Hospital "Wedding"

Is that something that she wants? I would go and just spend time with her and be with her while she is still here. Don't make it about the wedding unless it is something she wants.

I agree with @714HBBride

She has been saying for months she wants to live to see our wedding. It felt like it was the right thing to do.

Are there any priests in the area who are willing to do non-legal ceremonies? That would be the first step who is willing to do something like that.

Well first I would make sure the hospital will allow it. It depends on the unit - sometimes there are limitations on # of visitors at a time. I would call ahead and ask them first. If you explain your situation beforehand most places will make an exception.

And yes I've seen it done. A palliative oncology patient of ours was given a prognosis of a few weeks, so she wed her fiance in her hospital room. She asked one of my coworkers who'd taken care of her a lot to be her witness (she had a legal ceremony). Needless to say there were a lot of tears from everyone!

It is very sweet of you to want to involve her. But have you found a pastor who is willing to perform a non-legal ceremony? In some areas it is actually illegal to do so. Also, is your legal ceremony Christian? If so, I would speak with that pastor to make sure s/he is okay with you having a previous religious ceremony.

In my opinion, I get married once. I get the distinction between civil/religious, but I want all of my loved ones to be with us when we say our vows. If she is the single most important person who could witness your wedding, then change your plans. If not, visit her and say your goodbyes, but I wouldn't have a ceremony.

I'm sorry for your loss.

I just went through this with my dying father. I had our minister ( a friend of 40 years) do a small ceremony in the ICU, dress and all. We planned it for the rehab on January 3 but Dad was back in hospital. He wanted to see me get married before he passed. We got legally married with about 13 people present including 3 of the 4 BMs in dresses and the FG in her dress with her parents. We had cake and food, and Dad got a cold beer. He passed 4 1/2 days later. Talk to the staff and see what they can do to help. We still carried on with our March date, and everyone knew we already had gotten married. Nobody cared.

I was just going to suggest for you to speak with Susan! Susan had such a beautiful sentiment to her dad on that day and the pictures were moving !

I have NO regrets about what we did, I would have regretted not doing it for him.

I was about to say talk to Susan! Hers was so lovely.

Susan- yours was beautiful and I'm so glad it worked out

Aww thanks ladies. I am honeymooning now but I get back home tomorrow. I then get to pick up the pro pictures!!!!!! woo hoo!!!