Can a Catholic marry an Atheist?

Answer 1

If the atheist has never been validly baptized, it is an impediment to marriage and requires dispensation from the local ordinary (Bishop of the diocese). If the person is a baptized non catholic then only permission is needed from the Local Ordinary. Before dispensation or permission can be given in either case, the following conditions must be fulfilled: 1/ the Catholic party is to declare that he or she is prepared to remove dangers of defecting from the faith and is to make a sincere promise to do all in his or her power so that all offspring are baptized and brought up in the Catholic Church; 2/ the other party is to be informed at an appropriate time about the promises which the Catholic party is to make, in such a way that it is certain that he or she is truly aware of the promise and obligation of the Catholic party; 3/ both parties are to be instructed about the purposes and essential properties of marriage which neither of the contracting parties is to exclude.

Answer:

In that there are secular laws around marriage in most western countries anyone can marry pretty much anyone whey want. Some conditions apply but religion isn't one of them. If the theists get their fingers in the pie they try and make up rules either to say no or insinuate that the Catholic party is doing "something really wrong". A marriage withouta church "blessing" is as valid as any other marriage in the eyes of the law..

Answer 2

Yes, an atheist can marry a Catholic provided that the couple agree that any children will be raised as Catholics.