Thank you all for the response. So I am working on getting married in USA once again but I have another concern. I feel not having our family's consent and also not having friends at the wedding since none of our friends are in the US might raise a red flag. How can I address that? Do you think there are chances of approval with a secret marriage.
You'll just have to explain the situation. You are not the first couple - anywhere - to get married without parents' permission.
Yes, it will probably mean the file will get a bit of extra scrutiny. Do your best to respond on all other parts about the relationship and your history together.
If you do that, and write a straightforward and factual letter about why you could not get married in presence of family - with emphasis on the religious differences and legal restrictions in the other countries 0 it should hopefully work out. Also underline that any secrecy is only for safety due to apostasy and other laws.
Note: there are opportunities in the application package to refer to friends and family who know about the relationship. If you can get friends or some members of family to support - letters, photos, presence at wedding, whatever - that will help considerably.
(I'd say it is
very common for those in cross/cultural or inter-religious marriages to do this, and it strengthens the file a lot.
Any friends or family.)
And note - I don't think these files are looked down at in IRCC. Anyone trying to pull a fast one could find a lot easier ways that what hyou're suggesting)