Can a Catholic marry a non-Catholic?

Yes. A Catholic may marry a non-Catholic, but the couple must follow Church law and understand the religious difficulties that can arise in their marriage and family life.

If the other person is baptized. A marriage between a Catholic and a baptized non-Catholic, such as a Protestant or Orthodox Christian, is called a mixed marriage. It requires the express permission of the competent Catholic authority, ordinarily handled through the parish and diocese (Canon 1124). If the marriage is valid, it is sacramental because both spouses are baptized (CCC 1633).

If the other person is not baptized. A marriage between a Catholic and an unbaptized person involves disparity of cult. This is an impediment to marriage, so a dispensation is required for the marriage to be valid (Canon 1086). If the dispensation is granted and valid consent is exchanged, the marriage is a true natural marriage. It is not sacramental unless the unbaptized spouse later receives Baptism, since sacramental marriage exists between the baptized (CCC 1601; Canon 1055).

What the Catholic promises. Before permission or a dispensation is granted, the Catholic party must declare that he or she is prepared to avoid abandoning the faith. The Catholic must also sincerely promise to do all in his or her power to have the children baptized and raised in the Catholic Church. The non-Catholic party must be informed of these promises, and both parties must be instructed about the unity, permanence, fidelity, and openness to children that belong to marriage (CCC 1635; Canon 1125). The Church does not ask the Catholic to coerce the spouse, but the promise must be sincere.

How the wedding is celebrated. Catholics ordinarily marry before a Catholic priest or deacon and two witnesses according to canonical form (Canon 1108). In some circumstances, the bishop may grant a dispensation from that form. The couple may not hold two separate religious ceremonies in which they exchange marital consent twice, as though two marriages were taking place (Canon 1127). Whether Mass is celebrated depends on the circumstances. Holy Communion is normally reserved to Catholics properly disposed to receive it.

The pastoral concern. Differences about Sunday worship, prayer, contraception, Baptism, and the religious education of children can become serious. The Church asks couples to discuss these matters honestly before marriage (CCC 1634, 1636-1637). Shared respect is valuable, but the Catholic may never treat fidelity to Christ and His Church as optional.

Meet with a Catholic priest or deacon early, before setting the wedding date. He can identify the needed permission or dispensation and help you prepare for a faithful marriage.