Miss Aileen, we’re both Catholics and are based in Sydney, Australia. We don’t have that much time to plan our wedding. Rather than have a church wedding, can we get a pastor and do a garden wedding instead?

A: We love garden weddings! In this case, however, having a pastor to officiate a garden wedding for two Catholics is something that’s not only impossible, it’s illegal. The (Philippine) law states that one of you (either the bride or the groom) has to be a Christian in order to do a Christian ceremony. Also, based on my experience, pastors do not perform wedding ceremonies of this nature. Unless you are going to tamper with the documentation which would render your marriage null and void, then this option is not possible.

Here’s my suggestion though – get civilly married instead. I mean, if your time is really that constrained, the next possible thing to do is to get a judge. This idea, however, entails a lengthy discussion. So for those who want to be further enlightened regarding this matter, you may contact me directly at weddingsandeventsrepublic@gmail.com or you may drop me a message here on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WeddingsandEventsRepublic

Happy Planning,
Aileen