When a Catholic Marries a Non-Catholic

Marriage between a Catholic and a non-Catholic Christian

Many marriages today are between a Catholic and a member of a different Christian tradition. 

The 1993 “Directory for the Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism” from the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity says this about a marriage between a Catholic and a non-Catholic Christian:

With the previous authorisation of the local Ordinary, and if invited to do so, a Catholic priest or deacon may attend or participate in some way in the celebration of mixed marriage.  At the invitation of the presiding celebrant, the Catholic priest or deacon may offer appropriate prayers, read from the Scriptures, give a brief exhortation and bless the couple. (#157)

If the marriage is conducted in a Catholic church and the couple so wishes:

The local Ordinary may permit the Catholic priest to invite the minister from the other church to participate in the celebration of the marriage, to read from the Scriptures, give a brief exhortation and bless the couple. (#158)

Marriage between a Catholic and an Unbaptised Person

It is necessary for the Catholic party to obtain dispensation to marry a Christian who is not Catholic or a non-Christian, but this dispensation is readily given. The Catholic will be asked to make a promise to do all in his or her power to ensure that any children are baptised and brought up in the Catholic faith and their spouse must be informed of this promise.

The priest who is going to preside at the wedding will arrange the necessary paperwork for permissions, help the couple plan a suitable ceremony, and give some direction about marriage preparation programs.