Ceremony in non-Catholic church?

rgaouette1216

Can a Catholic ceremony be performed in a non-Catholic church and be recognized? Would a priest even perform Mass in a church that is not Catholic?

jobiann

I don't believe so, kind of defeats the purpose.  But confirm with your priest. 

MsFlicka

If it is college chapel or something like that, sometimes, yes. I know they have Catholic weddings at Hienz Chapel at the University of Pittsburgh. Every diocese has different rules, though.

ootmother2

I've been to several weddings at the chapel on the navy base in Newport.  One was non denominational, the others were all Catholic.University chapels are also used for Catholic weddings so check with your priest or a priest in the area you want to be married.

Equine Osmosis

Like the other women said- University chapels or other chapels that have a specific meaning seem to be ok. There is a nondenominational chapel in Yosemite that you can have a Catholic ceremony at. It definitely depends on the diocese but it seems like most are willing work with these types of specific cases. I don't know if they will perform a full nuptial mass since that would require transporting the Eucharist. I'm sure someone else would know better than me though. Good luck!

lap256

for interfaith couples, the wedding can be celebrated in the church of the non-catholic party, and although it will not be a catholic ceremony, a priest can co-officiate, and it the marriage will be valid in the eyes of the church.

Clairebearcakes

You have to check with your diocese. Every single parish has different rules based on how strict they are. If your parish is very strict, then no, you would not be able to. Our priest would never allow that. A Catholic church holds the Holy Eucharist, which is not present in other churches. That's why Catholics are supposed to get married in Catholic churches, not other churches.Hope that helps.

Truchana

ditto others, just check with your priest.  Some will, some won't.  Some recognizes chapels. my parents had the wedding in my moms Congregational church, with a priest that co-officiated.

amberoye

As far as I know, mass can occur as long as their is a blessed altar, but definitely check with a priest.

Calypso1977

it may require a dispensation or additonal paperwork, and most likely a pretty compelling reason.

Yadyrra

I wanted to have my ceremony and reception in the same place, but they told me they do not do officiate outside the Catholic church.  I believe they will allow other officiants to come to the church, but doubt they will go out.Like they mentioned, you can ask and see what they have to say.