The Tribunal in the Diocese of Scranton processes all marriage permissions and dispensations, and prenuptial files for marriages of residents of the Diocese of Scranton who will be married in another diocese. Regardless of the location of the wedding ceremony, a couple is bound to the marriage preparation policy of the diocese where one has domicile (resides). If a Catholic couple lives in the territory of the Diocese of Scranton but will be married in another diocese, the couple is bound to follow the marriage preparation policy of the Diocese of Scranton rather than the policy of the diocese where the marriage will take place.

A couple in need of a permission or dispensation to enter a marriage is to schedule an appointment with the Pastor of the parish where the preparation is taking place. Any priest or deacon of the Scranton Diocese can assist in obtaining the necessary marital permissions/dispensations.

Permission is needed for:

  • Mixed marriage – a Catholic wishing to marry a baptized non-Catholic
  • Mixed marriage within Mass
  • Canon 1071, 3°, no wedding is to take place unless it is proven that the natural obligations toward another party, or children arising from a previous union are being met.
  • Marriage outside an approved place – when a Catholic deacon or priest will witness the vows of the couple, but the wedding will not take place within a parish church. The Diocese of Scranton does not permit outdoor weddings, or weddings outside of a sacred place.

Dispensation is needed for:

  • Disparity of Cult – a Catholic wishing to marry an unbaptized person
  • The marriage of first cousins
  • The impediment of consanguinity or affinity
  • Canonical Form – when a couple does not wish to have a Catholic wedding but wishes to have their marriage by a rabbi, Protestant minister, etc. to be recognized by the Catholic Church. This dispensation is never given for two Catholics.

Prenuptial Files:

If an engaged couple of the Diocese of Scranton are getting married in another diocese, the couple must complete the marriage preparation of the Diocese of Scranton and the prenuptial file.  This is done with the assistance of their pastor. It is requested that the Tribunal receive prenuptial files for weddings outside the diocese at least 30 days in advance for weddings within the United States, and at least 90 days for weddings outside the United States.