Convalidated Marriage

Why do you want to do this if you've 'steered' away from the church?

@celia because it is important for my FH and we'd both like to raise our future children catholic

If you get married in the church, even with just your parents there, why would you need convalidation? The marriage will already be valid...

I had friends who had a small ceremony in the church the day before and had the big reception the following day (ETA: because i took her Saturday date! lol we got married on the same weekend, but we booked the date months before her!) Is Friday an option? Some parishes will marry on Friday. You should just ask your priest. It depends on the Church on convalidations though, some are more strict and others aren't!

But i have the same question as Celia, are you planning on going back to the church? The sacrament of marriage is a wonderful thing if you plan to begin attending church more regularly.

@jessica p. In that case it wouldn't be a convalidation. I understand that. Instead we'd do a ceremony the day after at the reception with our guests

Convalidations are not often granted; they're meant for situations like if the couple converts to Catholicism after getting civilly married, or there were extenuating circumstances. It'd be good to set up a meeting at your church to explore options. A Friday night wedding might work. Best of luck!

Is Advent the reason they won't do a wedding 12/3 or 12/4? If so, they may not do a convalidation on that date the next year, either.

Get JOP and ask for forgiveness and do convalidation later. It's going to be easier to set up your taxes, change your name, etc if you get married this year and start as a married woman next year.

I'm Catholic and think it's weird that the RCC won't marry Catholic couples during Advent or Lent. I feel like as long as it's not Christmas week or Holy Week, you should be okay.

Been very close to considering a convalidation but I only have 2 months left and am waiting it out. See if you can have a Friday night wedding or do it the weekend before Advent if possible.