Should I be a groomsman at a civil ceremony?

[blaskoman]

The groom to be has already been divorced twice, while the bride to be has also been divorced. Both of these individuals are non-believers (never been baptized).

I do realize that the Catholic Church recognizes marriages among non-believers as valid, but non-sacramental. If such a marriage dissolves, I believe that the Natural Law is violated, and a subsequent marriage should be considered invalid by the Church (please correct me if I’m wrong here).

Based on my logic, given that both parties to this upcoming wedding have already been divorced, I have my misgivings about the validity of their upcoming union. Of course, in the eyes of the State, they will be considered married, but I feel that this couple is violating the Natural Law, I feel that my participation in this wedding (as a groomsman) could be considered scandalous, given that many in attendance know that I am a practicing catholic…Should I participate in this wedding?

 

[1ke]

Your analysis is correct. It would give scandal to be a groomsmen in an invalid marriage-- and this particular situation would be an invalid attempt at marriage.

If it were the first marriage for each, and neither were Catholic, there would be no problem.

 

[iluvmybabies]

I’m no expert in this subject, still learning myself but I am a bit curious…this couple have been married previously and divorced, were they ever married through the church? Oh wait I think you said they are non-believers…Ok sorry bout that…

Uhm since they are non-believer’s and they are divorced, are they not considered free to remarry? If they were never married through any church then none of their marriages were considered “valid” religiously…BUT valid legally…Is it wrong for a couple to just marry civilly if they are non-believer’s?

Are they your friends?

Just wondering here…

 

[1ke]

since they are non-believer’s and they are divorced, are they not considered free to remarry?

No.

If they were never married through any church then none of their marriages were considered “valid” religiously…BUT valid legally…

It does not matter whether they were married in a civil ceremony or by non-Catholic clergy. The marriage is valid, therefore they are not free to attempt a subsequent marriage.

Is it wrong for a couple to just marry civilly if they are non-believer’s?

No. Non-Catholics marry validly when they marry civilly.