Top Wedding Questions: Wearing Wedding Band Before Marriage Blessing in Catholic Church - Top Wedding Questions

My husband and I have been married under the common law for almost two years. We are registered with the state as such, and it is honored legally just as a formal marriage is. We are both Catholic and want to have a religious ceremony. What do we do with wedding bands? Right now I only wear an engagement ring, but I wonder if it is ok to wear a wedding band, or whether that should wait until the religious ceremony? I don't want to wear one until we are married "by the church" but my husband said it shouldn't matter because we are already husband and wife in the eyes of the law. Please help!

Dear Loridani,

Your husband is correct. You two are married, so you can wear your wedding band. The blessing of your marriage is performed so your wedding is recognized by the church. It isn't a wedding and shouldn't appear to be one.

Best wishes,

Thanks. I guess I'm just confused about the whole process.
I guess this next question may be better asked of our parish priest, but, don't they bless the rings or something? Or is that just in a wedding?

I was wondering this myself. I believe they do. I know that for vow renewals couples will often exchange new rings with a ceremony that is included in the vows. I'd ask.

As you are legally wed, it is perfectly okay to wear your wedding bands. However, the Catholic Church does not recognize your marriage. For your ceremony in the church, if you wish, do not wear your rings before hand, have them blessed and then exchange them with your vows. Or you may buy new rings for your religious ceremony. It is up to you. Your rings are both legal and spiritual symbols.