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Just Said Yes June 2021

Catholic Ceremony before Civil Ceremony??

Sarah, on February 18, 2021 at 3:40 PM Posted in Wedding Ceremony 0 5

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Hello!

Congratulations to all of the engaged or recently married couples! I have a predicament that I am hoping to get some insight on.

My fiance and I are both Catholic, but we have not been active in the church since we moved to Florida. Our wedding is June 19th, 2021, in Virginia. We have already booked a non-religious officiant for our wedding day. However, we decided we would love to be married by a priest before our big wedding so our marriage is blessed by the church.

Are catholic weddings recognized by the law/do priests HAVE to sign the marriage license to be recognized by the church? i.e. would the priest have to sign the marriage license before our wedding day, or could he marry us in the eyes of the church and then our officiant signs the marriage license on our actual wedding day?

Hopefully this makes sense. I would GREATLY appreciate any insight.

Thank you!

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5 Comments

Latest activity by Sarah, on February 24, 2021 at 8:21 AM

Expert July 2021
Lauren · on February 18, 2021 at 3:43 PM
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I’m doing the reverse order. Getting married by an officiant at the venue first where he will sign a marriage license. I then will be married in the church after (called a convalidation). I will get a religious marriage certificate and the priest will sign that. It all depends on the state you are in as well
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Dedicated May 2021
Brigitte · on February 18, 2021 at 3:49 PM
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I agree with Lauren. But also, I would make a decision soon, as most priests require the completion of the pre cana courses prior to the ceremony and those can take some time.
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Expert November 2020
Shirley · on February 18, 2021 at 3:50 PM
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Yeah this will be the bigger thing for you. It took us 6 months. Also, our church books up a year out and our home priest will not marry Catholics who are not following certain teachings. I would call a priest today.
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Rockstar December 2022
Michelle · on February 18, 2021 at 4:28 PM
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Yes the Catholic priest signs the legal paperwork for you. So it is a legal ceremony, negating anything in addition. You will be required to go through their pre-marital classes.
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