The way to the wedding altar can be harrowing, but if everyone keeps their eyes on what's most important – God – and not the problems, it is easier.

After 64 years, 9 children, 41 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren, Kathleen and Vincent Piazza's marriage is still going strong.

What a beautiful image of what marriage truly is: a vocation in which husband and wife serve the Lord, continually seeking holiness as one.

Marriage preparation requirements are becoming more common by state governments for their citizenry not marrying in the church by taking such steps as providing discounts on the marriage license for availing themselves of pre-marital education.

Father Pat Connor's book entitled "Whom Not to Marry" delves into his experience of more than 40 years as a marriage counselor.

More and more couples go to dating websites to find a suitable match, even their lifelong husband or wife. Interesting review of various services, how they work and outcomes.

Deacon Farinelli's poignant column reminds married couples of the deep and reverent meaning vows they exchanged on their wedding day - and that we are called, like Jesus, not to be served but to serve each other. In all the days of our lives, good and bad, Christ's model transforms us into one couple.

The most recent available information for weddings at Archdiocese of New Orleans parish churches follows. Contact each for their wedding guidelines and to schedule. Not a comprehensive list. 

Walking down the church aisle isn't always the first time a groom sees his bride on their wedding day.

We commit to marriage “all the days of our life,” not just on the good days.

Both joyous and painful memories can assail us at Christmastime. Don't by shy in discussing this with your spouse.

The dress was first worn by Suzanne Kramer Perret at her wedding in 1957. Since then, with a nip here and a tuck there, the dress has been worn nine more times, with more to come.

Jan and Lloyd Tate have been helping couples for decades prepare for marriage. Here is their list of marriage priorities, distilled through their interactions with 300-plus engaged couples.

The mentor-couple, two-on-two approach to Catholic marriage preparation seems to be the richest preparation available.

COVID made us refocus on what is important. Weddings are not about reception venues, bands and the number of guests; weddings are about family.

The Clarion Herald offers a 16-page resource to engaged couples preparing to marry in the Catholic Church: Stories on overcoming the challenges of the pandemic, checklists, marriage prep programs and church availability.

The following information is the most recent available information for church weddings at various parishes in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Contact the parishes to schedule wedding dates and for policies. The churches in the following list are among the ones that have celebrated the most weddings in recent years. It is not a comprehensive list. (504) area code is assumed unless otherwise listed.

Ana Tolkach and Alex Roscigno met and fell in love as undergraduates at Franciscan University of Steubenville, and, later,  even as they were separated by hundreds of miles – Ana in Pennsylvania and Alex in Slidell – they knew they were going to be married.

Engaged couples have a multitude of marriage preparations to choose from in the Catholic Church. But, what exists for baptized Catholic couples civilly married who seek validation of their marriage in the eyes of the Catholic Church? 

Since early on in our marriage, my wife has had to deal with my tendency to avoid thinking about anything but the here and now. For instance, I often forget to tell my wife important scheduling details, and I don’t remember to take note of the ones she shares with me. So, after a few major events got double-booked, it became clear to us that we needed a merged online calendar ASAP.