Catholic - 2 Ceremonies?!

I am having a catholic wedding. I wanted to do that but honestly it would be too much. I feel like the church is more important. The reception, we did pic somewhere really nice. We could've gotten married there but we just are wanted the reception there. But would you do that the same day or a different day.

You might talk to your priest about this. My understanding is that they strongly discourage any ceremonies other than the Catholic one, simply because they don't want any implication that the Catholic one isn't "good enough."

View Quoted Comment I was thinking about doing it separate days. I would do the catholic ceremony first and wear my wedding dress but no reception. Another day - I want to have a small ceremony at our reception area, same dress.


I love the church I’m going to get married in but I love this reception area that’s in a different state.
The only way I can think around it is I’d have to get special permission from the bishop to have an outside ceremony. I’d fly out the priest, set him up in a nice area, and have him do the catholic ceremony. But the church rarely gives their ok but I’m hoping they do! If not, I’m going to do the separate ceremonies.

View Quoted Comment I was thinking about doing it separate days. I would do the catholic ceremony first and wear my wedding dress but no reception. Another day - I want to have a small ceremony at our reception area, same dress.


I love the church I’m going to get married in but I love this reception area that’s in a different state.
The only way I can think around it is I’d have to get special permission from the bishop to have an outside ceremony. I’d fly out the priest, set him up in a nice area, and have him do the catholic ceremony. But the church rarely gives their ok but I’m hoping they do! If not, I’m going to do the separate ceremonies.


I’ll definitely talk to the priest about it!!

We did this for immigration reasons. Courthouse wedding for us, church wedding with our family. Have to reschedule due to coronavirus and I'm so glad we're already married 😇

You will need at least two adult witnesses for a Catholic wedding; "secret" or "private" ceremonies are prohibited under Canon law. While priests will do this, I would expect to get some negative feedback from them. Choosing to have a ceremony and large celebration after you married in a church privately definitely sends the message that you don't consider the sacramental nature of your marriage valuable. The church prohibits secret weddings and generally encourages that your family and community be a part of your sacramental celebration of marriage.

Hey Allie! I am in the same predicament. I want an intimate catholic ceremony. We booked a beautiful outdoor venue and ceremony too. My fiance isn’t catholic. I think we are going to have catholic ceremony a week prior then a civil ceremony with celebration so the catholic will be valid.
Have you decided what you are going to do?