Convalidation Ceremony

Also, let me say that we are converting to Catholicism and our priest pretty much said he requires the Convalidation. I guess to make our marriage an official sacrament? I'm still learning, lol.

I’ve never been to a convalidation, but I’ve been to lots of Catholic weddings and got married in the church myself. Videography and photography is usually allowed during a nuptial Mass, so I can’t imagine you wouldn’t be allowed to have somebody video of the ceremony. There might be certain restrictions on where the photographer can stand, particularly during the Liturgy of the Eucharist if that is part of the convalidation ceremony. Welcome to the Catholic Church!


I would ask your priest what is allowed. It sounds like you’ve already had a wedding, but I don’t see any reason why you can’t invite close friends and family to the convalidation if it’s allowed. I would treat them to a meal afterwards or at least have some kind of cake and punch reception in the church hall. You might already be legally married in the eyes of the law, but you are celebrating a sacrament and you should be allowed to celebrate. It’s very common for people to have parties after other sacraments like baptism, first communion, and confirmation.

My FILs just completed theirs last year and from my understanding it was pretty simple and actually just performed it in the little chapel. You can make it as formal or informal as you want.


My FH and I will have to do this next year or sooner pending his annulment. And yes, this is mandatory for the church to recognize you as a married couple in the eyes of God and as one I’d our Sacraments

Sooo I've never gotten a marriage consolidation, but I'm pretty well versed when it comes to things relating to Catholicism (studying toward my Masters in Theology). First, congrats on deciding to enter the Church, I'll pray for you! But this link has some very good information regarding convalidation:


https://www.foryourmarriage.org/convalidation-bringing-your-marriage-into-the-church/

It's a good website for learning about marriage in the Catholic Church in general too if there's anything else you'd like to learn.
As for etiquette about the ceremony and what might follow, you could probably ask your priest about what he's seen other couples in your position do. My guess would be it's not as formal or with as many guests as a wedding, but dressing up, recording the ceremony, and having a small dinner afterwards sound totally appropriate to me.

Lol convalidation not consolidation, autocorrect 😅

This will 100% depend on your priest/archdiocese. Our priest only allows immediate family members to attend a convalidation- no photography or videography allowed. A small dinner would be totally ok. For anything happening at the church, I’d contact your church to find out how they handle convalidations.