We've been married for four years,but recently a friend advised us to marry in church because we are not properly married.Don't know what to do?
2007-10-13 12:33:54 · 13 answers · asked by misslee 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
Did you apply for a marriage license and take your vows in front of an officiant and at least two witnesses? If the answer is yes, then YOU ARE MARRIED.
Married in a church is just a formality IF YOU are RELIGIOUS.
For legality's sake, you were married four years ago. Tell your friend to worry about bigger things than this.
2007-10-13 13:26:48 · answer #1 · answered by Brutally Honest 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
do you have a valid Marriage Certificate? then you are married no matter what this person says. If you are a believer it is nice to have your wedding in your church or a church and if you do something different, that is OK too. There are hundreds and hundreds of coupls who get married in parks, on beaches, in their or relatives' homes, at justice of the peace and in the city clerk's office and a hundred other places I can't even think of like in the ocean or pool or jumping from a plane. Are all of these people not really or properly married? Of course not They are all married as much as anyone else is married. some people think that what they believe to be the way to do things is the only way to do it. Forget your concerns and go on with your life. Know now to take whatever that person tells you with a grain, make that the whole salt shaker.
2007-10-13 20:11:52 · answer #2 · answered by CindyLu 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Legally you are married as long as it was done with the required officant and two witnesses 18 or over and all five of you signed the license, paid the fee, and sent it to the courts.
Properly married is a matter of opinion. For instance if you were Catholic unless you were married using a Catholic ceremony in a Catholic church you wouldn't be considered married in the eyes of the church. Some people say that unless you were married in a puffy white gown with a hundred guests it wasn't a "proper wedding". As far as the government is concerned though you are definatley hitched. You friend sounds like she is trying to force her own personal and religious beliefs on you. Don't worry about it.
2007-10-13 20:07:13 · answer #3 · answered by pspoptart 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You are legally married if you have a legal marriage license.
Some religions don't recognize it unless it is blessed by the church but it's still legal.
In the catholic religion, if both of you are catholic you don't even need a marriage license the church can read the bands and marry you legally too.
It all depends on your believe system what you believe, but your legally married.
If you feel the need to have the church recognize it then go to the church and ask them to bless your union, but it won't change the legality of it.
2007-10-13 19:43:43 · answer #4 · answered by unknown friend 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hi. I totally agree with chemcook.
Marriage is legal under the state....not necessarily any church. I assume you had a marriage license, took vows, had someone witness your marriage and signed the marriage license. If all of the above, then you are legally married.
There is no "proper" way to be married. You can have many venues for a wedding....a church only being 1 of them.
Hope this clears up any misconception.
2007-10-13 19:49:35 · answer #5 · answered by iloveweddings 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you have a license from the geographic place where you were married, you are legally married. "Properly" is in
the eye of the beholder. I am Catholic, and I got married in a
Catholic Church, following their rules. If I had eloped and gotten married by a justice of the peace, I would not be "properly" married in the eyes of the Catholic Church.
We also had a marriage license from the city where we were married, and it was done "legally" in our state as well as "properly" in our church.
2007-10-13 21:25:14 · answer #6 · answered by M S 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You have been LEGALLY married for four years.
Sounds like your "friend" is pushing his beliefs on you by saying you must be married in a church for it to be legal, which is definitely NOT TRUE.
You are already married, and it is very legal. Don't let your "friend" make you think otherwise.
2007-10-13 20:13:00 · answer #7 · answered by Terri 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Marriage is a legal relationship that is certified by the state, not the church. You are legally married. The ceremony in the church is unnecessary.
2007-10-13 19:39:16 · answer #8 · answered by chemcook 4 · 5⤊ 0⤋
You do what YOU want to do, not what you are told to do by someone who is not even a part of the union.
You can be legally married by law but not recognized as married to "the Church". If it is your wish to have your marriage recognized by whatever faith you belong to,
then consult with your place of worship. They can help you.
2007-10-13 19:39:30 · answer #9 · answered by Vic 4 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I'm assuming she means you are not married in God's eyes...which only matters if you are religious and think the same way. If it doesn't matter to you, don't worry about it. If it does, renew your vows in a church.
2007-10-13 19:47:56 · answer #10 · answered by perfect_blue_and_blond 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋