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Can a couple who married in a civil ceremony have their marriage recognized by the Catholic Church?

SPRING 2020

IN MOST CASES, IF ONE SPOUSE IS CATHOLIC, the answer is yes. The specifics will vary according to your situation. 

If you and/or your spouse were baptized in (or received into) the Catholic Church, and you were married in a civil ceremony or under another religious denomination, your marriage is not valid in the eyes of the Church (unless you received a dispensation). That said, the Church enthusiastically invites you to look into the possibility of validating your marriage.

The process, called convalidation, is a relatively simple one if neither spouse was married before. If one of the spouses had any kind of prior marriage, and the prior spouse is still living, that marriage must have received a declaration of nullity (commonly called an annulment) from a Catholic tribunal before the convalidation of the present marriage can take place.

In either case, the first step is to contact your parish (or, if you are not currently enrolled at a parish, then the one where you or your spouse currently reside) and make an appointment to thoroughly discuss your situation with the pastor or his delegate. The priest or deacon assisting you will advise you about any documents needed.

Convalidation is not simply a blessing of an existing union, but the true exchange of consent of the spouses. As such, there will be a period of preparation and formation prior to your ceremony to exchange vows in the Church. Your priest or deacon will guide you in the preparation and/or program he recommends.

Finally, you will need to choose the date and the most suitable type of ceremony. Again, the parish will be very helpful in guiding you.

There will be a wedding ceremony on the day of your convalidation in which you will receive the sacrament of marriage, the presence of God and the many gifts of the Church into your union. So, it’s a perfect occasion to celebrate with family and friends!