Office of Canonical Services

The Office for Canonical Services handles all dispensations and permissions related to the preparation and celebration of marriage. It provides general assistance to parishes regarding all the pre-marriage forms required for marriage within and outside the Archdiocese.

Any questions regarding marriage dispensation/permission should be directed to [email protected].

Any questions regarding premarital forms should be directed to [email protected].

For a wedding to take place in another diocese:

To ensure sufficient time to process the pre-marriage files properly, they must be received by the Office of Canonical Services by mail at least three (3) months before the proposed wedding date.

Documents are to be sent to:
Office of Canonical Services
Archdiocese of Washington
PO Box 29260
Washington, DC 20017-0260

Marriage Preparation Forms

1. Marriage overview form English
2. Marriage paperwork checklist English
3. Prenuptial Questionnaire English| Spanish (Form C1)
4. Prenuptial Witness Affidavit English| Spanish (Form C2)
5. Letter of Permission for Parishioners to be married at another Parish English (Form C3)
6. Marriage Permission/Dispensation Form English| Spanish (Form C4)