Ask the Experts

Home: Second Weddings: Religious Issues:
Do I need an annulment for renewing vows with my Catholic husband

eperrine817
New User

Post #1 of 4 (773 views)

Do I need an annulment for renewing vows with my Catholic husband

My husband was divorced before we got together and then I ended up getting pregnant while we were engaged. We got married at the court house before our son arrived and we wanted to renew our vows to have a wedding that we never did before. He is a catholic that doesn't really go to church and I'm a baptisted christian (who doesn't really go to church either). Does my husband need to get an annullment from the church so we can renew our vows in his church? Thats what he wanted to do everytime we talk about it. From his first marriage he did adopt her daughter, would that still be grounds for an annulment?

(This post was edited by the_admin on Jun 27, 2009, 12:18 PM)

the_admin
Remarriage Forum Moderator / Moderator

Post #2 of 4 (770 views)

Re: [eperrine817] renewing vows to my catholic husband [In reply to]

If all you're doing is renewing vows in private you won't need any annulment since churches don't recognize vow renewals as a sacrament. Just remember that a vow renewal is not a wedding and is not a replacement for a wedding. We have a lot of information about the differences on the forum as wll as on the many pages of the website.

Now, if you decide that you want the Church to recognize your marriage, that's another answer, and I'll let our religious expert answer.
I Do - Take Two Moderator

eperrine817
New User

Post #3 of 4 (755 views)

Re: [the_admin] renewing vows to my catholic husband [In reply to]

What is the difference? My husband has expressed interest in wanting the church to recognize our marriage. I would become catholic most likely before we actually renew our vows and so will our two children. How would that work?

startingover
MARRIAGE PREPARATION ADVISORS

Post #4 of 4 (755 views)

Re: [eperrine817] Do I need an annulment for renewing vows with my Catholic husband [In reply to]

It would be wise for you to have a long talk with a priest. Your situation sounds involved. Most likely your husband will need to apply for an annulment, but whether it's the long or short form is for a priest to determine. Then it will be up to the diocese's tribunal to decide whether there are actual grounds for an annulment.

As far as having a Church wedding, you can have what is called a convalidation ceremony, complete with best man and maid or matron of honor. Again, please consult a priest for details.

You are already married. Through choices you made in the past, you may have missed out on the big, fancy wedding, but you have a wonderful son to love and raise together. That life is cause enough to celebrate.

May God guide you in your future decisions.
Kay and Dennis Flowers
Authors of
Catholic Annulment, Spiritual Healing