what church will marry you when you don't practice their religion?

Question

my daughter is getting married in 2007 and does not practice any one religion ,nor does her fiance,they are looking to get married in new york ,may 2007,she resides in another state,but our family is here in new york.Any information would be greatly appreciated

Answer 1

You would be surprised how many will allow you to do this. Some will require to meet with the pastor or whatever they have (lol) or go to a few couples classes. First, have them pick what churches they like. Then contact the church and see what their policy is.

Answer 2

I would suggest considering something other than a church, since a religious building obviously doesn't mean much to her or her fiance.

Depending on your location in the state--I'm in Central New York, and I know a number of beautiful restaurants that can be rented for a day (pretty cheap too) for such ceremonies, and then you need a justice of the peace, judge, or often a baptist, methodist, or similar christian (NOT CATHOLIC) pastor will leave his church to perform a ceremony. Of course those same religions will also often marry a couple in their church even if they aren't a part of their congregation.

Further North in NY happens to be where I'm having my wedding, later in the summer after your daughter's wedding. Look up UncleSam Boat Tours on the St. Lawrence River. One of their tours goes to Heart Island, where Bolt (Boldt?) Castle was built by a man as a wedding present to his wife/fiance. They will share the beautiful story with you, and although the castle is old and mostly in ruins (it's a museum now) there are a number of rooms that are still beautiful and will serve as a lovely & romantic wedding ceremony location, but would be suitable for a smaller wedding.

Also, consider outdoor weddings, as their often done by non-religious people, as an opposition to the church scene.

Make sure whatever you do, the bride and groom are happy and comfortable, that's what matters most!

Good luck!

Answer 3

Actually, beyond the Catholic church, a lot of churches will be willing to marry your daughter and her fiance. Most pastors will ask that the couple meet with them--some will ask for a few meetings before the wedding (That may be something to work out since she lives in another state.)

Just get out the phone book and start calling around. Non-denominational churches might be a good place to start.

Another option is to simply rent the building (a lot of churches will let you) and bring your own minister--you'd still be calling around asking for a minister, but that's something to keep in mind if you can find a building that matches your date, but the pastor there is not willing to marry the couple. You could still rent that building and then find a pastor who is willing.

Answer 4

It all depends on the church itself. Some churches require proof of baptism, and want them to attend seminar and counseling beforehand, but then there are some that are fine with a nice donation.

In all honesty, the best thing to do is get a permit for a park or outdoor facility, or even look into catering halls which have a chapel or gradens on the premesis, and have an officiant marry them to save the trouble of dealing with the different churches.

Answer 5

It's probably best to go church by church. I know that within the same religion some parrishes allow that kind of thing and some don't. You probably won't have any luck in Catholic or Mormon churches. Other than that though, you can just walk into a church and ask - the worst that'll happen is they'll say no - but they might be able to give you some ideas on where else to try.

Answer 6

does your daughter want to get married in a church? She can get married just about anywhere and have a justice of the peace perform the ceremony as well.
When I got married I was not affliated with any church in particular but we did find a minister and he charged us $50 to perform the wedding but he had to travel to us. Our wedding and reception were held in the same place. A friend got married at a lake and had a justice of the peace because she and her fiancee are atheist but many of their friends worship at churches. So rather than step on any toes they kept it neutral. Good Luck

Answer 7

Churches will rent their facilities. But the minister may have problems marrying them if they are of a different faith, not only his but each other's as well. They're just going to have to do some shopping around.

There are other places to marry; country clubs, museums, parks, fraternities, farms, flower gardens.......even a beautiful setting can be made in a part of the reception hall.

Good luck.

Ps. Check out some of the links on my site.

http://www.weddingvowsandpromises.com/Links.html

Answer 8

If you are not religious why would you get married in a church anyway?The whole point of getting married in a church is so you can do so under God.

So you might want to get married at the Justice Of Peace or You can have a Justice Of Peace marry you at your own chosen location-

I am a christian but since I wanted to get married outdoors I hired a Justice Of The Peace and he came to our location.

Answer 9

Please let her plan her own wedding. If she is getting married, she should be an adult.

Why do they want a religious wedding at all, if they don't practice any religion?

The Unitarian Universalists let you alter the ceremony to reflect what the couple personally believes.

Answer 10

I hate to say this, but for the right fee, anything can happen. I baptized my niece and I am not even Catholic.

If she wants to go Catholic, she may need to be baptized and make her first communion so its legal or you could make a heafty contribution to the church.