Can a Catholic Priest perform a wedding ceremony outside of the church?

Answer 1

Some will. Most won't. I will, but only for close friends. Holy Matrimony is a Sacrament, which is rightly done by and for the Church.

In Sacramental Theology of the Western Church....the Bride and Groom are the proper ministers for this particular Sacrament...that's the reason I give when I say I will do it outside of the church.

And when I say "church" - I mean the building. The Sacrament is NEVER done outside of The Church (meaning the Body of Christ)

Answer 2

Only in very rare circumstances, and these must be approved by the Bishop.

This is becasue matrimony is a Sacrament and the proper place for the celebration of a Sacrament is in the sanctuary of a Church.


A beach wedding may seem romantic, but in essence it denies the sacredness of the moment in favor of the profane.

Answer 3

If outside the church you mean outdoors, then yes, I've seen it several times. If outside you mean outside of the beliefs of the church, I'm not sure if that's possible since they would want to take the money they would get paid and put it to work for the church, which justifies this act, making it not outside the church.