For Catholics, the Sacrament of Marriage, or Holy Matrimony, is a public sign that one gives oneself totally to this other person. It is also a public statement about God: the loving union of husband and wife speaks of family values and also God's values.
Couples planning to marry must call at least six (6) months prior to setting date. If either party (even one not Catholic) has a previous marriage, a date cannot be set until the freedom to marry has been established by the Diocesan Tribunal.