Over the years, there has been a lot of misinformation between Catholic and non-Catholic faiths, especially in ceremonies such as weddings. For Catholics, the dilemma is always whether to attend or not to attend non-Catholic unions. We sought to determine why you may/may not participate in and the church’s stand in such matters.
So, can a Catholic be a bridesmaid in a non-Catholic wedding? If it is a real marriage (valid) that does not violate any laws of Christianity, then the Catholic Church allows participation in the ceremony as a bridesmaid. However, most people base their decision on personal beliefs on the particular union and their conscience. If the bride/groom is a close friend or relative, then family and friendship dynamics will be put to the test.
We all want to be a part of important moments in our friends’ and family’s lives, but our divergent religious views can be conflicting. Can we find a balance between the different beliefs? We went deeper into the Catholic Church’s principles to find out whether one can participate as a bridesmaid in a non-Catholic wedding.
Differences Between a Catholic and a Non-Catholic Wedding
It is important to note that marriage is different from a wedding; a wedding is a ceremony, while a marriage is an institution. Various religions have contrary views on marriage, such as divorce, same-sex marriages, and inter-denominational unions. In the case of Catholics and Protestants, they worship the same God but have different guiding principles, especially when it comes to sacred ceremonies such as marriage.
In the Catholic Church, marriage is one of the church sacraments, involving the bride, groom, and the priest (who acts as a witness). The church accords the utmost respect to the institution by following the church’s laws to the latter. The couple first meets the priest and then sets the nuptial date when everything is in order. Like most Christian weddings, the priest conducts the ceremony as part of the mass, and the service continues after the vows and declarations. A Catholic marriage stands out because the church frowns upon divorce; the couple is married for life.
On the other hand, Protestants do not particularly consider marriage a sacrament, which implies that some fragments allow divorce and same-sex marriages, unlike for the Catholics, where only death can split the couple. Some Protestants also allow weddings in other places other than the church as long as the witnesses are present but just like Catholic weddings, they conduct the ceremony as a mass.
When Can a Catholic Participate in a Non-Catholic Wedding?
Often, a Catholic has to choose between his/her personal beliefs and the relationship between family/ friends. While some people go for family, some choose to follow their conscience and do what the church deems right. As much as family is a fundamental part of society, a faithful Catholic will still consider Christ’s teachings on marriage as a sacred entity.
According to the Catholic Church’s principles, if the marriage is real and legal, participating in it is not sinful. You are merely attending a ceremony. Moreover, there are no specific rules that bar you from attending any ceremony outside your denomination. A Catholic can be a guest at any wedding, Catholic or Protestant. If your conscience is clear, you can participate as part of the congregation or the bridal entourage.
All Catholics can follow their judgment when it comes to such matters; always follow your conscience when making such decisions. If the marriage is legal and in line with your faith principles, you can participate.
However, you should not feel obligated or forced to go against your beliefs; your participation should be a personal decision. In case the bride/ groom is a close friend or relative, but your conscience does not allow you to attend, you have to make a difficult decision. Either risk your relationship or follow what you deem as right. Whatever choice you make, your family should understand and support your stand regardless.
Instances Where You Cannot Participate in a Non-Catholic Wedding
There are specific scenarios that the Catholic Church forbids such as, same-sex marriages, a marriage where one or both partners is a divorcee, polygamy, and marriage between people who are closely related. For these cases, the church considers them sinful acts that are not valid according to the canonical principles, and participation in them means that you support the union.
However, the church does not have an explicit law that deters you from attending such weddings; the decision is entirely made by you, according to your judgment and beliefs. If you feel that the couple’s intention is pure, you may make the prudent decision to support them. Similarly, if the celebrants are close to you, you may attend to show your support.
However, the church advises that we dissociate ourselves from any activities that are scandalous, like instances of same-sex marriages. Before you decide, you should strive to show an excellent example to others, especially children. You can show them that you are not in support of such activities. If you have a supportive family, they will understand your reasons for skipping the event altogether. If the wedding is for a colleague or an acquaintance, you can easily give them your reasons, but still, wish the best for them.
On the contrary, you can choose to be a non-participating guest in such scenarios and not an active member (bridesmaid or groomsman). You can attend as a guest or as part of the wedding party or entourage for a wedding. A guest is one of the people present to witness the ceremony, but a bridesmaid/ groomsman plays an active role in the wedding. Being a bridesmaid in an invalid wedding may mean that you fully support the couple (or that’s what people will presume).
What Is the Church’s Stand?
The most important question is, what does the church advice regarding Catholics attending or actively participating in non-Catholic weddings? The following are some rules that can help guide you in making your decision.
- A Catholic can attend any valid marriage of a Non-Catholic, Catholic, or Non-Christian. There is no specific rule that prevents inter-denominational participation.
- An invalid wedding is one where; the bride and groom are closely related; the participants are of the same sex, or there is a known previous marriage (estrangement or divorce without an annulment).
- Any marriage should be under the guiding laws of Catholicism, morality, and the teachings of Christ.
The church teaches about love for one another, regardless of their human nature. We should strive to love even when our ideas are conflicting.
Final Remarks
There is only one impediment regarding attendance and participation in non-Catholic weddings; validity. You may be a bridesmaid at any wedding if it does not go against your principles as a Catholic. Participate actively when the marriage is legal, has a moral foundation, and is in line with the church’s accepted principles. Always base your judgment on the fundamental laws that govern Catholicism.
If the wedding is invalid, you have to choose, follow the law and your conscience as a Christian or show support for the couple, especially in the case of close friends or family. If you feel that you will be violating your principles by attending, it is best to skip the ceremony altogether but give your reasons. Apologize in advance and indicate why you made the decision. Other situations may require wit and tact to convince the celebrants why you cannot participate.
