Verified answer

Get married by the Justice of the Peace first, then come home for a church wedding. Your priest will talk to you about it.

We got married in Hawaii four years ago, and are just now getting all the paperwork straightened out for the church wedding.

Whatever you do, don't let a cleric marry you, or the church may reject your application.

God only knows. I've seen "decisions" made by various parishes of American Catholic churches on marriages in seemingly similar circumtances come out as directly opposite each other as day and night, and I can't find rhyme or reason for it. As one born a Roman Catholic decades ago, I think the American excuse for Catholicism is scarey. Read and STUDY your Catechism, the newest one compiled during Pope John Paul II's papacy. Also read and STUDY Pope John Paul II's book entitled "Love and Marriage" I believe. I don't always agree with him, but then . . .. You can feel assured that the current Pope, Benedict XVI wholeheartedly agrees with his long time compadre, Pope John Paul II, since they were such very close "working buddies" in the Church. And, finally, I think you're tossing all the marbles in the air and hoping for a great landing on your eloping plans and having the Catholic Church sanction it. Kinda like playing the old game of Jacks or somesuch that we used to play as kids back in the 1950's. But then, Cardinals and Bishops and Priests and very influential "Catholics" have so watered down and violated Catholicism here in this country that you might just get away with anything. God Bless you.

Go the the church first and ask for the blessing before you elope.

I have known the church to bless a marriage unless it is done in the church....

you can have a civil marriage by going to the justice of the peace and then have a small religious service. But the Church will not recognize the marriage until it is done by the church

If you intend to get married in a Catholic Church, then why are you bothering to elope?

Just get married in a Catholic Church, period.

The Catholic Church will not bless your marriage if you elope, you need to have it in your church in front of the Father, or your marriage cannot and will not be blessed.

Elope is merely running away to get married. So run away to a different Catholic church.

Can Catholics Elope

You seriously need to take this up with your priest!

If you have met the Church's requirements for preparation for the sacrament, and the priest is willing to officiate the ceremony, you may have no trouble. But, I'm guessing that's not quite your situation!

Elope away..no problem. When you get back, get married in the church in a private ceremony.,..no problemo.