Catholic Wedding

You actually can. I know many couples who have done this. What the process is, i don't know about this. You should ask your parish what has to happen. There's no harm in asking. I know i'm in no position to suggest but how come you just don't get married in the catholic church before he leaves? Many brides have been able to do it in less than 9 months. Just a suggestion. But I hope you comment back to know what they told you. Also to help other brides in your situation.

In order for a wedding to be considered valid and holy in the Catholic church, it must be performed in a Catholic church, and you must do the necessary prep and paperwork, with your home parish. This usually requires 6 months notice. If you start now, you should have enough time to get everything done and set up before your fiance has to deploy.

You also have the option to get civilly married (aka courthouse wedding), and then do a convalidation ceremony to get your union "blessed" by the Catholic church later. There is no time limit to this, but like a sacramental wedding, you still need to do the prep and paperwork.

Well, it all depends on your parish. they can get you married in less than 6 months only if you or your family are friends with a priest, this happen to a family member of mines.

Option 1) a priest can officiate both civil marriage and the rite of matrimony, so you can have One big wedding now.

Option 2) you can get two weddings, a small civil ceremony now, and when he comes back, have the big religious wedding of your dreams.