027
Book a fully online course here
Option 2: Online Friday / In-person Saturday
The Friday evening session takes place online via Zoom.
The Saturday session takes place in person at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB.
Available dates:
- Friday 19 – Saturday 20 March 2027
- Friday 21 – Saturday 22 May 2027
- Friday 22 – Saturday 23 October 2027
Book an online/in-person course here
About the course
Marriage preparation is a requirement for couples wishing to marry in the Catholic Church.
The course helps couples develop 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 will reflect on important aspects of building and sustaining their relationship, including the sacraments, prayer, communication and managing conflict.
The course also explores the Catholic Marriage Rite, with particular emphasis on the meaning and significance of the marriage vows made before God, family and friends.
Sessions are led by Fr Benedict Iwatt, Vicar Episcopal for Marriage & Families, with presentations from clergy and married couples.
Questions?
For questions about bookings, please email chancery.marriage@staned.org.uk.
For other enquiries about the course, please contact Fr Benedict Iwatt at vemarriage@staned.org.uk.