What does the church say about getting married...

...by a priest? I was wondering what the rules are because I'm nothing--parents families argued over Jewish or Catholic, so I grew up a little of both but was never baptized or anything. FH was cool with us getting married by a judge and all parents have known about this for the past 10months...but now FMIL has said she isn't happy we're not getting married by a priest. So I can go back and tell her, what does the church say about:

A) Getting married in the church? Do you have too be baptized only? Have made your communion? Have made your confirmation?

B) Is there any way to get around question A within 9months?

C) Will a priest ever marry anyone outside the church? I mean, come to the hall and perform the ceremony?

I don't except to get answers that FMIL is going to like, but at least I'm considering the idea. Thanks!

Re: What does the church say about getting married...

I grew up the same way you did. My FH and I decided we wanted to get married at his church when we sat with the deacon he told us that it is not the churches place to ask you to change or decide on a religion so we are doing precana now ( we love our group we are really getting alot out of it) and that was the only thing we had to do i didn't have to get baptized or anything. Now understand that every church is different you have to speak to the church personally and see what they require but we feel really good about our church.

If you have any questions please feel free to FM me.

Good luck & congrats!!!!!

PS: Your getting married on my birthday!

Re: What does the church say about getting married...

My parents were married in a Catholic church, and my dad is not Catholic, so I don't see that being a problem that you weren't baptized.

I don't think a priest will marry a couple anywhere but a church.

Hope this helped.

Re: What does the church say about getting married...

A Priest will not marry you anywhere but inside a Catholic church, and with few exceptions, at least one of you needs to be baptized, had communion, and confirmed, OR get dispensation. If you guys want to go through it all, you can accomplish all of that in 9 months with classes, etc. I went through a lot trying to get around these rules but could not, so we are getting married outdoors (like I wanted) by a married Catholic Priest that we found (we'll get a church marriage certificate but it won't be 'official' by the Pope). FM me if you want more details.