I'm getting married in September and we have a family friend who is a judge whose willing to marry us, we haven't quite got the location of the ceremony down, but are wondering if he could even perform the ceremony in a church or if we'd have to use the resident priest? Any ideas?
2007-02-25 15:47:43 · 3 answers · asked by barnaclesally 3 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
You might be able to find a church that would allow you to "rent" their facility without using their pastor/priest - but most of the time they prefer not to give the impression that they are authorizing a marriage when their pastor/priest isn't doing the ceremony. But it never hurts to ask.
A "marriage" has two components - the judge is the officient legally - in the eyes of the state of WA the judge is the one authorizing it (as long as the judge is from WA also). But a "marriage" can also have a religious side - that is where it can be a pastor/priest who does the marrying - they too are also authorized by the state to officiate the marriage.
Use a park, or reception location as a wedding site if you can't find a church that will let the judge officiate.
But do realize that even if you do find a church willing to let you use their facilities - they probably will charge you the same price even if you don't use their pastor/priest.
2007-02-25 16:01:36 · answer #1 · answered by Suzanne 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In a word, no. Only the holy leader in the church can preside over weddings in a church--especially a Catholic one, which it sounds like you're talking about since you specified priest. You will have to find another place or switch to the priest.
www.theknot.com has many interesting location ideas!
2007-02-25 15:51:45 · answer #2 · answered by Esma 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My uncle is a Justice of the peace and he performed my cousin's wedding in our church, so I don't see why he wouldn't be able too, I am sure you would have to ask the church permission however.
2007-02-25 15:56:11 · answer #3 · answered by Aunie Stina 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋