I find cathedrals, churches, temples and some theistic memorials very beautiful. And unless they are waterboarding suspected heretics prior to the wedding I would not feel I was being dishonest in my convictions to watch my only daughter take part in a religious ceremony.

It's one thing to have the strength of your convictions and another to bear them with an open heart and mind. You would not be ascribing validity to a faith by attending you daughter's wedding. But, by not attending, I believe you would be doing something both of you would regret for a long time.

its just another building and I like churches. I would love to make a house out of one. it's not being a hypocrite as your not becoming a believer as you step into a church. lots of vicars are bloody child molesters

Sure, I'll go to a friend's wedding wherever they choose to have it. Just try to not be obvious when you roll your eyes at the religious mentions...

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.

I think at weddings and funerals you are not required to believe what the church believes. You don't have to pretend to believe, but it's also not the time to put your beliefs front and center. Let your daughter have the wedding she wants, and go because you believe in love. These ceremonies always seem a little bit weird to me, and I am either amused or uncomfortable or outright creeped out , but it's important to be there for your loved ones. Not going makes it about you. and its her wedding so it isn't about you.

Sure! Your attendance is not a statement of belief or validation of the church. Attend as an act of love for your daugher ... been there done that! I see a church as a place of peace.

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.

Sure, why in the world not? Be polite and close your eyes as appropriate as well. Show them the same respect you want.

Go to your daughters wedding yes they WILL try a use this oppertunity to try and convert you, but you are only there for her. If they don't or rather won't understand that, than the way they feel is of their own making.

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.

Yes, you are being silly. Think of the church as just another building. It is one of the most important days in your daughter's life and she will always remember that day and you being there for her. If you sit it out you don't get a mulligan.You don't have to participate in the service or bow down to some golden idol or huge cross. It's your daughter, for Christ sake.. LOL

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.

You must go, it's your daughter, do it for no other reason.

why not? you just passively witness their union

Yes, you should celebrate you friends and family and their life events. If you were religious, and a friend was getting married in a different denomination or even a different religion, do you think you should go even if you don't believe in their beliefs?

i've gone one better. I am a licensed Notary Public, and read that getting ordination is a great way to add a service. So, I am ordained, and will perform your wedding for you (I have done two so far, for friends). I say the words they want, I sign the paperwork, and they are legally married.

It's a fun way to show your support. And since many religious people won't perform SSM, being willing and able to do so is important (I haven't performed one yet, but I was a witness to a friend's civil union years ago.)

As a parent we should make sure our kids are happy and loved. Go to the church for her . I have a fear of churches myself that I will bursts into flames.

I've attended many different services of a wide variety of religions and have find it fascinating. I've never been made to feel unwelcome or out of place.

So, as long as heretics are not being tested or struck by divine lightening in the sancuary, I'd be good to go! I see no moral or ethical conflict with allowing others their beliefs.

Go to your daughters wedding. Make an exception.
It has nothing to do with religion. It has to do with loving her, you can never get the day back.
( If you have to make a point buy small Atheist pin and wear it)

Of course you should. This is your daughter's wedding. It's not about you. You don't have to pray or join in with any religious element of the service. Visiting a church doesn't make you a hypocrite, but boycotting your daughter's wedding because you don't like her choices would be devastating for her.
I don't know where you are based, but most churches over here in the UK are awesome buildings and worth a visit just to see the craftsmanship that went into them and to learn a bit of history about the area.
Make your daughter's day complete - it's what dad's need to do sometimes.
You know it makes sense!

What difference does the building it takes place in make...unless you are giving it some kind of mystical power? If you want to see the couple married, attend. If it was in an American Legion Hall and you were a communist, what would you do?

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

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

If you love your daughter, you should attend. From personal experience, I can attest that the building won't collapse on you.

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.

As an Atheist, or as your daughter's father? You can go, respecting your daughter's wishes without compromising your own values. You are being a bit silly with not going into religious buildings, as you should be comfortable enough in your own beliefs that simply entering a building will not affect them.