Is it really possible to have a Catholic destination wedding? Of course you can! You've probably assumed, or been told, that there was no way for it to be done. That your Catholic wedding needs to take place in your home church. Well, this just isn't so.

Many non Catholics aren't aware of all the preparation that is involved in a Catholic wedding ceremony and, therefore, think that everything there is to do for a destination wedding is extensive or impossible. The fact is, there aren't many more extras involved with a destination wedding. Most of what you do would have to be done with your home wedding as well.

There are many options available for a great Catholic destination wedding. You will still need to start with your home church and priest to get the ball rolling, though.

Start your preparations about 1 year ahead of your wedding, if possible, just as you would with a traditional Catholic marriage. Begin by speaking with your priest and letting him know what your plans are. He will start the paperwork that is necessary and arrange a date for the classes that you will need to take, such as an engaged encounter weekend.

Next, you need to contact the priest in the location you wish to marry. He will need the bride and groom's names and the name of your priest. Once your priest has determined that you can marry in the Catholic church, he should contact the priest in the church that you wish to marry in.

At least 3 months prior to your wedding date, your priest should make sure all of the official paperwork is in to your local diocese, which will then mail original documents to the office of canonical affairs where you wish to marry.

All of your plans for music, choice of readings and other details for the ceremony, need to be completed with the priest where you will marry.

Be sure to check into the marriage laws where you want to marry. Some states or countries will allow you to mail away for your license and some require you to actually be there. Be sure to check into this early. Some places are very easy to get a license in while others may have a list of requirements for you to meet. You don't want you and your guests to travel to your destination, only to find out you can't legally marry there.

If you decide to have a Catholic destination wedding, you will definitely have wonderful memories for you and your guests. You'll find, even though there are many things to do, you would need to do most of them for a home wedding anyway. If this is something that you're thinking and dreaming of, go ahead and check into your favorite location.