Catholic ceremony outside of a church

traci0509

Hi All - We are hoping to be married in an outside ceremony by a priest or a deacon.  Has anyone else done this or planning to do this?  We are having a difficult time finding someone who is willing to do it.

Thanks!

Riss91

Hi Traci - the Catholic Church requires weddings to take place within the walls of the Church. Dispensations can be obtained to be married in a non-Catholic Christian church, however it will likely not be possible to get a dispensation to be married outdoors.

kristinanddan

You're having a difficult time, because like pp said, you can't. You can find people who will perform a Catholic-like ceremony, but as for a ceremony recognized by the church - it needs to take place in a church.

foreverbossy

We ran into the same issue. You can find an ex priest- that is what we did.

bridaljoy

Try father rich

marshallra

We ran into this problem 40 years ago. The parish in Ny would allow it upon a substantial contribution. Ultimately we got married on my husband's college campus-outside in a garden by the priest from the school. College chaplains have more flexability.

blah888

Yes-- you'll need to find a retired Priest, and FYI-- it won't be recognized by the Catholic Church. 

If you want to go with a former priest, I recommend Father Noel Clarke. 

www.frnoel.com