Old Catholic Weddings | Oldcatholicchurchswi

Old Catholic Weddings
Including the Celebration of Same-Sex Marriage

Old Catholic weddings are rooted in the ancient Catholic sacramental tradition while reflecting a pastoral, inclusive, and synod-guided theology. Couples who choose an Old Catholic wedding often do so because they value Catholic liturgy, symbolism, and spirituality—without the restrictions imposed by Roman Catholic canon law.

1. The Old Catholic Understanding of Marriage

In the Old Catholic Church, marriage is understood as:

A sacred covenant of love, fidelity, and mutual support
A relationship blessed by God and nurtured within the faith community
A partnership of equals, entered freely and responsibly

Marriage is viewed less as a legal contract and more as a public, prayerful commitment grounded in Christian love and mutual care.

2. Inclusion of Same-Sex Weddings

Many Old Catholic churches fully affirm and celebrate same-sex marriages.

Key principles:

Love, fidelity, and commitment—not gender—are central to Christian marriage
Same-sex couples are welcomed to receive the same sacramental blessing as opposite-sex couples
Marriage rites are not adapted as exceptions, but celebrated with equal dignity

This inclusive approach reflects the Old Catholic emphasis on:

Conscience
Pastoral care
Ongoing theological reflection guided by lived experience.

Same-sex marriages in Old Catholic churches are not symbolic ceremonies—they are real, sacramental celebrations of love and commitment.

3. The Wedding Liturgy

Structure

An Old Catholic wedding typically includes:

Processional
Readings from Scripture
Homily
Exchange of vows
Blessing and exchange of rings
Nuptial blessing
(Optional) Eucharist
Final blessing and recessional

The liturgy closely resembles a traditional Catholic wedding, with rich symbolism, prayer, and solemnity.

4. Eucharist & Participation

Many Old Catholic weddings include Holy Communion
The Old Catholic Church generally practices open communion, welcoming baptized Christians regardless of denomination
This allows family and friends of mixed faith backgrounds to participate fully.

5. Flexibility & Personalization

Old Catholic clergy work closely with couples to ensure the ceremony reflects their faith and relationship.

Couples may:

Choose meaningful Scripture readings
Incorporate cultural or family traditions
Select music that is sacred yet personally significant
Use inclusive language in vows and prayers

The goal is a ceremony that is both liturgically authentic and personally meaningful.

6. Clergy & Preparation

Old Catholic clergy may be married
In many jurisdictions, women serve as priests and bishops
Marriage preparation focuses on:
- Communication and mutual responsibility
- Spiritual grounding
- Understanding marriage as a lifelong vocation

The preparation process is pastoral rather than judgmental or bureaucratic.

7. Legal Recognition

Civil marriage requirements must be met according to local law
In regions where same-sex marriage is legally recognized, Old Catholic clergy often serve as both religious and legal officiants
Where civil recognition is not possible, the Church may still offer a full sacramental blessing.

8. Who Chooses an Old Catholic Wedding?

Old Catholic weddings are often chosen by:

Same-sex couples seeking a Catholic sacramental marriage
Divorced individuals who wish to remarry without annulment
Couples from mixed Christian traditions
Those drawn to historic Catholic worship with inclusive theology.

9. The Spirit of an Old Catholic Wedding

An Old Catholic wedding is:

Sacramental, not symbolic
Traditional, yet open and inclusive
Joyful, reverent, and rooted in community

At its heart, it proclaims that God’s love is present wherever commitment, faithfulness, and self-giving love are lived.

Old Catholic Weddings Including the Celebration of Same-Sex Marriage