Online Catholic Marriage Preparation | Complete Pre-Cana Course
💒 Complete Pre-Cana Course
Comprehensive online marriage preparation course. Includes Natural Family Planning instruction. Self-paced, 4-5 hours to complete. Used by Catholic couples and parishes. Certificates available upon completion. Perfect for engaged couples or marriage convalidation.
What Is Catholic Marriage Preparation?
All dioceses require couples to undergo marriage preparation before receiving the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. Marriage is a life-long commitment and a Sacrament that confers God's grace on those who are married. Because it is irrevocable and sacred, the Catholic Church requires serious preparation before marriage. This preparation is often called a Pre-Cana course.
The term "Pre-Cana" refers to the Wedding Feast at Cana, where Jesus performed His first miracle (John 2:1-12). Pre-Cana preparation helps engaged couples reflect on the spiritual, emotional, and practical aspects of marriage to ensure they are truly prepared for the Sacrament.
What Does Pre-Cana Cover?
Our comprehensive Pre-Cana course covers the essential topics for Catholic marriage preparation:
- ✓ Marriage as a Sacrament: Understanding marriage as sacred, not just civil ceremony
- ✓ Purpose of Marriage: The unitive and procreative dimensions of married life
- ✓ Roles of Husband and Wife: Mutual duties and respect in marriage
- ✓ Natural Family Planning (NFP): Church teaching on contraception and responsible family planning
- ✓ Communication & Conflict Resolution: Building strong foundations for marriage
- ✓ Financial Planning: Managing finances together as a married couple
- ✓ Family Goals: Discussing children, family life, and God's role in your family
- ✓ Catholic Teachings: Grounded in Scripture, Papal encyclicals, and Church doctrine
- ✓ Spiritual Preparation: The grace of the Sacrament and the spiritual life of a married couple
Why Choose Our Online Pre-Cana Course?
- ✓ Comprehensive: Covers all essential topics for Catholic marriage preparation
- ✓ Affordable: Complete Pre-Cana course at a fraction of other providers' costs
- ✓ Self-Paced: 4-5 hours to complete. Study on your own schedule
- ✓ 24/7 Online Access: Complete anytime, anywhere, from any device
- ✓ Includes NFP: Full Natural Family Planning instruction built in
- ✓ Certificate Upon Completion: Send directly to your parish or diocese
- ✓ Used by Catholic Couples & Parishes: Many couples and parishes trust our course
- ✓ For Engaged Couples or Convalidation: Whether preparing for first marriage or convalidating an existing marriage
- ✓ Based on Church Teaching: Grounded in the writings of the Popes, the Catechism, and Scripture
What's Included in the Course?
Our Pre-Cana course includes:
- Some video lessons and explanations from marriage & faith experts
- Comprehensive readings on Catholic marriage teaching
- A final interactive quiz to verify understanding
- Natural Family Planning (NFP) instruction and methods
- Scripture passages supporting each topic
- Discussion questions for couples to work through together
- Automatic certificate of completion upon finishing
- Lifetime access—study anytime, reference material later
How Long Does It Take?
The course is designed to take 4-5 hours to complete. Since it's self-paced with no deadlines, you can finish as quickly or slowly as you like. Many couples spread it over a few weeks, others complete it in one weekend.
What Couples Say
"We found our marriage prep courses to be comprehensive and easy to understand! The narration feature made the courses easy to follow along with and the time commitment was very reasonable. Highly recommended!"
– Alexander & Abby Sofronas | Married Couple | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Is Confirmation Required for Marriage?
Yes. The Catholic Church requires that both spouses be confirmed before receiving the Sacrament of Marriage. This is an important sacramental requirement with very limited exceptions.
If you or your spouse needs Confirmation preparation: We offer comprehensive Confirmation classes online for adults. Whether you're a lifelong Catholic who hasn't been confirmed yet or new convert preparing for this important Sacrament, complete Confirmation preparation at the same time as your Pre-Cana.
What If One Partner Isn't Catholic?
If one partner is not Catholic, he/she must first become Catholic through the Sacrament of Baptism and complete RCIA (also called OCIA). We offer complete RCIA Classes online in addition to our Pre-Cana courses and much more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pre-Cana
Q: Will this course satisfy my Pre-Cana requirement?
A: Yes. Our Pre-Cana course is recognized by parishes and dioceses. We provide certificates that can be sent directly to your parish or diocese for your marriage preparation records.
Q: Is Natural Family Planning instruction included?
A: Yes. Our Pre-Cana course includes comprehensive Natural Family Planning instruction as part of the curriculum. This covers the Church's teaching on contraception, responsible family planning methods, and the spiritual significance of NFP in marriage.
Q: Can we take the course separately as a couple?
A: Yes. Each person can complete the course individually and receive their own certificate of completion. This is helpful if one person is traveling or has different scheduling needs.
Q: How do I get my certificate to my parish?
A: Upon completing the course, you can request your certificate or completion which will be emailed to you - and you will have the option to also order a physically shipped one if you choose. The certificate includes all necessary information for parish purposes.
Q: Can I use this course also for marriage convalidation?
A: Yes. Our Pre-Cana course is used by couples seeking to convalidate their marriage (have it blessed by the Church). The course prepares couples spiritually and educationally for this sacramental blessing.
Q: How much does the course cost?
A: We offer affordable pricing significantly lower than most other Pre-Cana providers. Check our course page for current pricing. We also offer options to take Pre-Cana alone or bundled with additional courses.
Ready to Prepare for Marriage?
Marriage is a sacred bond and a Sacrament. Proper preparation strengthens your foundation and helps you understand the spiritual depth of what you're entering. Our Pre-Cana course provides everything you need—affordably, conveniently, and thoroughly.
Other Resources:
Course Selector Tool |
RCIA Classes (for non-Catholics) |
Natural Family Planning Course