My fiance and I are getting married next year. I am a catholic and he is a non-practicing protestant. He does not want to get married in a catholic church, but would rather on a beach. I agree; however, I told him that I want to be married by a catholic priest. He agreed. My question is, is being married by a priest outside a church the same as being married by a priest inside the church? What preperations must be taken in order for us to get married? Does my fiance need to take classes or do we both have to speak to a priest?

-- Joyce (jdo2878@hotmail.com), July 15, 2004

Answers

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-- (bump@bump.bump), July 15, 2004.

Joyce,

To be married outside of a church you will need the permission of the bishop. Depending on what Diocese you live in this permission may be difficult, if not impossible, to obtain. Talk to your pastor as soon as possible.

Hope that's helpful.

-- Fr. Mike Skrocki, JCD (cand) (abounamike@aol.com), July 15, 2004.