Are Catholics allowed to attend weddings of friends/relatives in Protestant Churches or non-Christian churches?

[Ma.Eugenia]

I am currently transcribing a message from my dad for his friends, a couple (both Catholics). Their son has chosen to marry outside the Catholic Rites because of the religion of his fiance.

Although it doesn’t seem that the parents have thought anything was wrong in attending the wedding of their child, my dad is advising them not to attend because he said that it was like condoning a non-sacramental ceremony.

Is this correct?

Also, can a Catholic attend a wedding ceremony of a non-Catholic friend (say, a Buddhist or a Muslim?)

 

[PhilotheaZ]

The best solution would be for the son to ask his pastor to obtain a dispensation prior to the wedding so that the marriage would be valid. This may require the usual marriage preparation process which engaged couples normally complete.

If he does not bother doing this, the marriage will be invalid. I have seen this question answered in different ways. Some (generally trustworthy) Catholic sources have said it would be sinful to attend an invalid marriage, as it conveys our consent of the invalid marriage and thus gives scandal.

Other (similarly trustworthy) sources have said you can prudentially decide for yourself whether in a given situation you should stay away because your attendance would give scandal, or attend in hope of leaving open the channels of communication so you could encourage them to convalidate the marriage at a future date.

Yet others suggest that you attend the reception (to keep open the lines of communication) but not the ceremony.

In a nutshell, there’s no easy answer to this one.

A marriage between two non-Catholics is presumed valid (assuming, of course, that the marriage is between a man and a woman, not already married, with consent of both parties). Only Catholics are subject to Catholic canon law. There should no problem with attending such a marriage.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I am currently transcribing a message from my dad for his friends, a couple (both Catholics). Their son has chosen to marry outside the Catholic Rites because of the religion of his fiance.

Although it doesn’t seem that the parents have thought anything was wrong in attending the wedding of their child, my dad is advising them not to attend because he said that it was like condoning a non-sacramental ceremony.

Is this correct?

Also, can a Catholic attend a wedding ceremony of a non-Catholic friend (say, a Buddhist or a Muslim?)

Yes that is correct. The Son assuming that he was Baptized Catholic and has not formally left the Catholic Church is bound by Catholic Law as to where and how he may validly Marry. If he has not completed the necessary instructions and obtained the necessary permissions and dispensations required his attempt at Marriage will be invalid.

A Catholic can attend, but not participate, in a Marriage of two non-Catholics who have never been previously Married.

 

[Ma.Eugenia]

Thanks for helping.

I’m telling my dad about your replies.