As every bride (and bride's mother) knows, organizing a wedding is no small task. It involves a great deal of preparation that goes beyond organizing the Mass and the party, as it also includes spiritual preparation to receive the sacrament of Marriage.
One of the first decisions to make is to set a date for the celebration.
We’re suggesting you base your choice on a unique and meaningful criterion: choosing the same date as holy marriages to choose them as patrons and sources of inspiration!
In fact, some of the few married couples who have been canonized or beatified by the Church have their feast day on their anniversary!
A date with purpose
Some years, these dates won’t fall on a weekend — which is when weddings are usually celebrated — but you can choose a day close to the date. During this time of preparation, don't forget to read about these holy couples, imitate their virtues, and entrust yourselves to their intercession. Below are some dates you can consider for your dream wedding.
1Blessed Conchita Cabrera and Francisco de Armida
This couple was married on November 8, 1884.
Conchita and Pancho gave birth to six wonderful children, so they’ll know how to guide you in guiding your own family. Blessed “Conchita,” as she is affectionately known, founded the Apostolate of the Cross.
In addition, this great blessed woman left behind several writings that are still very popular today and can help you in your married and family life.
2Sts. Louis Martin and Zélie Guerin
Thérèse of Lisieux’s parents, noble and exemplary saints in their own right, celebrated their marriage on July 12, 1858. They did it in a very special way, as their Mass was celebrated at midnight. Both were canonized on October 18, 2015.
This holy couple will help you maintain spirituality in your marriage. They can also help you offer everything — every joy and every obstacle — to God with nobility and deep devotion.
3Sts. Joachim and Anne
In the case of Mary's parents, Sts. Joachim and Anne, we remember their day as a solemnity on July 26. They’re undoubtedly a great example as spouses and parents, given their faith, perseverance, and family love as the parents of the Virgin Mary and grandparents of Jesus.
4Sts. Elizabeth and Zechariah
Known for being the parents of St. John the Baptist, these saints are celebrated on November 5. Although the year they were married is unknown, a day is designated to celebrate them.
5The Ulmas
Blessed Józef and Wiktoria Ulma are recognized for their great courage and family love in Christ. This has led many people to look to their example and that of their seven children; they were martyred as a family.
They were married on July 7, now their feast day. The holy couple and their children were beatified in 2023.
6The Blessed Quattrocchis
This couple, Luigi and Maria Beltrame Quattrocchi, were the first married couple to be beatified together, without having suffered martyrdom, and they’re recognized for their great devotion and fidelity to Christ.
They were married on November 25, 1906, so if you’re planning to get married at the end of the year, this may be a great opportunity to take advantage of the date and entrust yourself to this beautiful couple.
7St. Joseph and the Blessed Virgin Mary
To close with a flourish, we must contemplate the special example of marriage and family offered by the parents of Jesus: Mary and Joseph. We remember them with a solemnity (the Feast of the Holy Family) every December. The date changes every year as it's the first Sunday after Christmas.
At the other end of the calendar is a feast of the espousals of Mary and Joseph. This is celebrated by some religious congregations, generally on January 23.
