2006-08-30 16:47:29 · 5 answers · asked by Erick G 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Yes, in all 50 U.S. states and probably in all countries.
I say probably because I'm not sure about places like Communist China.
With love in Christ.
2006-08-30 17:15:43 · answer #1 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
In every state in this country. And NO, you do not need a marriage license to get married by a Priest. Marriage is a religious ceremony and the States in this country recognize that anyone who gets married in a Church is obviously behaing as a married couple with or without a license. All a license does is record the marriage. It doesn't perform the marriage. You need a Clergyman, Justice of the Peace, or Judge to marry you. In common law states all you have to do is sign a registry as man and wife and that makes you married. As a matter of fact, if you aren't careful you may find yourself married for just living together in some states. And the law states, what State laws create only State laws can destroy, in other words you need a divorce to marry anyone else. The guy who told you otherwise was misinformed. Check with the IRS if you don't believe me. This is a tax problem of sorts. But definitely an Ordained Priest can perform your wedding and sign your marriage license as the official participant.
2006-08-31 00:56:11 · answer #2 · answered by LORD Z 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The priest can perform the ceremony, but no ceremony is required beyond formalization of the voluntary agreement to marry.
What makes the marriage legal is getting the license and filling out the proper paperwork. That can happen with or without the involvement of a priest.
In other words, legal marriage and marriage within the church have nothing whatsoever do with one another, but can be combined into the same ceremony if desired.
2006-08-30 23:56:41 · answer #3 · answered by coragryph 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Marriage is a State Institution, not a religious one.
In order to get a certificate to marry people, they have to apply for it, so its up to the Priest to get it. Just "being a Priest" doesn't give him the right to marry people.
2006-08-30 23:53:26 · answer #4 · answered by AdamKadmon 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Definitely.
Point to consider: In my country, the Philippines, the Catholic church does not recognize divorce. It does allow marriage annulment but the process is a lot tougher than divorce.
2006-08-30 23:52:54 · answer #5 · answered by petetabingo 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋