Planning multiple Ceremonies: Laos, Catholic Church, Venue Ceremony and Reception.

I think 3 is too much for one day. 2 is probably the max. You could consider splitting it into two days- doing the religious ceremonies on the first day and then the venue ceremony and reception on day 2.

I know this is your vision but also consider that a third ceremony may be repetitive. If you want to just take first look pictures and have a reception in the modern/romantic theme that could work without needing a ceremony with it. Just a thought!

We combined our two faiths into one ceremony and had the reception on the same day. Our reception was a typical American reception with plated meals. The night before we had a traditional Indian mendhi night with Indian food.

3 would be way too much. I like Neeva’s way on how she incorporated the 2 faiths into everything.

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That is a good idea to consider. Thanks for sharing Neeva and your wedding photos are beautiful!

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Combining was awesome! But from what I've seen with Catholic ceremonies those really do have to be separate from any other faith. My husband is not Catholic so made things easier for us in that sense.

You may want to ask the priest at your FH church.


We were originally discussing destination wedding ideas. My priest offered doing a small catholic ceremony with parents (or whom ever we wanted there) before we left. We opted for an at home wedding so we didn’t do this. But, I do know someone who did. We’re not close so I don’t know the details, but it seemed to work out fine for them. I believe they did it 2 days before their big wedding.
Then you could maybe add elements of the Loas ceremony into your Vision and only have 1 ceremony on your big wedding day.

I’ve seen two ceremonies done before but never three! I’m sure it’s doable but would take some very careful planning!


I know the Catholic Church sometimes has issues with other ceremonies, & you may need to sort that one out first. I live in a very liberal area & my diocese will generally only do a ceremony if it’s the first & legal ceremony. You can get convalidation but it has to approved. In addition, if you have a Catholic wedding you must attend Pre-Cana & agree to raise your children Catholic, & if one party is not Catholic I think there is more paperwork involved. If the Laos ceremony has any similar restrictions you may run into some real issues.
I will say I’ve had a similar but less complex issue—my FH & I are both Catholic but he more so. Our compromise was we’ll have a Catholic wedding but I’m choosing the readings & we’re doing a handfasting for a future vow renewal.

I just remembered I follow someone on social who had an Indian, Muslim, & “American” wedding (not Catholic) that spanned four days. So I think it’s doable but it may end up being multiple days, & it may be easiest to do the Catholic part first just to avoid any issues with your FH’s priest.

Three ceremonies is too much for one day

I think over the course of two days, as Neeva suggested, is the best away to go. I've seen others do this also.

This is totally doable but it is A LOT going on! it's normal for asian culture though.

my friends have done this before! they would do two separate tea ceremonies and then a church wedding and then a reception all in one day but that means they would wake up incredibly early. like before dawn in order to prepare.

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Thanks all for the comments and suggestions. I created a sample timeline of the wedding day and it is definitely a lot! Even with 2 ceremonies and the reception. I think I will cut out the venue ceremony like Neeva suggested and still do the modern/romantic dress with the first look photos and somehow incorporate the ceremony site into the wedding.