Usually, as long as neither of you has been married before, there is no problem. You will need to have permission or a dispensation (see below). Your priest will obtain the necessary permission or dispensation for you.

You will also be asked to sign a form to say that you will avoid any danger of falling away from your faith and that you will do what you can to ensure that the children of your marriage are baptised and brought up in the Catholic faith. Your fiance(e) does not need to sign this but they must be made aware of it.

Dispensations

These are some of the common dispensations that are applied for. In every case, talk to your parish priest who will find out which you may need and apply for them.

1. "Permission for Mixed Marriage" (Canon 1126) This is needed if a Catholic wishes to marry a baptised non-Catholic Christian. In England and Wales, it can be granted by the parish priest.
2. "Dispensation from Disparity of Cult" (Canon 1085-6) This is needed if a Catholic wishes to marry someone who is not baptised. It is granted by the local bishop.
3. "Dispensation from Canonical Form" (Canon 1127) This is needed if a Catholic wishes to marry according to a non-Catholic rite and/or in a non-Catholic Church. It is granted by the local bishop but it is the local Bishops Conference that establishes norms by which this dispensation is granted in a proper way. In England and Wales, the dispensation is fairly common but in other countries it may not be so common.

It should be said that if you wish to marry someone who is a devout adherent of another faith, there could be some difficulties. In such a case, you need to discuss carefully whether you can live together with the freedom to practise your Catholic faith.

You should always see your local priest before you make any firm plans for a wedding in the Catholic Church.