Small Weddings For Catholics: Is It Allowed?

Planning a wedding can be a stressful experience, especially when you're trying to please family, friends, and religious institutions. For Catholics, marriage is considered a sacrament, and there are specific, time-honored rituals that must be followed. While many Catholic weddings are grand affairs, they don't have to be. The only requirement is that the ceremony takes place within a sacred space, i.e. a Catholic church. The number of guests is up to you, but there must be at least five people present: the couple, the priest, and two witnesses.

Small Catholic weddings are possible

For those who want a small Catholic wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it is important to contact the church as soon as possible after getting engaged. Many churches require at least six months of preparation before a wedding, and some may require more. It is also worth noting that the marriage ceremony must take place within a Catholic Church or another sacred space, as approved by the local bishop.

Additionally, those planning a small Catholic wedding should be prepared to follow certain rules and requirements, such as dress codes and restrictions on outdoor ceremonies. The priest conducting the marriage preparation will also want to ensure that the couple understands the four basic tenets of marriage: entering into it freely, permanence, exclusivity, and being open to children.

While small Catholic weddings are possible, it is important to remember that the Church views marriage as a sacrament and a sacred tradition. As such, there are certain requirements and rituals that must be followed. However, with careful planning and communication with the priest, it is possible to have a beautiful and meaningful small Catholic wedding.

The priest won't care if it's small

If you're planning a small Catholic wedding, you may be wondering if the priest will care about the size of your guest list. Rest assured, the priest won't mind if your wedding is intimate and modest. Here are some reasons why the priest won't be offended or disappointed by a small wedding:

It's Your Decision

Your wedding is your special day, and the priest understands that. The number of guests you invite is entirely up to you and your partner. The priest is there to support and guide you through the ceremony, regardless of how many people are in attendance.

Less Stress for Everyone

A smaller wedding can mean less stress for everyone involved, including the priest. Larger weddings often come with higher expectations and more complex logistics. By having a small wedding, you're creating a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere for all, including the priest, who may even be relieved to officiate a more low-key ceremony.

Focus on What Matters

A small wedding allows the priest and the couple to focus on the true meaning of the sacrament of marriage. With fewer distractions, the priest can better guide you through the rituals and help you understand the depth and significance of your commitment.

Practical Considerations

From a practical standpoint, a small wedding can be more easily accommodated within the church. Smaller weddings can be held in more intimate chapels, creating a cozier atmosphere. Additionally, the priest may appreciate having more flexibility with their Saturday schedule, as larger weddings often require a significant time commitment.

It's About Quality, Not Quantity

Ultimately, the priest understands that a wedding is not about putting on a grand show. It's about the love and commitment between two people. The number of guests does not define the quality of the ceremony or the depth of your devotion. The priest will appreciate your decision to focus on what truly matters—your union as a couple.

So, if you're concerned about the priest's reaction to your small wedding, don't be! They will respect your decision and will be there to support and guide you through this important milestone in your life. Remember, it's not about the number of guests but about the sacred bond you're forging with your partner.

You need at least 4 people at the wedding

The Catholic Church requires at least four people to be present at a wedding: the priest, the bride, the groom, and at least one witness. Canon 1108 of the Code of Canon Law explicitly requires two witnesses, though it is extremely rare for this requirement to be waived. The priest acts as the official church witness, so only one additional witness is needed.

While some couples opt for larger weddings, there is no requirement for a Catholic wedding to be a grand affair. In fact, small, intimate weddings can be just as meaningful and sacred as larger ones. Some couples choose to have a small wedding due to geographical distance, financial constraints, or personal preference.

If you are planning a small Catholic wedding, it is important to communicate this to the priest in advance. This will allow them to make any necessary arrangements, such as using a smaller chapel for the ceremony. It is also worth noting that the Catholic Church requires a minimum of six months of marriage preparation before the wedding, so be sure to factor this into your planning timeline.

While the specifics may vary depending on the diocese and parish, the Catholic Church has certain requirements that must be met for a valid marriage. These include the freedom to marry, the mutual consent of the spouses, the intention to marry for life and be faithful, and the presence of witnesses and a properly authorized Church minister.

In summary, a Catholic wedding requires a minimum of four people – the couple, a priest, and a witness. Small weddings are perfectly acceptable and can be just as meaningful as larger ones. Be sure to communicate your plans to the priest in advance and allow for the necessary marriage preparation time.

The ceremony must take place in a church

If both the couple are Catholic, the ceremony must take place within a Catholic Church. It cannot be held on a beach, at a reception venue, a courthouse, or a random wedding chapel. The couple is making a commitment to each other before God and the Church community. This is a serious, sacred event, and the church setting reflects this.

If one partner is not Catholic, the local bishop may give permission for the ceremony to take place in a non-Catholic church, but it must still be a church (a sacred space). This rule can be complicated, so it is best to check with the priest or marriage coordinator if unsure.

The ceremony cannot be held outdoors. If you have your heart set on an outdoor wedding, you will have to incorporate this into your cocktail hour or reception.

The church wedding will require a lead time of six months to a year for marriage preparation with a priest. This includes a prenuptial investigation, which is an individual interview conducted by a priest under oath. The priest will confirm that the couple understands the four basic tenets of marriage: entering into it freely, permanence, exclusivity, and being open to having children.

The ceremony itself can be a full mass or a shortened ceremony, depending on your preference and what is allowed by the church. A full mass and communion can take up to an hour, while a Rite of Marriage ceremony without mass can last between 30-45 minutes.

Remember, a Catholic wedding is more than a social event; it is a sacred, spiritual occasion, and the ceremony must take place in a church to reflect this.

You can't have two weddings

Even in the case of a Catholic marrying a non-Catholic, the Catholic Church does not recognise the marriage as valid unless it takes place in a Catholic ceremony. However, the non-Catholic spouse is not required to convert to Catholicism, and the marriage is still considered sacramental.

If a Catholic has a civil marriage, it is not considered a sacramental marriage in the eyes of the Church. In this case, the couple would need to participate in a convalidation ceremony, which is similar to marriage preparation.

While the Church considers matrimonial consent to be permanent and unrepeatable, there is nothing in canon law that requires a wedding reception to occur immediately after the wedding. A party to celebrate a marriage that has already taken place is perfectly legitimate.

In the Catholic Church, marriage is considered a sacrament and a religious event. It is a covenant with God and, as such, the ceremony must take place inside a church.

Marriage preparation is an important part of the process of getting married in the Catholic Church. Couples may be required to submit certain documents, participate more in church activities, and undergo an intensive marriage preparation process with a priest. This usually includes multiple sessions with a priest, attendance at a conference or retreat, and more active involvement in the church.

Different dioceses and parishes may have different requirements, so it is best to reach out to the parish where the wedding will take place.

Frequently asked questions