Quick question!

cacio

If I was to get married in a civil ceremony with just two witnesses, would I be able to have a church wedding after that?

I want to get married but only tell my witnesses and then have a church wedding with friends and family next year where they think it's the first time we're getting married.

Sorry if this doesn't make sense.

Thanks

smelltheglove

Hi as far as I know you are, since you havent married in a church they dont view you as married. You should check with the parish priest to be 100% sure but I am sure you would still be allowed.

antiskeptic

cacio wrote: »

If I was to get married in a civil ceremony with just two witnesses, would I be able to have a church wedding after that?

I want to get married but only tell my witnesses and then have a church wedding with friends and family next year where they think it's the first time we're getting married.

Sorry if this doesn't make sense.

Thanks

I doubt it. Whereever you get married for the first time you need to apply to the Registrar for a licence - which has to be filled in by witnesses on the day. The ceremony itself can take place in a registary office or in a church.

If you try to get married again in the church (Roman Catholic/CofI in anycase) they'll be looking for that licence to be filled in on the day. But you won't be able to get a second one from the civil authorities in order to fulfill this requirement.

Without a licence, all you could get is a "blessing" ceremony from the church in question. There'd be no pronouncing you man and wife etc - because you already would be.

smelltheglove

antiskeptic wrote: »

I doubt it. Whereever you get married for the first time you need to apply to the Registrar for a licence - which has to be filled in by witnesses on the day. The ceremony itself can take place in a registary office or in a church.

If you try to get married again in the church (Roman Catholic/CofI in anycase) they'll be looking for that licence to be filled in on the day. But you won't be able to get a second one from the civil authorities in order to fulfill this requirement.

Without a licence, all you could get is a "blessing" ceremony from the church in question. There'd be no pronouncing you man and wife etc - because you already would be.

Ah but the license has nothing to do with the church it is a legal requirement, I remember my own priest at my wedding referring this and the government side, and many weddings I have shot the priest would refer ito it as the 'legal part'.

Biro

Short answer is No you can't.
Besides, it sounds completely pointless.

cavangirl21

My sister got married in Switzerland and then had the church ceremony twelve months later. It didnt seem to be any problem at all but i will ask her more about the details. If your priest knows and is accomodating it shouldnt make any difference and you do still get 'pronounced man and wife'! With regard to signing the register if you have the same witnesses then 'sign it' in the sacristy and nobody will know any different...maybe you need to let the photographer in on it though!Dont mind prople who say its pointless.You have your own reasons and should be allowed do as you please without questions or judgement from anyone. Go for it and good luck!
Cavangirl21

esharknz

I've known plenty of people who have been married without telling families to begin with (mostly they had to bring the wedding forward to be granted with a visa, making sense, they were getting married anyway and it would have made their lives much, much easier) and then go on to have the ceremony with friends/family. Noone is any the wiser.

Do clear it with the parish priest, as it may vary, but I'm convinced, for one reason or another, what you are doing is very common.

All the best with your upcoming wedding(s).

cacio

Thanks for the replies.

I think I'll speak to the priest and see what he says.

Biro - If you don't know the story, don't comment on how it seems pointless. But thanks for the input.