SURE.

For your friends who are getting married, and to show the religious types that WE are not the narrow-minded ones.

Maybe it's like the story a venerable family member told of a woman in her day that always covered her body when she went out. If a blouse was short, she added fabric, etc. That, the lady said, was all about pride.

Screw the dogma, go see your daughters wedding.

I’m with others. Go and enjoy the event. It’s easy to tune out the religious aspects of the ceremony. A building is just a building. Hell, if the place is home to evangelicals, then they should share the same opinion because the church is the people.

Of course you're being silly. SHE IS YOUR DAUGHTER. Ive attended several weddings over the years. You don't have to participate in the prayer. Its just a building. Go to your daughters wedding.

Of course. It's a celebration of people you care about. Go to the wedding.

You aren't going to catch anything going in to a church - nothing contagious in there! Knowing something is a myth gives you the freedom to come and go in anything knowing it doesn't mean you have to adhere to it. I am a vegetarian, but, I join people in a steak house restaurant all the time - doesn't meant I have to have a steak just because I am walking in- that's as confining as the dogma of religion! You join the people you care about. Don't act like you are afraid of religion - be loving to you daughter - don't cause issues for her - please!

Certainly. It would be no different than attending a Muslim, Hindu or Jewish wedding. Religion has little to do with social activities.

I had a 'friend' get married and assumed, as I don't believe in her way of thinking, that my kids and I would outwardly show our discomfort and/or make comments about such. I told her that I would be there as support for her and her decision to commit to her partner. I would of course feel differently if it were MY wedding-which would definitely not be in anything remotely tied to religion.

Whatever you wish to do has nothing to do with your beliefs. Hell go , it is your daughter, Inner moral policy should include compromise for our loved ones, However , I for one never attend funerals as I see them as disgusting But this is different

I think you should be there, you may regret it if you don't. You can be in a church without being a Christian. I am not comfortable being in a church either, but to attend the wedding of my kids (or grand kids) I would do it.

Who's getting married again? You? No, it's your daughter who's getting married. So guess what? It's not about you. It's about her and her fiancé.

It's too bad that the fiancé's family are being PITA's about the church business, but making your daughter happy is well worth going in to a building that has some religious symbols in it. It's just a building. You don't have to worship. You just have to stand there respectfully when others do it. Don't cause a scene or be grumpy about the fact that other people are religious. You're not going there for them, or for their god. You're going there for your daughter, which is exactly what a father should be doing.

Go celebrate her wedding! Get all dressed up in your best suit. Walk her down the aisle, tell her she looks beautiful, and grin like a fool. Shake the young man's hand or better yet hug him and let him know that you welcome him as your new son-in-law. Dance with your daughter at the reception. These are the great moments in life, and as an atheist you know you only get one life to live. So go live it, as best and as happily as possible!

Mazel tov! (It just means "good luck!" so don't be afraid of that phrase either.)

Of course you should. You can celebrated anything and leave out imaginary beings, if you wish. Just be authentic - and be POLITE! When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

I understand where you are coming from. You want to be true to your principals. But you shouldn't let this issue get in the way of celebrating your daughter's special day. A church is just a building no different than any other. It's only "special" to those who believe, which you don't, so no big deal.

I actually really enjoy going into churches. The architecture that religion inspires is the best thing about religion in my opinion. The last time I went to a church wedding, I got good and drunk, thoroughly enjoyed myself and was diligently disrespectful of the theist aspects of the ceremony. I'd advise you to do something similar.

As a modern mystic, I would say that a church is just a building. To give it any sort of magical power is similar to believing in relics. The only power a relic has is that which it is given by its believers. Go wherever you want. If you don't give inanimate objects meaning or power than they have none.

Your saying that “she’s ok with it” may imply that your daughter is a non-believer also. If so she probably needs some moral support. If not your going would show unconditional love for her and as you are her mother, that should mean a lot to her. Don’t let her future husband’s family make you the villain at this event. My opinion.

Why not its just a building, you know its all rubish and its your daughter

My family is christian except for my husband and I. We have always felt that our family can believe as they wish as their beliefs have no power over us. When we attend family get togethers for birthdays, holidays, funerals, or marriage we observe our loved ones during any kind of prayer without bowing our heads or praying. We feel it is being loving toward our family to attend their get together's. I don't believe you would be a hypocrite by being there and observing what is happening. Your daughter will be much happier to have you there for her big day.

I don't see any problem, when the participants invite you, celebrate their happiness, and their willingness to include you in their union.

If that is the desire of your partner, let it be. If that is what they desire, let them be happy.

why not? you just passively witness their union

I would think your presence is important to her... believe in your daughter.
You don’t have to believe in religious, legal aspects of marriage. Think of future family events, births, deaths, potential christenings, it’s a package deal. Seriously how much of a sacrifice can it be? Fake it till you make it. Do it for her not for you or anyone else.

Like the majority of posts, I too go to Church for weddings, funerals, tourism.

My oldest son was married outside, my youngest son just got married in a old German Lutheran Church to please the grandparents on the brides side. Short & sweet,

My daughter is getting married in 2019 to a guy who comes from a large catholic family & Her future mother-in-law has commented that it had been important to her that her boys were married in a Catholic Church. My daughter wants to get married outside. Which is great, i just remind my daughter to be mindful not to offend her future in-laws as they are good people and are good to her.

Why not? the church won't crumble... you won't disintegrate. Once you step out, the sky will still be there above you. Celebrate the union of love as they wish.

it is not your wedding it is her wedding.

People remember stuff like this for decades and it can really make things bitter. I say go, principals are important but it is her day.