Can my fiance's dad be his best man?

Question

Hi! My fiance and I are getting married in the Catholic church. Our priest tells us that my fiance's father cannot be his best man or sign our marriage document as a witness. Has anyone else ever heard of this? My fiance really really wants his dad as his best man. I've researched the laws of Catholic weddings and have not come across anything saying this is not possible.... anyone have any thoughts? Thanks!

Answer 1

According to this wedding etiquette site, it is a great idea:

http://www.topweddingquestions.com/forum/Bridal_Party_C13/Groomsmen_&_Ushers_F14/father_of_groom_as_best_man_P12036/



I have no idea why your priest doesn't allow it, but you should ask if he will make an exception, or find another priest for the ceremony.

The bride gets to make so many wedding decisions, that it is important to accommodate the groom's request. It is his wedding, too.



If you google "father is best man', you will see that it is quite common.

Answer 2

Huh???



I am Catholic myself and have never heard of that!!



Most all weddings have someone in the family (brother?) as the best man....so why not his father?



If he insists, well, I don't know what to tell you. I guess you will have to look for another church. Possibly can his dad be the best man, but have someone ELSE sign the certificate? Really, I know this to be fact....it can be ANYONE who witnesses the marriage. So....he can simply have a friend, brother, cousin, etc. sign the marriage license.



But, again, I cannot understand this. I think the priest is being a little ridiculous and is way out of line.

Answer 3

It is you guys wedding and it should not matter whether or not your fiance's father is the best man. If the preacher won't allow this than maybe you all should get another preacher or get married in another church even though you shouldn't have too. Your fiances' dad can be the best man. There are no law against that

Answer 4

I am with you there I haven't seen or heard anything saying that he can't be the best man but as others have stated it may be the rule of THAT church. As far as signing the marriage document that is totally wrong as long as the father is over 18 (obviously he is) and a US citizen there is no reason he can't sign it.

Answer 5

This is the answer I got from the below source. (I, personally think that it is very touching that the groom would ask his father).



How wonderful that father and son have such a close relationship. Yes, the father of the groom can certainly be best man.



Best Wishes,

Top Wedding Questions Forum Moderator -

"Write your sorrows in the sand, your blessings in stone".

Answer 6

find a new priest. It is your wedding, and if your fiance wants his father to be his best man then he can be. Find a new priest, do not let the priest determine the outcome or the people involved in your wedding, it's your wedding.

Answer 7

That's odd, but different churches have different rules. It's their church, so you'd have to go by their rules.



Honestly, this church doesn't seem to meet your wants and needs so I'd try to find a different church that fulfills your wishes. Your day should be as close to perfect as possible!



Good luck. =)

Answer 8

I have never heard of anything like that. If they are going to be difficult about it i would choose another church to marry you.

Answer 9

Sure he can. Catholic priests ought to clean up their own act before they disparage others.

Answer 10

I think your priest is being an asshole. Go above his head and ask someone higher up.

Answer 11

If a brides father can give her away, and you can have your siblings as them, I dont see the problem

Answer 12

this is why religion is controlling and manipulative.