My wife is Catholic and would like to get married in a Catholic church in California. I am heading off to the middle east on assignment and so we were married by the justice of peace in Virginia so I could provide proof of marriage before leaving. Our wedding date was too close to my ship date to be able to process the marriage certificate before leaving - I didn't realize this would affect the ability to have the ceremony in California.
We took the class and went through all the hoops for the Catholic church but now they are asking that we apply for a marraige license in California. Is there a way we can still have a Catholic ceremony in California? Do we need to annul our marriage in Virginia and then apply for a license in California?
(This post was
edited by TWQadmin on Jul 25, 2008, 10:48 AM)
TWQadmin
FORUM EXPERT
/ Moderator
Jul 25, 2008, 10:57 AM
Post #2 of 3
(200 views)
Re: Catholic Ceremony - Married in Another State
[In reply to]
It may help fo you to read this:
Marriage Convalidation Top Wedding Questions Forum Moderator - "Write your sorrows in the sand, your blessings in stone".
DennyandKay
MARRIAGE PREPARATION ADVISORS
Jul 25, 2008, 12:11 PM
Post #3 of 3
(196 views)
Re: Catholic Ceremony - Married in Another State
[In reply to]
Although your current marriage is not recognized by the Catholic Church as sacramental, it is nevertheless considered valid. Therefore the wedding ceremony in California will actually be a marriage convalidation. As the administrator has suggested, there is information on this procedure at the link she has indicated.
It would probably be best to contact a priest or a canon lawyer in California. Search engines are helpful or you can ask your local diocese to let you see the Kenedy Directory, which lists all the priests and gives contact information for each.
You are to be commended for the effort you're making on behalf of your Catholic mate. This kind of sacrificial love is a great way to nurture a marriage!
Catholic Ceremony - Married in Another State
