Two validly baptized non-Catholic Protestants who marry, even in a civil ceremony, enter a valid, sacramental marriage to each other so long as this is the first marriage for each. So, please know that.

I am a Catholic and my husband a Methodist. He is not practicing his religion. However, we married in a civil ceremony five years ago. This marriage was first for each of us. Doesn't your answer above hold in my case since one of us is a Catholic? I asked my husband for us to get married in Catholic church but he said no. I don't miss Sunday mass but stopped receiving communion 2 years ago,

As a Catholic, you are required to get married in the Catholic Church according to canonical form (that is, before an authorized priest or deacon and two witnesses). Since you did not do this, your marriage does not exist at canon law. In other words, you are not truly married.

However, since neither of you have a prior marriage, there are no big issues to stop you, other than your husband's refusal to have your marriage validated in the Catholic Church.

Due to your husband's refusal, I would suggest that inquire about securing a "radical sanation" for your marriage. This means that the bishop (or his delegate) can issue a decree accepting your prior consent as valid. This will make your marriage valid without a new marriage ceremony. Speak to your parish priest about this. If your parish priest is not familiar with the practice, contact your local diocese (either the chancellor's office or Tribunal, depending on how their offices are organized).

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