[JMBKMC808]

We had a wedding this past weekend becuase we were told myfiance couldn't get baptised in the catholic church until we were married becuase it would be saying our sin is ok by living together. We were planning on getting married in November before this happened. They told us now this would be a "vow renewal" if we wanted to go ahead with a ceremony. We already sent out save the dates to our friends and family. Now since were married in the church and we haven't gotten a legal marriage license yet, could we go ahead and have a wedding on a beach to make it legal and still have it be a wedding? Or does a vow renewal have to be in a church? Is it "proper" to do it as a wedding since we're married in the church but not according to the state?

Please advise.

[Etiquette Now]

Dear JMB,

You are asking this same question two different ways. I've just answered your other post on another page.

This really doesn't make any sense. Your priest married you in the church without a marriage license? You don't have one? None of this makes any sense. You aren't legally married, but were married in the church?

If you are married, considered married, have a marriage license and have changed legal documents to state that you are married, then you are. If this is the case, you shouldn't host a wedding or a vow renewal. A wedding would be silly and pretend. It is too early for a vow renewal as you have nothing to renew. If you are not legally married but considered married, it would be best to keep your ceremony as simple as possible to avoid appearing too negative. I don't have a clue as what to call it at this point. If it were me, I'd go to the court house to make it legal.

As I mentioned in the other post, it is best to host a reception within the first year and avoid the wedding/vow renewal altogether.

Best wishes,

[startingover]

We agree with the advice already given and would add that any outdoor Catholic wedding (at least in the USA) would have to be at a sacred shrine or grotto, but not on a beach.

You really need to speak with another priest. As far as we know, it is illegal to perform a wedding without already having a marriage license. Perhaps you misunderstood. In any case, your situation apprears to be beyond the scope of this forum. We hope you can find a priest who can answer your questions.

May God guide you in wisdom.