Post content has been hidden

To unblock this content, please click here

Dedicated August 2019

Can a Deacon marry us outside of his diocese?

Elizabeth, on March 11, 2018 at 6:06 PM Posted in Wedding Ceremony 0 7

Saved

Flag
Hide content

My fiancé and I live in Lancaster PA and plan to get married at a Catholic Church here. However, I have an uncle in Long Island who is a Deacon and the idea that he could possibly marry us just occurred to me. Does anyone know if this is possible, specifically in the diocese of Harrisburg? We are not having a Mass, just the ceremony. It would be so special to have a family member and someone I know and love play such an important part in our wedding.

Flag
Hide content

7 Comments

Latest activity by Elizabeth, on March 11, 2018 at 11:03 PM

Expert February 2018
Kiersten · on March 11, 2018 at 6:21 PM
Flag

Hide content
I don't know much (anything) about the Catholic church. However, a lot of states require the officiant to be licensed in the state they are officiating in. You'll need to look up the local laws for Harrisburg to see what they require.
- Reply
VIP March 2018
LuckyAK · on March 11, 2018 at 6:33 PM
Flag

Hide content
I’m pretty sure it’s totally fine you just need to do more paperwork to get approval.
- Reply
Dedicated June 2017
Monica · on March 11, 2018 at 6:55 PM
Flag

Hide content
If for some reason he can’t, he might still be able to serve as a deacon. I’m not sure what the rules are since we had a full Mass, but a friend of ours who is a deacon from a different church was able to assist at our wedding Mass.
- Reply
Master July 2017
Going to the chapel · on March 11, 2018 at 7:07 PM
Flag

Hide content
Ask him. He'll know.
- Reply
Master July 2018
Cuoghi · on March 11, 2018 at 7:59 PM
Flag

Hide content
You need to ask the priest at your church.
- Reply
Dedicated October 2019
H · on March 11, 2018 at 8:05 PM
Flag

Hide content
He won’t be able to officiate an entire mass (as they can’t “change the wine”). But he can perform the marriage ceremony part with permission from the church.
- Reply