Church Ceremony- How To

I am really confused about church weddings and how to get married at the church you want. A pair of my friends just got married and it took them 3 weeks to find a church that would marry them. Meaning they didn`t have to be a part of the parish for a year before they were married. I thought that was strange since every church I look into you need to live in that town or go to that church for a year. Can someone explain this crazy process??
Thanks