Dear Amy,

This issue comes up frequently with inter-faith marriages, but it is also emblematic of the challenges you will face because of that very difference. Your husband-to-be will be challenged with raising the children Catholic and other things that will potentially have some difficulty for him.  Now is the time to determine whether he will honor that commitment; don’t compromise this first step.  

The Church requires the sacrament to be performed in a holy place for good reason; it is symbolic not just for you two, but for the world.  Christian marriage is meant to be a sign to the world of Christ's Love for his Church and the covenant He made with us; a secular venue diminishes that very reality, thereby diminishing the glory due to Christ.

I would suggest having a meeting with your priest and your fiancé on this crucial issue and above all put it to prayer.  My guess is that he will come around.

Peace,