Pre-Marriage Courses Acceptable to the Catholic Church The Catholic Church requires that all couples have "suitable instruction" before making their vows in the sacrament of marriage. This is officially described as follows: ... to provide solid foundations for the marriage covenant, preparation for this is vital .... The spouses require suitable instruction about the dignity of married love, its role and its exercise (Catechism of the Catholic Church, par. 1632 ) While there is no formal process of accreditation for any specific kind of pre-marriage course, it clearly needs to have some reference to the religious ideal of marriage covenant. In order specifically to fulfil these requirements, a course should include a session that outlines Catholic teaching on the dignity of married love, and how the sacrament is celebrated. Before booking their course, couples are well advised to check with your parish priest whether that course will meet his requirements.