can witnesses attend a wedding if its in a church?

Answer 1

It is a personal choice concerning civil or private weddings.
It's also a personal choice concerning church wedding, but it is discouraged.

RELIGIOUS CONNECTIONS

When a wedding ceremony is conducted in a religious building under the oversight of a clergyman, it is usually very closely linked with that religion’s worship. For instance, there may be singing and prayers offered, and in some instances those in attendance may be expected to kneel or perform some other religious acts. In view of what the Bible says, a Christian could not conscientiously join in the prayers offered to a triune god or in any way have a part in the religious exercises of an organization that misrepresents the true God Jehovah and his teachings. What would this situation mean?

It would mean that a Christian, particularly one participating as a member of the bridal party, would find himself very closely associated with what the Bible shows to be false worship. He would be out of place at such a wedding, perhaps conspicuously so. Everyone else may be performing religious exercises in which it would be an act of apostasy for him to share. (John 4:24) The clergyman, the bride and groom and others in attendance may be embarrassed and even angered by what seems to them the Christian’s extreme disrespect. Under the emotional pressure of the moment can one be sure that he would not compromise? Would he weaken under such pressure and do something that would merit God’s disapproval? Would he be able to determine what actions and movements actually involve false worship so as to avoid them?

A Christian will, therefore, want to consider carefully the advisability of participating in such a function. He certainly does not want to do anything that will endanger his relationship with Jehovah God. So he will have to decide: Is sharing in a wedding under the supervision of a false religious organization in keeping with God’s command to “flee from idolatry”? Does it harmonize with the injunction: “‘Get out from among them, and separate yourselves,’ says Jehovah, ‘and quit touching the unclean thing’”? A mature Christian does not want to see how close he can come to participating in false worship; rather, he wants to keep as far away as possible from any influence or associations that may endanger his relationship with God.—1 Cor. 10:14; 2 Cor. 6:17.

Answer 2

One sister came to me in the Kingdom Hall and was talking about a wedding she went to the day before.
She was sitting there and realized if the end would come right then she would be in danger of being destroyed along with Christendom.
She never went into another church for any reason.

Some will attend and some won't. I personally will stay far away from churches.

One brother , an elder, walked his only daughter down the isle and left the church she was a part of. Since she had left Jehovah's place of worship and gotten disfellowshipped the brother was siding with her against Jehovah.
After meeting with the elders he was also disfellowshipped.

Answer 3

We actually had this discussion in one of our Watchtowers not too long ago. Basically, it is completely up to the individual.

Some Witnesses are comfortable enough with themselves to attend a wedding where other religious acts/beliefs will be performed. They may also have family/friends who will not make a big deal about their choosing to not participate. However, if a Witness does not feel comfortable being around non-Witness teachings or knows that their lack of participation will create tension/drama they will simply opt to not attend.

Answer 4

Yes, they certainly can. They are not there to worship, but rather to observe a function that is VERY acceptable to Jehovah.
I suppose there are some who would question wether it would be an issue for their conscience, but as individuals they are free to decide for themselves.
Your question reminded me of a funny story that I was told about, from a VERY Dear and lovely older Witness. She told me that she once attended a wedding at a Catholic Church for someone in her or her husbands family, and that she could have swore she heard the Priest who was doing the mass thing say, "Do you want to play Dominoes?" lol It was in Latin.
That still cracks me up when I think of it. No offense meant, if you are Catholic.

Answer 5

Yes, it is a matter of conscience. Some witnesses' conscience will allow them to go to a wedding or funeral in a church and some don't feel comfortable. It is up to each individual.

Answer 6

I have attended weddings but I don't participate in the prayer said by the pastor because usually the prayer is said to Jesus as being God, and Jehovah's Witnesses don't believe Jesus is God, but God's son. This may seem minor to some people, but it's something that would weigh on my conscience.

Answer 7

They have to - the licence requires the signatures of a certain number of witnesses (usually 2) as well as the officiant's.

Or do you mean Jehovah's Witnesses? Yes, they can, as long as they sincerely support the couple (this should actually be true of anyone in the congregation). If Communion is offred, a JW would just remain seated or pass it to the next person without partaking.
Happy 2008

Answer 8

My sister is a very strict Jehovah's Witness, if that's what you mean, and she always attends weddings no matter what church, because a wedding is recognized as a sacrament.

Answer 9

I would not attend a wedding or funeral in a church but that is me. it depends on the person.

Answer 10

There is nothing saying they cant.
It is a conscience matter,as there are many things to take into consideration.
I personally would not as I used to be a catholic and now find churches very creepy.