On Mondays, I answer questions frequently asked by those considering a return to the Catholic Church. How do I know this stuff? I was away for more than 30 years myself, and am the co-author of When They Come Home: Ways to Welcome Returning Catholics, a book for pastors and parish leaders interested in this ministry.
OK, I’ll admit it. I’m mainly thinking about coming back to make my parents happy when my fiance/fiancee get married. But I just found out that would mean we can’t get married at the beach! What’s up with that?
Matrimony is a sacrament, and with few exceptions, sacraments are conferred in churches. Catholicism is a faith of community; you and your spouse-to-be aren’t the only ones with a stake in this marriage. Your family and friends have an interest in seeing that it works, as does everyone in your parish. Beginning your life together in God’s house is appropriate—and a special gift for everyone. Consider using locales such as parks and beaches for the reception or other celebrations related to your wedding.
![By Allan Ajifo [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons](https://melanierigney.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/returning_beachwedding_wikimedia20150628needcredit.jpg)
If you’re marrying someone who hasn’t been baptized, your bishop may approve a wedding at a neutral, non-church site. Such unions typically are not seen by the Church as a sacrament. They are, however, still considered valid marriages if the bishop has provided permission known as a “dispensation from disparity of cult.”
Pastoral practices may differ in these situations that are a bit unusual; talk to your pastor about the rules for weddings at your parish as far in advance as possible.
