Can a Catholic layperson perform a marriage?

Answer 1

Mostly no, but there is a single exception. Keep reading to learn more.

In Eastern Catholic Churches, which follow the Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox beliefs regarding marriage, a priest (never a deacon) is the minister of the sacrament.

In Latin Rite Church it is more complex as it is the Husband and Wife who are understood to confer marriage on each other. The spouses, as ministers of grace, naturally confer upon each other the sacrament of matrimony, expressing their consent before the church. This does not eliminate the need for church involvement in the marriage; under normal circumstances, canon law requires the attendance of a priest or deacon and at least two witnesses for validity

There is an exception for Latin Rite churches. Where there is a lack of priests and deacons, the diocesan bishop can delegate lay persons to assist at marriages, with the previous favorable vote of the conference of bishops and after he has obtained the permission of the Holy See. A suitable lay person is to be selected, who is capable of giving instruction to those preparing to be married and able to perform the matrimonial liturgy properly.

So strictly speaking yes, a lay person can celebrate marriage, but it is a rare situation.

Answer 2

(Latin) Catholic AnswerThe only ones who can perform a marriage are the couple getting married. The clergy only witness the marriage in the name of the church and give the nuptial blessing. Given that, the Bishop is the only rank of clergy that has the fullness of Christ's priesthood, they are the only ones who can perform all of the sacraments. Normally, a priest can perform everything that a bishop can, except Holy Orders, and, (except under special circumstances) confirmation. But, to perform any of the other sacraments, he must have a special license from his Bishop. A Bishop does not need such a license.

So, if your question is: can a Bishop witness a marriage and give the nuptial blessing, in other words "perform as a priest would in a marriage", then the answer is, of course, but he would not need a license from his bishop to do so, like the priest or deacon would.

Eastern Catholic Answer

In the Eastern Catholic Churches, as in the Eastern Orthodox, the minister of marriage is the bishop or priest who gives the blessing. So, in these Catholic Churches, the answer is simply yes.

Answer 3

If it's legal (the lay Catholic is a justice of the peace or something), then I see no problem with him officiating at a non-Catholic wedding as it is not a sacrament. He would only run into problems if one or both of the people who wanted to be "married" was a baptized Catholic. Church law says that such a marriage must be witnessed by a priest, and thus the lay Catholic could not witness it without special permission from his Bishop.

Answer 4

No, only am ordained deacon or priest can perform a marriage.