Posted by Brett Zamir (12.248.92.43) on June 21, 2003 at 13:14:36:

In Reply to: Bahai Marriage posted by Eric on June 18, 2003 at 11:19:59:

The Handbook, Developing Distinctive Baha'i Communities...which is a great reference to refer to (and each Assembly should already have one), states the following (in section 16.19 and 16.20):

"The Baha'i should insist on having the Baha'i ceremony carried out before or after the non-Baha'i one, on the same day." (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, June 20, 1954)

and...

"As to the holding of the Baha'i and civil marriage ceremonies on the same day, as the consummation of the marriage should not take place until both ceremonies have been held, a night should not intervene between the two ceremonies." (Universal House of Justice, April 23, 1971)

Although the first quotation does not specify the meaning of "day", the second quotation, though dealing with a slightly different subject, might indicate that the ceremonies should not be split by an intervening night as well.

However, for an unequivocal answer, you might contact your National Spiritual Assembly.

Brett

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