Not sure if i am able too

Not the Catholic Church.

It depends on the church.

That’s what I’m planning on doing.

View Quoted Comment Do you know why you wouldn’t be allowed to?

Sure you can. In this day and age, you can make your own decision about that(unless your religion forbids it)
I wouldn't worry about other opinions and if your heart is set on a wedding, you can.

I actually know people that have tied the knot before their wedding and kept it to themselves. And I know couples that started at the courthouse and followed up with a formal wedding at a different date.
I think in this day and time, with the current situation in our country, it will be fine.
Be prepared for the negative comments, stating it can only be a "vow renewal".
Some may frown on it, but I'm all for it. You deserve a wedding, if that it what you want❤😘

Yes. Why not? I think that any “rules” there were before don’t apply anymore- so go ahead and get married and then have that huge wedding later!

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Because you will already be legally married. You cannot get married twice. You can look into getting a vow renewal/convalidation, but the Catholic church will not recognize the legal marriage as a sacramental marriage.

Of course, that's if you're caring about it being a sacramental marriage in the eyes of the Catholic church. I'd say the OP needs to call up the church and ask what their rules are.

I believe that would depend on the church you want to use. Some are more strict than others (like a Catholic church). Check with the church you want to use and find out their rules.

Yes if the church allows. However don’t lie to your guests - I wouldn’t mind seeing a vow renewal, but I would be hurt and disappointed to be lied to by a friend.

This 100% depends on the church and I’m honestly surprised by the number of people in this post telling you yes you can. The best thing you can do is talk to your church and find out if this is an option for you. While some churches do allow this, others don’t or have other requirements you need to abide by in order to do it.


As an example, I’m Catholic. Catholics who have a civil marriage first have to apply to do a convalidation (essentially a blessing of the marriage). Some priests/archdiocese are lenient about this and others are not. The priest at the church I attend will do them but he won’t allow more than immediate family members to attend.

Some churches will not allow that. Check around.

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I talked to the Decan at my catholic church and he said we can do it

Is there a reason you're having 2 different ceremonies? Why not just get married legally at the church with everyone in attendance? Many churches don't allow you to have a legal ceremony prior. But if you call it what it is (a vow renewal) then they may possibly be more lenient.