Marriage exists for the good of the individual spouses and for the good of the community. The right to marry is a fundamental right grounded in human nature itself, and both civil and canon law protect this right. Thus, a priest or deacon may not lightly delay a wedding of a parishioner who is free to marry. However, for a just reason, a priest or deacon may recommend a wedding be delayed. In a few cases and for a serious reason, a priest or deacon, acting in good conscience, may refuse to act as the “witness for the church” in a particular wedding.

The purpose of this process is to ensure due process to the couples and to protect their rights against arbitrary decisions by pastoral ministers. When an appeal to the Chancery is made, the priest or deacon will be asked to explain his reasons for the delay, which must be sound reasons that can be documented. The couple has a right to a final decision within thirty days of their appeal to the Chancery.