Catholic wedding and K1

[payxibka 10,045]

Trust me, ALL Catholic weddings are legal.

Wrong. It depends entirely upon the civil laws of the jurisdiction where the wedding takes place.

Even in the US, if you get married in the Catholic church by an unregistered officiant and do not comply with the marriage registration documents (license) I have my doubts if it would be "legal" either......

I just dont' know any Catholic priests that would officiate an unregisterable marriage.

unless of course they were not registered themselves... but you might be right.

In MN at least just because you are "ordained" does not automatically mean you are able to perform a marriage... the "ordained" person must register with the county government (and pay a fee) in order to be a registered officiant. Without this they are not able to legally perform a marriage.

Edited September 8, 2009 by payxibka

[Stephen + Elisha 92]

Trust me, ALL Catholic weddings are legal.

Wrong. It depends entirely upon the civil laws of the jurisdiction where the wedding takes place.

Even in the US, if you get married in the Catholic church by an unregistered officiant and do not comply with the marriage registration documents (license) I have my doubts if it would be "legal" either......

Precisely. A good friend of mine is a newly ordained (June '09) Catholic priest. He had to get a letter from the diocesan offices stating he was a priest in good standing, then take that to the county courthouse in order to be licensed to witness marriages. Had he not done that, none of the marriages at which he presides would be valid. Likewise, couples at whose weddings he presides are not legally married until he signs the license and sends it back to the court clerk's office.

Moreover, the laws of some countries do not allow clergy to witness marriages on behalf of the civil authorities. The civil marriage process is entirely separate. A couple can be married in church and yet still legally free to marry if they do not register the marriage with the civil authority.

[payxibka 10,045]

Moreover, the laws of some countries do not allow clergy to witness marriages on behalf of the civil authorities. The civil marriage process is entirely separate. A couple can be married in church and yet still legally free to marry if they do not register the marriage with the civil authority.

Exactly the situation in Ukraine.... If you are NOT married at the ZAGS office (a civil agency) you are NOT married... this applies equally to all religions... A church wedding in Ukraine is ceremonial only (applies equally all religious affiliations including Catholic and Orthodox, etc...)

[ThomLin 0]

Catholic weddings and civil wedding in Mexico are 2 diferent things in Mexico if you get married for the church is not legally like the civil wedding, The Catholic church do not let know to the goverment about the wedding, because here in Mexico, The religion is totally separate of the goverment.

[Nik+Heather 121]

Catholic weddings and civil wedding in Mexico are 2 diferent things in Mexico if you get married for the church is not legally like the civil wedding, The Catholic church do not let know to the goverment about the wedding, because here in Mexico, The religion is totally separate of the goverment.

Okay, well, then if you're sure that that is the case, AND her priest is alright with marrying you without the legal part being completed before or after the ceremony, then make sure you learn from others and NOT do the following:

1. Do NOT refer to each other as "My Husband" or "My Wife" (either verbally or in emails you use as proof of relationship)

2. Do NOT wear your ring to the interview (or in pictures submitted for proof of relationship)

3. Do NOT show your wedding pictures at the interview

etc. etc. etc.

It's a pretty narrow path to walk, and could make your life very difficult...What if the embassy does a follow up since it's your second attempt and they talk to some of her family and THEY mention the wedding? Hosed. And this isn't something you have any control of, either.

Anyway, best of luck which ever way you go.

[Carlawarla 1]

State and province regulations vary. A Catholic wedding in Mexico is an official Catholic wedding in the United States under Catholic Canon Law. It is your responsibility to see if your official Catholic wedding in Mexico will be recognized under the laws of your state, as a civil marriage. It is your responsibility to verify your state's requirements and if this would be valid under your state's laws.

[baron555 934]

Catholic weddings and civil wedding in Mexico are 2 diferent things in Mexico if you get married for the church is not legally like the civil wedding, The Catholic church do not let know to the goverment about the wedding, because here in Mexico, The religion is totally separate of the goverment.

Okay, well, then if you're sure that that is the case, AND her priest is alright with marrying you without the legal part being completed before or after the ceremony, then make sure you learn from others and NOT do the following:

1. Do NOT refer to each other as "My Husband" or "My Wife" (either verbally or in emails you use as proof of relationship)

2. Do NOT wear your ring to the interview (or in pictures submitted for proof of relationship)

3. Do NOT show your wedding pictures at the interview

etc. etc. etc.

It's a pretty narrow path to walk, and could make your life very difficult...What if the embassy does a follow up since it's your second attempt and they talk to some of her family and THEY mention the wedding? Hosed. And this isn't something you have any control of, either.

Anyway, best of luck which ever way you go.

I'm just having a hard time understanding how being unmarried for the K-1 is so confusing. Yes you can skirt around and do things under the table and risk being denied and that denial showing on your record, so when you apply the right way the next time, you may also be denied again for misrepresentation and maybe a possible ban. It's your call.

If your so hell-bent to get married, then do that and file for the CR-1 or K-3.

The K-1 is for unmarried couples. Period. Very simple. If you want to get married, then do that and choose another visa petition.

And also, being Catholic myself, how would you live with the fact that you got married but would lie about it to the consular officer? That's a sin.

What would Jesus want you to do?

[Stephen + Elisha 92]

I honestly don't understand the preachiness here.

The K-1 is for couples who are legally free to marry. In countries where religious wedding ceremonies confer no legal effect, the couple can have their religious wedding and still be legally free to marry and thus eligible for the K-1. Consulates in some of these countries advise K-1 applicants that this is okay. If it's okay with the consulate, why do you have a problem with it?

No one's advocating lying to consular officers. When a consular officer asks if you are "married," the question is being asked in a strict legal sense. If you are not legally married, the answer to the question is "no"—whether or not you've received the sacrament. Render unto Caesar, buddy.

[Stephen + Elisha 92]

And also, being Catholic myself, how would you live with the fact that you got married but would lie about it to the consular officer? That's a sin.

What would Jesus want you to do?

By your standard, a Catholic who is divorced is ineligible for a K-1 visa.

The Catholic Church does not recognize divorce. So, when the consular officer asks the divorced Catholic if he/she is married, he/she must answer "Yes." No visa.

The Government of the United States does not care a whit about your marital status in the eyes of God and the Catholic Church. All they care about is whether you are free to marry under United States law. Render unto Caesar.

[baron555 934]

I honestly don't understand the preachiness here.

The K-1 is for couples who are legally free to marry. In countries where religious wedding ceremonies confer no legal effect, the couple can have their religious wedding and still be legally free to marry and thus eligible for the K-1. Consulates in some of these countries advise K-1 applicants that this is okay. If it's okay with the consulate, why do you have a problem with it?

No one's advocating lying to consular officers. When a consular officer asks if you are "married," the question is being asked in a strict legal sense. If you are not legally married, the answer to the question is "no"—whether or not you've received the sacrament.

OK, OK, but then the pair also understands that if the fact that they had some ceremony and the consular officer decides that this constitutes a marriage and denys the petition, they would understand and accept this, right?

[ThomLin 0]

Catholic weddings and civil wedding in Mexico are 2 diferent things in Mexico if you get married for the church is not legally like the civil wedding, The Catholic church do not let know to the goverment about the wedding, because here in Mexico, The religion is totally separate of the goverment.

Okay, well, then if you're sure that that is the case, AND her priest is alright with marrying you without the legal part being completed before or after the ceremony, then make sure you learn from others and NOT do the following:

1. Do NOT refer to each other as "My Husband" or "My Wife" (either verbally or in emails you use as proof of relationship)

2. Do NOT wear your ring to the interview (or in pictures submitted for proof of relationship)

3. Do NOT show your wedding pictures at the interview

etc. etc. etc.

It's a pretty narrow path to walk, and could make your life very difficult...What if the embassy does a follow up since it's your second attempt and they talk to some of her family and THEY mention the wedding? Hosed. And this isn't something you have any control of, either.

Anyway, best of luck which ever way you go.

I'm just having a hard time understanding how being unmarried for the K-1 is so confusing. Yes you can skirt around and do things under the table and risk being denied and that denial showing on your record, so when you apply the right way the next time, you may also be denied again for misrepresentation and maybe a possible ban. It's your call.

If your so hell-bent to get married, then do that and file for the CR-1 or K-3.

The K-1 is for unmarried couples. Period. Very simple. If you want to get married, then do that and choose another visa petition.

And also, being Catholic myself, how would you live with the fact that you got married but would lie about it to the consular officer? That's a sin.

What would Jesus want you to do?

I'm not trying to make a lie and this question is just to know if could be any trouble for the K1...

I really apreciatte you take the time to share with us your opinion about it, thanks!

God bless you!

Linda

And also, being Catholic myself, how would you live with the fact that you got married but would lie about it to the consular officer? That's a sin.

What would Jesus want you to do?

By your standard, a Catholic who is divorced is ineligible for a K-1 visa.

The Catholic Church does not recognize divorce. So, when the consular officer asks the divorced Catholic if he/she is married, he/she must answer "Yes." No visa.

The Government of the United States does not care a whit about your marital status in the eyes of God and the Catholic Church. All they care about is whether you are free to marry under United States law. Render unto Caesar.

Stephen....Love yaa buddy!!!!

State and province regulations vary. A Catholic wedding in Mexico is an official Catholic wedding in the United States under Catholic Canon Law. It is your responsibility to see if your official Catholic wedding in Mexico will be recognized under the laws of your state, as a civil marriage. It is your responsibility to verify your state's requirements and if this would be valid under your state's laws.

Thanks so much for the advice!

[ThomLin 0]

Catholic weddings and civil wedding in Mexico are 2 diferent things in Mexico if you get married for the church is not legally like the civil wedding, The Catholic church do not let know to the goverment about the wedding, because here in Mexico, The religion is totally separate of the goverment.

Okay, well, then if you're sure that that is the case, AND her priest is alright with marrying you without the legal part being completed before or after the ceremony, then make sure you learn from others and NOT do the following:

1. Do NOT refer to each other as "My Husband" or "My Wife" (either verbally or in emails you use as proof of relationship)

2. Do NOT wear your ring to the interview (or in pictures submitted for proof of relationship)

3. Do NOT show your wedding pictures at the interview

etc. etc. etc.

It's a pretty narrow path to walk, and could make your life very difficult...What if the embassy does a follow up since it's your second attempt and they talk to some of her family and THEY mention the wedding? Hosed. And this isn't something you have any control of, either.

Anyway, best of luck which ever way you go.

Thanks guys!!! We think we going to wait for everything, the truth is we don't want other complication in our journey so we going to make the refile this week and wait again...

thanks for your comments and for take your time to read my question

God bless you guys!

Linda

[Nik+Heather 121]

Catholic weddings and civil wedding in Mexico are 2 diferent things in Mexico if you get married for the church is not legally like the civil wedding, The Catholic church do not let know to the goverment about the wedding, because here in Mexico, The religion is totally separate of the goverment.

Okay, well, then if you're sure that that is the case, AND her priest is alright with marrying you without the legal part being completed before or after the ceremony, then make sure you learn from others and NOT do the following:

1. Do NOT refer to each other as "My Husband" or "My Wife" (either verbally or in emails you use as proof of relationship)

2. Do NOT wear your ring to the interview (or in pictures submitted for proof of relationship)

3. Do NOT show your wedding pictures at the interview

etc. etc. etc.

It's a pretty narrow path to walk, and could make your life very difficult...What if the embassy does a follow up since it's your second attempt and they talk to some of her family and THEY mention the wedding? Hosed. And this isn't something you have any control of, either.

Anyway, best of luck which ever way you go.

Thanks guys!!! We think we going to wait for everything, the truth is we don't want other complication in our journey so we going to make the refile this week and wait again...

thanks for your comments and for take your time to read my question

God bless you guys!

Linda

I think it's a wise decision given all the different ways things could go wrong. What about a ceremony on your one year anniversary? That could be romantic.

[ThomLin 0]

Catholic weddings and civil wedding in Mexico are 2 diferent things in Mexico if you get married for the church is not legally like the civil wedding, The Catholic church do not let know to the goverment about the wedding, because here in Mexico, The religion is totally separate of the goverment.

Okay, well, then if you're sure that that is the case, AND her priest is alright with marrying you without the legal part being completed before or after the ceremony, then make sure you learn from others and NOT do the following:

1. Do NOT refer to each other as "My Husband" or "My Wife" (either verbally or in emails you use as proof of relationship)

2. Do NOT wear your ring to the interview (or in pictures submitted for proof of relationship)

3. Do NOT show your wedding pictures at the interview

etc. etc. etc.

It's a pretty narrow path to walk, and could make your life very difficult...What if the embassy does a follow up since it's your second attempt and they talk to some of her family and THEY mention the wedding? Hosed. And this isn't something you have any control of, either.

Anyway, best of luck which ever way you go.

Thanks guys!!! We think we going to wait for everything, the truth is we don't want other complication in our journey so we going to make the refile this week and wait again...

thanks for your comments and for take your time to read my question

God bless you guys!

Linda

I think it's a wise decision given all the different ways things could go wrong. What about a ceremony on your one year anniversary? That could be romantic.

aaawwweee that would be amazing!!!... great idea!!!

We will...

Thanks and good evening!

Linda

[baron555 934]

I honestly don't understand the preachiness here.

The K-1 is for couples who are legally free to marry. In countries where religious wedding ceremonies confer no legal effect, the couple can have their religious wedding and still be legally free to marry and thus eligible for the K-1. Consulates in some of these countries advise K-1 applicants that this is okay. If it's okay with the consulate, why do you have a problem with it?

No one's advocating lying to consular officers. When a consular officer asks if you are "married," the question is being asked in a strict legal sense. If you are not legally married, the answer to the question is "no"—whether or not you've received the sacrament. Render unto Caesar, buddy.

Yo, Caesar! What if the couple just answered using the truth, "Yes we are married, but it is not legal."

What would be wrong with that answer? It is the real truth. Maybe this answer would get you nervous? Why would a couple want to have a non-legal wedding and then use the K-1 visa? Maybe it is because it is the quickest way to get together, rather than the more appropriate CR-1 or K-3? Maybe it is against the TOS of this site to give such advice?

Anyway, luckily this OP couple has opted for the safe route and not trying a find a way around the K-1 requirements based on a technicality.