Office of Canonical Services Resources

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 EnglishSpanish (Form C1)
  4. Prenuptial Witness Affidavit EnglishSpanish (Form C2)
  5. Letter of Permission for Parishioners to be married at another Parish English (Form C3)
  6. Marriage Permission/Dispensation Form EnglishSpanish (Form C4)

Very Reverend George E. Stuart, J.C.D.

Episcopal Vicar for Canonical Services and Vice Chancellor

Emy Mendoza

Ecclesiastical Notary