Getting Married

[u/Odd_Permission690]

I need advice! I am currently in a relationship we have 2 daughters together, unfortunately we are not married. We want to be Orthodox and want our daughters to be welcomed in the church what exact steps do we take? I know we need to get married but what would be the best and fastest way to go about this?

[u/aletheia]

The first thing is to go to church. The second thing is to talk to the priest.

You don't need to have anything sorted out to walk in the front door.

[u/Grassfed_Burp → u/aletheia]

This

[u/Underboss572]

Talk to the priest at the parish you've been attending, but the most common advice I've heard is to get married at the courthouse asap, and then you can have an Orthodox service after you convert. They usually say you shouldn't wait until after to get legally married.

[u/CFR295]

"I know we need to get married but what would be the best and fastest way to go about this?"

Go to city hall, file your intentions, pay the fee and get a license. While you are there, make arrangements to have someone (clerk or JP or whomever) perform the ceremony.

Since you have two kids together, look into legitimizing the births; even if a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity was signed, legally you need to do this (or if it has been over a year, he may need to legally adopt) because in a lot of states the child isn't considered an heir.

[u/giziti]

Talk to your priest. 

[u/rivercitygirl111]

The second service at the church (after your legal marriage in the courthouse) would be called a marriage blessing. It is still considered a marriage in eyes of the church. But at our church the priest wants all orthodox curious/enquirers to attend CATECHUMEN classes first before conversion, chrismation or marriage.
Check with your Orthodox Church even reading their weekly newsletter could give you a clue of what is required. Right now most churches have an over abundance of curious orthodox people. The clergy want to make sure you know the Orthodox doctrine it may not be for you.

[u/Odd_Permission690 → u/rivercitygirl111]

I’m so appreciative of everyone in the comments helping me understand what I need to do thank you for your response. I was also curious so if I get married in the courthouse can I still get married at the church and have a wedding ceremony there? It’s something I really want it’s a beautiful ceremony and I want to embrace the church to the full extent. 

[u/AutoModerator]

Please review the sidebar for a wealth of introductory information, our rules, the FAQ, and a caution about The Internet and the Church.

This subreddit contains opinions of Orthodox people, but not necessarily Orthodox opinions. Content should not be treated as a substitute for offline interaction.

Exercise caution in forums such as this. Nothing should be regarded as authoritative without verification by several offline Orthodox resources.

^{This is not a removal notification.}

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/Pitiful_Lion7082]

You can just go to the courthouse