Can I have a Catholic Wedding in Lent?

With late winter/early spring being wedding “off season” with so many venues, many couples have considered saving cost with a wedding in that season. However, Lent typically falls around the month of March and can complicate choosing a spring wedding date. Here are your Lenten Catholic wedding questions answered!

So, can I have a Catholic Wedding in Lent?

The answer isn’t super straight forward. It is possible to get married in the Catholic Church in Lent, but there may be restrictions. Because of these restrictions, it is not practical for many couples to get married in Lent.

Why isn’t it practical to get married in Lent?

In the Catholic Church, Lent is a time of preparation for Easter. We use this time to remember Christ’s passion and death, and to practice fasting and penance. It’s a time of self discipline and prayer, and is not very suitable for the joy of a wedding. Lenten weddings are discouraged in general by the church.

Will my church allow it?

Maybe! It varies from pastor to pastor. Some absolutely will not allow a Lent wedding. Some will allow Lent weddings with restrictions, such as no floral decor or more simple music choices. Some churches may allow weddings for those in unique circumstances, such as the deployment of a service member or to include a terminally ill family member in the wedding.

If my church allows, can I get married anytime in Lent?

Lent actually contains the two days of the year that it is absolutely forbidden to be married in the Catholic Church; Good Friday, and Holy Saturday (the two days before Easter). No sacraments are meant to be performed on these two dates, barring the sacrament of Confession and Last Rites for the dying.

Can you get married on Easter?

Interestingly enough, priests do perform marriages on Easter! Some priests will offer marriage convalidations and wedding ceremonies after the Easter vigil for those who have just entered the church, allowing them to receive the joy of all their sacraments on one day!

Is getting married after Easter a good idea?

The Easter season is a great time to be married! First of all, it’s a season of high joy in the Catholic Church as we celebrated the risen Lord. And secondly, many churches decorate their sanctuaries elaborately for Easter, meaning that there may still be Easter florals in the church for your wedding.