2006-10-15 00:48:38 · 10 answers · asked by Jul 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
It depends on the type of church. Different denominations have different rules regarding who can be married. Talk to your pastor, or, if you don't attend a church and just want to be married, talk to the pastor at your local Unitarian-Universalist Congregation. They'll help you have the ceremony that is as spiritual as YOU want, and isn't based on church rules or regulations.
2006-10-15 10:00:44 · answer #1 · answered by Katie Short, Atheati Princess 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off being Baptized and being married in "holy matrimony" are two completely different sacraments. Baptism is a promise either you make (or in the case of a child your family or godparents make) to join with the christian community and to follow god/Christ's teachings. Depending on the church something mystical happens (being cleansed of sin, 'marked' as Christ's own, etc...) or it's symbolic of becoming a part of the church community. Most baptisms are accepted between the different christian sects for marriage (see the next paragraph) but for confirmation (to join the church) they may require those christened as infants to be baptised again as adults. Most churches will also allow private baptisms for adults separate from normal services- with only you and the minister/priest present.
Holy matrimony is a covenant entered into between the two people being married. It does not technically involve the priest/minister. The blessing of the marriage which is different does come through the priest/minister... thus a couple from different religions will often have the marriage 'blessed' by a priest from a different church. No mainstream christian sect that I'm aware of including Catholic requires *both* the bride and groom to be baptised... and being baptised has no affect on entering into holy matrimony. Practically though, most churches do require at least one party to be a member which often includes being confirmed and baptised. Priests/ministers may also have personal requirements.. including being baptised. Some of the religions/churches also require a promise from the non-member to raise any future children in the church.
So if you are not baptized (and don't wish to be- which is a different issue) but still wish to be married in a church or enter into holy matrimony, the answer is yes. If you have a specific sect/church/minister/priest in mind, the answer is it depends. You are better off asking the minister/priest directly for their specific requirements. Don't be embarrassed or worry about them trying to hard sell you- they've probably dealt with mixed marriages before.
2006-10-15 07:55:53 · answer #2 · answered by Sasha62 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Many clergy will not marry you in their church if you aren't baptized but they can and will baptize adults before you get married. Some clergy will marry you if you go to their church even if you aren't a member. If you have no church your best bet is a parent's church b/c at least the pastor there knows them if not you.
If you haven't bothered to become baptized then is religion important enough to you that you want to get married in a church? One thing to consider is that a church wedding is first and foremost a church service giving glory to God and secondly a union of two people. Are you just wanting to use a church as part of the scenery in the production that is your wedding or does it really mean something to you?
2006-10-15 02:40:54 · answer #3 · answered by Not me 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Receiving the Sacrament of marriage without first being baptised is a bit like trying to run before you can walk. In seeking a Christian marriage you must first become a Christian, otherwise it would be invalid as in effect you are making the whole thing hypocritical, (which is something I am sure you would wish to avoid) by saying I want a Christian marriage sacrament without actually first saying you value Christianity.
In short the answer is very big no way.Anyway I hope it all goes well.
2006-10-15 01:38:55 · answer #4 · answered by paulnewbyhq 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Nope, you can be married without being baptized or you can hold your ceremony anywhere you want to...home, garden, park, club or hotel. Check with the church you want to get married in.
2006-10-15 00:57:56 · answer #5 · answered by blueyes2001 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If it's in a Catholic church, you can't get married at the alter unless one of you has been baptized.
2006-10-15 00:56:32 · answer #6 · answered by BIZ Z 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Speak to your priest, you may be able to be baptised at the same time as being married, or shortly beforehand. But, if you aren't baptised, if I were the priest I'd take a little convincing that it was your faith that was leading you to want a religious wedding ceremony.
2006-10-15 01:03:43 · answer #7 · answered by Sangmo 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
not only baptism, you also need to be confirmed before getting married.. its a step by step guide to your faith.. if you're getting married in a catholic church...
they need your certificates baptismal and confirmation...
2006-10-15 02:33:37 · answer #8 · answered by kim B 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
depends on your religion some times you just have to live in the parrish
2006-10-15 01:01:01 · answer #9 · answered by JOHN jen 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
well thats what the catholic church proposes b4 u can .
2006-10-15 00:53:50 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋