second-timer problems

[Kathy]

My fiance and I are planning our wedding for next valentine's day (2003). I was married before although because I married in a registry office i've been told it is possible for my fiance and I to marry in a Catholic church. He is a practising Catholic and I was brought up Church of Ireland.

The problem is that I've heard that it's only Catholics married in a registry office who can remarry in a Chapel, is this true? Is there any way around this problem as my fiance is going to be dreadfully disappointed and does not want a civil wedding. I'd be grateful for any advice.

[Kate]

We would suggest you try the Association of Interchurch Families (http://www.2-in-2-1.co.uk/services/interchfam/) or talk to your local priest.

Some Church of England parish priests will also marry couples where one or both have been previously married, so it might be possible to have a religious ceremony more in line with your church background. Some of the other denominations like URC and Methodist will also do this, so you do have a number of options before you have to resort to a civil ceremony. I do hope you manage to find something appropriate.

If you're looking for marriage preparation resources then they can be found here (http://www.2-in-2-1.co.uk/weddings/marlifeprep/) on the site. We do highly recommend them.

[Kathy]

Thanks for the advice Kate, my Fiance is going to talk to his Priest today to see if he can help. A 'mixed' marriage in Northern Ireland presents a few complications so the sooner we get it sorted the better.

The Church of England is very like the Church of Ireland (I live in County Armagh in Northern Ireland) C of I do not remarry divorcees, although that may change in the future.