For those getting married at a different parish

KathleenG Posted: Apr 14, 2004 10:01 AM

For those getting married at a different parish

We are getting married at a different parish and the priest requested a 'letter of release'. From what I gather, it is just permission from my parish to get married there. Has anyone done or heard about this? I have been dreading doing this, just looking for some feedback. I am so uncomfortable when dealing with the church!!! I always feel like a little girl who has to do Penance. lol

jfabbride Posted: Apr 14, 2004 10:02 AM

Re: For those getting married at a different parish

I'm getting married at a different parish and didn't have to get this letter.

TwoBugs Posted: Apr 14, 2004 10:03 AM

Re: For those getting married at a different parish

I had to get this letter - I just called my parish, explained what the other church needed, and they said 'oh, we do this all the time'. I didn't have to speak with a priest - the secretary can take care of this.

KathleenG Posted: Apr 14, 2004 10:04 AM

Re: For those getting married at a different parish

Really? I guess some parishes do not think it is necessary.

marymoon Posted: Apr 14, 2004 10:04 AM

Re: For those getting married at a different parish

My BIL had to get one. Honestly it's NO big deal. They're not going to be angry with you or anything. Don't feel intimidated. And remeber, Catholic Priests actually take a vow that says they must support marriage. That's why the Catholic Chrurch, despite the paperwork is very lenient about who cna marry whom and where. So they're thre to facilitate your marriage. I think the letter of release isn't about them giving you permission, it's more about the new church getting confirmation that you CAn be married. The new church wouldn't know this, but YOUR parish would know if, for example , you'd been married before. That's all it is.

Stacey04 Posted: Apr 14, 2004 10:05 AM

Re: For those getting married at a different parish

Yes, my FI had to get a letter from his parish in order to get married in another, he is Catholic, I am not and did not need a letter from my parish (lutheran)

KathleenG Posted: Apr 14, 2004 10:06 AM

Re: For those getting married at a different parish

Thanks ladies. I guess I feel a little bad because I haven't actually been there in awhile.

Niecey Posted: Apr 14, 2004 10:22 AM

Re: For those getting married at a different parish

When we had to do this, I put it on DH's wedding to do list - lol! I dreaded it to esp. since I didn't belong to any parish. Finally I made the call and the sec't wasn't very nice to me about it and said I had to call back to speak to a priest. I called the priest and he was so nice. He said he will leave it for me with the receptionist - he knew exactly what we were asking for and then I sent DH to pick it up.