This will be a second marriage for me and my girlfriend. We would like our 3 daughters to stand up in the wedding but not sure if a best man & maid/matron of honor is required in a catholic wedding?
2007-01-30 08:06:42 · 6 answers · asked by Mark 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
The Code of Canon Law says that two witnesses, in addition to the priest, are required for a valid marriage. But is rather vague about who can be witnesses.
The requirements to be a witness seem to vary from diocese to diocese so you will have to ask your priest if your daughters will be acceptable.
With love in Christ.
2007-01-30 16:21:57 · answer #1 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your children are not traditional witnesses in a Catholic wedding. The catolic wedding withnesses are supposed to be adult people that you trust and that are close to you (just like a Godmother/father on a catholic christening). Best man and MOH are costumary withnesses.
Furthermore, you need TWO withnesses and you have three daughters, so you cannot get away with it without having one of them LEFT OUT, and you don't want that. Anyway, you may want to ask the Priest if this is possible and if he agrees (otherwise he won't do it and you don't want a scene in the middle of the wedding or last minute changes.) I don't know the ages of yoru daughters, but the withneses have to be adults and they have to be catholic as well (in some churches you might be able to get away with having non-catholic withnesses depending on how ortodox -read old- is your priest).
make them bridesmaids, they will be happy with that and make yoru BM and MOH your witnesses.
Congrats and good luck.
2007-01-30 08:54:39 · answer #2 · answered by Blunt 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Witness doesnt mean they have to stand up at the altar. Anyone who is present can sign the marriage cert as long as they are legal adults. Its just easier if your MOH and BM do it because they are with you at all times during the wedding before and after.
2007-01-30 08:53:47 · answer #3 · answered by kateqd30 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need 2 adult witnesses in any wedding, to sign your marriage certificate/license. No matter if it's catholic or at the town hall.
2007-01-30 08:13:57 · answer #4 · answered by 1912 Hudson 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You just need to have two witnesses - the Best Man and Maid of Honour.
2007-01-30 14:33:19 · answer #5 · answered by Lydia 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, any 2 adults can witness they can be the parents even
2007-01-30 08:28:37 · answer #6 · answered by Nora 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋