I am a Catholic convert; my fiance is unbaptized, but Christian-friendly. We've met with my priest a number of times, completed the FOCCUS inventory and attended an Engaged Encounter weekend, so we're both invested in doing the preparatory work.
We haven't discussed the ceremony much yet. We'd both like to have a very small, informal ceremony, especially since this isn't considered a sacramental marriage. The official Catholic ceremony without Eucharist is still very involved and more than we'd like. (If not for the sacramental implications for myself, I'd be happy to get married at the courthouse.) Recently a couple renewed their marriage vows after the regular Sunday Mass, and I thought it was wonderful.
Would it be unprecedented for me to ask our priest if we could exchange our first-time vows in a similar situation instead of having a completely separate ceremony? (I'd like to exchange vows and rings immediately following the last Mass of the morning on a Sunday that has some appropriate readings, and follow it with a cake and punch reception.) This is a first marriage for both of us, but we are older than most first-timers, we don't have a lot of family to attend, and we have a small budget too.
Thanks for your time and attention.
DennyandKay
MARRIAGE PREPARATION ADVISORS
Post #2 of 2
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Re: Options for small, informal Catholic ceremony?
[In reply to]
At this point in Catholic history, hardly anything is unprecedented anymore! A small ceremony after mass sounds lovely and intimate. Please talk with your priest to find out what is dictated by your diocese.
Options for small, informal Catholic ceremony?
A small ceremony after mass sounds lovely and intimate. Please talk with your priest to find out what is dictated by your diocese. 