SECOND MARRIAGE GUIDE

Generally a second marriage wedding is less elaborate than that of first-timers and as such tends to be less expensive. Brides do not always wear white, and the parents do not tend to put forward such a substantial financial contribution. That said, the marriage can follow whatever path you choose - your imagination is your only limit.

Civil Ceremony Second Marriages

A Civil Ceremony, sometimes followed by a blessing, is the most popular option when one partner has been previously married.

A Civil Ceremony has no religious content at all, though is still just as romantic and meaningful as a religious ceremony but without the complications. The blessing is a religious service of prayer and dedication, and it is very common for a Minister to agree to perform the blessing to those entering a second marriage as, when combined with a Civil Ceremony, it is often viewed as an appropriate half-way house.

Anglican Church Second Marriages

Within the Church of England and the Church in Wales, second marriages have been forbidden in the past, but nowadays the Church is a lot more open – in some parishes at least.

Widowers should meet no reluctance from the Church, although divorcees may need to speak to a number of different ministers before finding a willing volunteer.

Roman Catholic Church Second Marriages

If your previous marriage has ended through the death of a partner, the priest should agree to remarry you. However, the Catholic Church will not recognise the state’s decree absolute certificate if your previous partner is still alive and if the wedding ceremony was performed by a priest. Thus, in the eyes of the Roman Catholic Church, you will be unable to remarry. The only way to overcome this is to seek a dispensation of annulment by petitioning the Church to declare your previous marriage null and void. If your previous marriage was via a Civil Ceremony, things become a lot easier. Civil marriages are not recognised by the Roman Catholic Church and therefore the priest should agree to a second marriage (religious ceremonies conducted outside of the Roman Catholic Church may also be dealt with the same way).

Second Marriages - Others

A non-conformist Church and Church of Scotland second marriage or re-marriages is generally an uncomplicated affair and whilst you will need to speak to the minister concerned, there should be little objection to the ceremony taking place. For a Quaker second marriage, the case for the re-marriage must be put before, and approved by, the monthly meeting in order to obtain permission. Other religions vary in their attitudes to ‘second timers’, so before discounting this option completely, it is wise to speak to the officiant early on to clarify their standing on second marriages - they will be more than happy to discuss any queries or concerns with you.