Wedding Resources

Wedding ceremony - two different religions - Hindu & Greek Orthodox?

My bf and I are both from strong cultures, he is Lebanese (greek orthodox) and I am Indian (Hindu). His religion does not recognize non-christians, so we can’t marry in a greek orthodox church unless I convert (which I don’t want to). My religion allows us to be married in a traditional hindu ceremony, without him converting. I would be willing to have 2 ceremonies, but since we can’t have a greek orthodox I am suggesting we do a hindu ceremony and a Christian wedding (just not in an orthodox church). However he says I have to sacrifice my ceremony since he has to sacrifice his (by marrying a non-christian). His solution is to give up both ceremonies and just have a civil wedding. It breaks my heart to know that I will never be married in the way I dreamt since I was young. Does anyone have any ideas of how to resolve the issue, or has anyone had a similar situation, and what happened?

Public Comments

1. i really dont know much about either religion, but is there anyway you could have an outdoors ceremony with two different "pastors" with one from your culture and one from his. I know many people do this when they can not decide on weather or not to have a church wedding at eachothers churches. like i am not catholic but my husband to be is. if we were to get married outside we would have both a priest and a pastor there. that way both sides would be happy with the ceremony. you could even have the reception mixed with different foods. i dont know maybe this isnt an ok idea but i hope you figure out something good luck
2. Is his problem that he can't have a Greek Orthodox wedding? Because you aren't switching your religion (understandably, you can't just change what you beleive). There's no way for him to get that wedding, but why isn't he happy with the regular Christian one? Tell him he's in charge of the ceremonies afterward, he can pick the place and the food? Tell him it's your dream to have a Hindu wedding, and have it be the only thing you insist upon. I don't think you can have a mixed weddings with those two religions, unfortunately. :s I'm not sure if my idea would be possible either, though. :s Good luck, and remember: Weddings are about love. As long as you love each other, everything will go perfectly. :)
3. Where do you live? We do blended ceremonies all the time here in Oregon and Washington. My husband and I are both ordained and have married over 600 couples in the past seven years... it is an awesome job and if we can help you find an officaint on your area that would be willing to incorparate both cultures, your wedding ceremony will be that much more enriching. If not, come to Portland! We'd love to help. Check out our website, www.redraccoon1.com
4. You really need to work this out with him. The problem is that his religion is too strict to permit you to marry, while yours is open and accomodating to your situation. You need to tell him how important this is to you. Also, what do you plan to do should you have children? Which religion will you raise them with? Have you talked all this stuff out?
5. he is being difficult with you....... he is not sacrificing anything its just that his religion doesnt allow a ceremony to take place cause u r a non christian..... why not embrace your religion since it does allow you to have the ceremony regardless of who you marry? be a bit firm...... and tell him this is what u want and dreamed of.....
6. That's quite a problem. Maybe you should find out what part of the Greek wedding it is that he wants. I'm from a similar ethnic background, and I can tell you I would not want to just have it any Christian church. There's a culture in addition to the religious aspects, and there are certain traditions that occur during the ceremony that are important. Maybe both of you should make a list of the actual items that are important to you. Then combine as necessary. As an example, you could have a hindu style ceremony, but with entirely Greek food and also incorporating a couple Greek traditions into the ceremony. My fiance and I are also from two cultures. We are having an outdoor wedding where several of his cultures traditions are going to be in the ceremony, and several of mine will be in the reception. The venue and officiant are both non-denominational. The program is going to explain each cultures traditions to the guests so they know what's happening (and what they're eating!), and the significance of it. I'll be honest, your situation will be more difficult that most since Hindu and Greek ceremonies are about as different as can be. Make it clear to your guests (and each other) that you want to cherish both traditions. You'll have to make some sacrifices, but you may find some traditions in his culture that have meaning for you and will be better than the perfect Hindu wedding. This will be uniquely your wedding. :)
7. By not marrying in the Greek Orthodox he is giving up quite a bit for you - he will no longer be a member in good standing in the church and can therefore never be a Greek Best Man in another Orthodox wedding or a Godfather. Did you ever think it may also be breaking his heart not to get married in the ceremony of his religion and culture??? I agree with him completely... If he loves you enough to give up his heritage, shouldn't you also be willing to sacrifice as well??? I think the idea of a civil ceremony is fair to both of you... Sometimes, even the bride, can't have her cake and eat it too...
8. I think he's made a huge sacrifice for you by deciding to not marry in an orthodox church. It's only fair that you make the same sacrifice for him and not force him to marry in a Hindu ceremony. Before you shrug off my contention that he's made a big sacrifice, consider that adherents of the orthodox faith believe that a husband and wife are united in the body of Christ during the orthodox wedding ceremony. This is not a minor matter for the religiously devout. Moreover, orthodoxy teaches that it is the true church, so it is not sufficient to marry in another Christian church. I'm afraid there are no options left but to marry in a civil union or to avoid marriage altogether. Life can be unfair that way, but that's how it is. Good luck.
9. I am Orthodox so I would say go with a civil cermony so you both have to sacrifice your back ground.