Can we have two religious marriage ceremonies?

[girlani]

My fiance is a Muslim but he agreed to have a Catholic nuptial ceremony and to raise our kids as Catholic. Initially, his family strongly opposed this relationship. But then, they agree to approve our marriage as long as we will have a Muslim wedding ceremony as well. If we don’t do this, his parents would disown him. If I go through both religious wedding ceremonies, can the Catholic Church still recognize our marriage? And can I still receive Communion?

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

I’m sorry, but no, you cannot go through two religious marriage ceremonies simply to please your fiance’s parents. While the preferred option from a Catholic perspective would be exactly the course of action your fiance has agreed to, there is one other option. With the permission of your bishop, and your agreement to remain Catholic and raise the children Catholic, you and your fiance could be married in a civil ceremony outside of a church. While not the preferred option, the civil ceremony could be done if that would satisfy your fiance’s family enough so that they agree not to disown him. At a later date, in private, your priest might be willing to give the two of you a Catholic marriage blessing.