[kawaii]

But in Matrimony, the bride and the bridegroom are the ministers of the sacrament. Are they not? Without their true consent, Matrimony doesn't "happen." To create an exaggerated example, you can't slip a girl a GHB, walk her through an Orthodox wedding ceremony, and then claim that she is actually married merely because the ceremony was technically complete.

Both the bridegroom and the bride have to intend what the Church intends.

It seems this may be a difference in the perception of what the sacrament of marriage is/means between the churches, at least slightly.

One thing the priest said to us before our marriage was that the church doesn't create a marriage, they bless an existing union. I'm not sure what the Catholic stance is on that.

[Mrs. Don-o]

"One thing the priest said to us before our marriage was that the church doesn't create a marriage, they bless an existing union. I'm not sure what the Catholic stance is on that."

The Catholic Church teaches that the bride and the groom are the ministers of the Sacrament of Matrimony; they confer it upon each other. The priest is there to be the Church's witness and to give the blessing.