Title: Requirements for Having a Catholic Wedding
Headings: Requirements for Getting Married in the Catholic Church
Requirements for Getting Married in the Catholic Church
A Baptized Christian
Not Too Closely Related
Free to Marry
Of the Opposite Sex as Your Partner
In Good Standing With the Church
What to Do If You're Not Sure
Watch Now: Bible Verses About Love

Content: Requirements for Having a Catholic Wedding
Abrahamic / Middle Eastern Christianity
Requirements for Getting Married in the Catholic Church
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By
ThoughtCo
Updated December 23, 2018
Marriage is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. As such, it is a supernatural institution, as well as a natural one. The Church, therefore, restricts sacramental marriage to men and women who meet certain requirements. A Baptized Christian
Both partners do not have to be a Catholic in order to be sacramentally married in the Catholic Church, but both must be baptized Christians (and at least one must be a Catholic). Non-Christians cannot receive the sacraments. For a Catholic to marry a non-Catholic Christian, express permission is required from his or her bishop . A Catholic can marry an unbaptized person, but such marriages are natural marriages only; they are not sacramental marriages. The Church, therefore, discourages them and requires a Catholic who wishes to marry an unbaptized person to receive a special dispensation from his or her bishop. Still, if the dispensation is granted, a non-sacramental marriage is valid and can take place inside of a Catholic church.