Civil ceremony blessed by the Catholic church?

lindzi375

How does this work?
 The church I practically grew up in and wanted to have my wedding in is booked on my date. And since I am no longer a member (because I moved) I would have to re-register and wait 3 months to even be considered to marry there. That would be too risky considering my wedding is in 13 months. The limit for non-registered couples to marry there has been reached for 2011. So, although I'm totally bummed,  I'm considering different churches around the area. I also read that the Catholic church can recognize a civil ceremony. How does this differ? Would I still be able to take pre-cana classes through a church but not marry in the church?

bibliophile2010

Technically, the Church can bless a civil union through convalidation. However, you may have a hard time finding a church that is willing to go ahead with this scheme, because it is generally meant for couples who have serious reasons for not marrying in the church (such as interfaith marriages) or for couples who were not practicing Catholicism at the time of their marriage and wish to return to it later.  That said, I have seen couples in more liberal/progressive churches successfully have their union blessed in the way you describe.  I would not recommend it, however.

If you find a church that will agree to it, you will not only get to do Pre-cana, you will have to.  However, based on the tone of your post, it sounds like your faith is important to you and that being married in the Church is important to you. I think you are going to best served by finding a parish church or an appropriate chapel in which to marry.  

Theresa626

Find another church that will work with you and start now.  It will be very difficult to get a convalidation (which is what you want, not a blessing) if you don't have a strong reason for not getting married in the church in the first place.  My church made me sign something saying I would put down no deposits at all until I'd finished their requirements and they'd given me a date.  If you haven't put down any deposits yet, I'd strongly recommend not doing so till you get a date at the church.  If you have, you need to work fast to find a church that will give you a date without being a member.  Pretty much every church requires a waiting period for non members and won't book a wedding more than a year in advance.  You may have to become a member of the other church and start donating on the envelope system every week in order to get your wedding date there.  I wouldn't do anything at all wedding related till you've got this set up with the church.  

lindzi375

Thank you ladies. By reading your responses, I definitly don't want a convalidation. My parents are members at another church where I had my First Communion so I'm going to contact them. If that doesn't work, I will become a member at another church and endure the waiting period. I'm just worried because our wedding date might be popular (9.10.11) So I wanted to book it A.S.A.P. It will all work out I'm sure.

ring_pop

Are you and your FI attending church regularly where you live now? If so, why don't you get married there? I think it would be lovely for you to start your lives at your (as in you two) current church.

Calypso1977

i agree with Ring Pop.  you should look at getting married where you attend church now.  i wouldnt worry so much about your date.  getting married in teh church and receiving your sacrament is more important than having a catchy date.

lindzi375

Unfortunately, I do not attend a church regularly and have not become a member anywhere else. Our date was not picked because of it being catchy it just happened that way. It's one of the only dates that worked due to school. Like I said, I'm going to call the other church (where my parents are members) and see what I have to work with because marrying in the church is the most important part.  

mbcdefg

Did you book a reception site yet (or inquire with reception sites to see if that date is available)? Picking a wedding date isn't as simple as saying, "I like 9.10.11, so let's go with that." You pick a date after coordinating with your venues and certain vendors, and your budget can also determine the month and day that you wind up booking.

Our date changed about two or three times before we found one that worked between the church, the hall and our budget. Your date isn't truly "your date" until you have both the church and the hall booked and set.