Topic: Can a Catholic attend a wedding in a non-Catholic Church?

Date originally posted: November 30, 2002

Source of this posting: Moderator response to emailed question

Moderator who originally posted this source: Father Phillip

Question:   My best friend is catholic and I am not. I want to know if I get married outside the catholic church, is he allowed to attend my wedding?

Answer: 

Brandon,

Thanks for your question. But honestly, before I try to answer it thoroughly, I need you to clarify it for me.

For example, as a person who is not Catholic, why would YOU consider being married in the Catholic Church? Unless, of course, your bride were Catholic....

And as Catholics we can almost always attend weddings and funerals, especially of our "best friend" although we may have some restrictions on exactly how we can participate at such functions -- particularly if Holy Communion is involved. But a Catholic's PRESENCE is in almost every case perfectly acceptable to the Catholic Church as a sign of friendship, care, concern, love, affection, support, community, and prayer.

If you want to respond to my email clarifying your question, I'll try to respond again.

Hope you've had a good Thanksgiving!

Blessings,
Father Phillip