I'm not Catholic but my fiancee wants to have a Catholic wedding ceremony. Is this possible?

Question

So my fiance and I are planning on getting married in about a year. He was raised Catholic, and though he's not orthodox he would like to have a full Catholic ceremony. I have no aversion to this as my mother was raised Roman catholic, however I was never baptised and was raise Unitarian Universal. Is it possible for us to still have a Catholic ceremony? I know we can ask the church, but I was just looking for some info ahead of time, or at least maybe some ideas for questions to ask.

Answer 1

The priest of the church would have to write to the local bishop to apply for a "Dispensation from Disparity of Cult" which is for a Catholic marrying someone who is not baptized. This is required whenever a catholic is marrying someone who is not catholic. The Catholic church wants to make sure that anyone who is Catholic can remain active in their faith and that any children would be raised catholic as well. I would talk to the Church to see if they would be able to start this for you.

Answer 2

Hi and congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

I can tell you that you will probably get a bunch of different responses to this question. This has been asked before, and, as usual, there are so many people with different answers because of their situation or similiar circumstances. I will say what I said in my other responses. This is based on:

1. Me being Catholic all my life;
2. Me marrying a non-Catholic many years ago in the Catholic Church;
3. My son marrying a girl (not baptized, like you), in the Catholic Church in 2006.

I hate to say it, but it really depends on the priest and how HE interprets things. My son married a girl that has never been baptized (any faith) and it was NOT a problem! Many people were surprised at that. They were able to be married because HE (my son) was baptized and confirmed. Now, some other priests may say "no" to this.

It's really best to simply call the church you are thinking about having your ceremony at and speaking with the church secretary and/or the priest. Don't be shy about calling. That is what they are there for...to give you guidance and to answer your questions! If you get a nasty one (priest)...call another church! As with all professions, there are the good ones and the bad ones!

Good luck and I hope it works out for you.

Answer 3

There is a difference between the Catholic Ceremony at a different location, and the Catholic Ceremony Mass. To be married in the Catholic church, you have to go through classes, be baptized as a Catholic and take their marriage classes. All this must be done to have the priest marry you in the parish Church and have the wedding recorded in the parish records.
The Catholic Ceremony, as it is written, can be done anywhere by any minister/celebrant or priest. The difference is:, it is not recorded in the parish records, you do not have to be a baptized Catholic. It is only the ceremony "script" that would be used. Phew,,,,, hope this has helped. Blessings, Chaplain Debby

Answer 4

You will need to follow the laws of the Catholic church which will mean promising to raise all children of your marriage Catholic. If you don't convert to Catholism you will not be able to have a full Catholic mass for your ceremony. If you are somehow able to get married in the Catholic church and want to attend services, you will not be able to participate in any of the sacraments including Holy Communion/The Lord's Supper. Perhaps you and your fiance can find a Christian church that is comfortable for both of you and one in which you can raise your family and attend together. May God bless you as you plan your life together.

Answer 5

I believe so but you do have to go through their 6 month counseling. My Fiance and I were going to get married in the Catholic church as we are both Catholic. Also, I do know that there are certain rules like promising to baptise and raise your children Catholic. Just go ahead and call up your local church and make an appt. They will give you all the answers you need.

Answer 6

Yes you can as long as you get baptised , communion an confirmed - this can all be done at the Easter Vigil ceremony. You must also attend pre-cana classes with the church (Classes that go over marriage after the ceremony) and you must promise to raise any children Catholic. Good luck to you!

Answer 7

The Catholic Church has no objections to this kind of marriage (what they call a mixed marriage - one between a Catholic and non-Cahtolic). However, to have a real Catholic wedding like your fiance wants, you will have to go through Catholic Marriage Prep Classes. The Church will then assess the validity of your relationship and determine if you as a couple are strong enough to overcome the obstacles a mixed marriage has. You shouldn't get any problem. You just have to open to Catholic Couple Retreats and Compatibility Tests.

Answer 8

You won't be taking Communion at the ceremony (since you're not Catholic)---he may want to, himself.
Also, Unitarians may not be considered Christians by the Roman Catholic Church, so ask about this.

Answer 9

Yes.

The Catholic Church allows marriage between Catholics and non-baptized persons. You will have to get permission from the bishop. This is because the Church recognizes the tremendous challenge you have ahead of you.

Make an appointment with your parish priest and talk to him about your situation.

For more information, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, sections 1633-1637: http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt2sect2chpt3art7.htm#1633

With love in Christ.

Answer 10

It is possible however check with your local catholic churches. If your fiance is a confirmed catholic then it shouldn't be a problem however if he isn't, talk to the priest or deacon or whoever will be conducting the premarriage/precana counsling. Unforunately the catholic church has their rules but sometimes if you find the "right" priest or deacon they can help you work around them. Good luck and congrats!