I am getting married outdoors at my reception site. Our parents are not thrilled about this - they would have preferred us to get married in a church. It was our decision so we are doing the outdoor ceremony and they do support us. We want to reflect the Catholic faith in our ceremony. Can a Deacon perform a wedding outdoors? Are there any members of the Catholic church that perform outdoor ceremonies (other than priests)? Thanks so much!
Hello and thanks so much for your question. Within the Catholic faith, it's my experience that most ceremonies do take place within a church or chapel. There may be some former Catholic priests that are open to officiating outside of the official church boundaries. If you're open to possibilities, ask your questions - having a ceremony outside is so very beautiful and can be delivered with elegance and grace and incorporate all of the ritual and tradition of the Christian tradition. Annemarie Juhlian, Wedding Officiant & Minister
A Catholic priest, if he is willing to do, can perform a ceremony outdoors if he obtains a special dispensation from the church. I am not sure if a Deacon has that same power.
Outdoor wedding ceremony
