Non-denominational wedding?

Question

I was proposed to a couple weeks ago and I am now in the early stages of planning our wedding. I am a non-practicing Roman Catholic while he is Lutheran. We want to be married in a church (It would have to be Catholic as the Lutheran churches can only fit like 20 people) but neither of us want to convert. Does anyone know the church's policy regarding this? I would like to solve this before either of our parents get involved.

Neither of our parents will accept a wedding outside the church. I thought they would marry us but only if we agreed we would raise our children catholic?

In all honesty neither of us care that much about religion, we both believe in God but we don't see one religion any better than another. This is one part of the wedding I am willing to compromise with to try to keep the peace. I wasn't sure (and neither is he) of the best way to handle this.

Treday 25 - Actually I think most people realize that not all churches are that small but I felt it redundant to point out the obvious --perhaps I should keep the very ignorant in mind next time!

Answer 1

You are mistaken. I am not sure where YOU live but not all Lutheren churches only hold 20 people.

Answer 2

I am a lay Pastoral Associate who does Marriage preparation in a Catholic parish. The church's "policy" is that the Sacrament of Marriage is intended for people when it is the appropriate choice for the way in which the couple want to live out their married lives. And, believe me this happens a lot, NOT when the ONLY reason is that the space for the wedding is just the right size, or the church is a pretty backdrop for a wedding, or the bride always pictured candlelight and organ music at the ceremony. Catholics and Lutherans are married in Catholic church buildings all the time - assuming that one of the couple have a meaningful connection to the Catholic faith community - cuz that's what's happening there, an expression of faith as well as a promise between two people. Sounds like the writer would be better off finding a non-denominational chapel - if indeed she is "non-practicing" and figures on staying that way. Otherwise, the question remains for me - why even have the wedding in a Catholic church?

Answer 3

Get your premarital counselling before you pick a location. I know that most people do it later, but early is good. And if you need to do it through the church as well, see if you can negotiate out of it because you already had it done, or just go and get the extra benefit. Religious differences are one of the big problems, and no one on Yahoo!Answers will be able to help you with this. Yes, this is about the wedding. What about when you have kids though? Howe are you going to feel when he insists on having them baptized, and taking them to church with you? Remember, it is just as important to him that you two marry in a church as it is to you that you two don't do so. Most churches are very good about how they do a wedding when one party isn't religious. I'm not quite sure how you feel about it, but I went to a church wedding where the groom was a very devout atheist. They picked readings that made no mention of God (they were mostly about how much couples loved each other), and they were able to omit most of the prayers.

Answer 4

If you want to get married in a church you have to follow the rules of that church/pastor/priest. It just depends on the how liberal the priest is, if there is such a thing.

I had a non-denomination wedding. I was a non practicing Baptist, my fiance, a non practicing Roman Catholic. We had a Unitarian Univeralist minister marry us at an old historical home ie, not a church.

Answer 5

Most religions/ministers will only marry people of the same faith; usually theirs, but some will do other's as well.

You can rent a church; and if that Pastor won't marry you, find a Christian Offciant (such as myself) that will do interfaith marriages, Make sure you discuss ALL this with the church official, FIRST.

To find an Officiant type in your search engine: city, state, wedding officiant. Or go to my site. I, as are other Officiants, registered as wedding vendors on different sites.

Good luck to you. And should you need any help, give me a shout.

http://www.weddingvowsandpromises/Links.html

Answer 6

Well I can tell you that 38 years ago a Byzantine Catholic church in Johnstown, PA was willing to marry my dad (Lutheran) and my mom (Catholic). My dad had some discussions with the priest but he didn't convert. The only person who can actually answer this question is the priest at the church you want to get married in. Call a church, I'm sure they'll be willing to work with you. You will both probably have to go precana lessons. Good Luck.

Answer 7

As far as I know, the Catholic church will only marry 2 Catholics. I have friends trying to get married in the Catholic church and only one of them is Catholic - they can't find anyone to do it without the one converting. If space is the only issue, can't you go to a park or a garden or something?

Answer 8

Non Denominational Church Wedding

Answer 9

I'm Greek Orthodox and my husband is catholic. My church married us without my husband converting to orthodox. your best bet is to ask the priest what the church will do.

Answer 10

I have found that alot of churches operate independantly...meaning what one Catholic church won't do another Catholic church WILL do...you have to check around.