Best man/maid of honor in Catholic wedding

[keysersaucy]

I just had a quick couple of questions regarding a Catholic wedding mass. Is it necessary that the best man or maid of honor, or anyone in the wedding party besides the bride and groom, be Catholic? Also, must they be single or can they be married? Thanks for the help!

God Bless

 

[Brendan]

No, it is not required that the witnesses to a Marriage be Catholic.

The witness on behalf of the Church is the priest or deacon. The others are there to attest to the Marriage if it ever comes into question.

Canon Law is silent on any other requirements for witnesses.

Can. 1108 §1 Only those marriages are valid which are contracted in the presence of the local Ordinary or parish priest or of the priest or deacon delegated by either of them, who, in the presence of two witnesses, assists, in accordance however with the rules set out in the following canons, and without prejudice to the exceptions mentioned in canon 144, 1112 §1, 1116 and 1127 §2¬3.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

keysersaucy:

I just had a quick couple of questions regarding a Catholic wedding mass. Is it necessary that the best man or maid of honor, or anyone in the wedding party besides the bride and groom, be Catholic? Also, must they be single or can they be married? Thanks for the help!

God Bless

Just remember if the Marriage takes place within a Mass those who are not Catholic should be instructed well before hand that they CANNOT receive Holy Communion.