Convalidation in the Catholic Church-big Ceremony?

Some churches actually require it be a small event so I think the best place for you to start is by asking your church/priest if they have any rules about this.

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Thank you.

The church doesn't really allow a huge to-do for a convalidation. If getting married in the church is that important, couldn't you wait until after your baby to get married? Also, a convalidation is not a guaranteed thing, it's up to the individual priest or bishop - so I would check with them prior to getting married outside of the church.

I would go directly to your church and ask. Our church will not hold your ceremony if you live together before marriage. My sister in law got married last year (destination wedding) and would like to have the marriage blessed in the church. They told her even though she is legally married, they wouldnt do it unless they lived separately for 1 year, but another Catholic Priest in town said they would do. So it's best to go to your church and ask. Good luck to you!

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I was willing to wait, but it's very important to my fiance that we are married before she gets here. I've been reading about people having a Catholic wedding after a civil ceremony and not necessarily a convalidation. I guess I just need to speak with my priest to get it all sorted.

Thank you!

Go to your church. Honestly every church can be different depending on the paster. Convalidation can be very difficult as the priest will have to petition the archdiocese on ur behalf. Talk to the priest not a lay person (this advice came from a priest as he said that lay people are usually much harsher w/ the rules).

Can you try to do a small Catholic ceremony in the summer before ur daughter is born and then do a vowel renewal in a year?

@Kelly I didn't think the church would marry you if you were pregnant; trying to avoid people getting married for the wrong reason?

Not sure about the big ceremony, but my parents got "married" in the church 10 years after their court house wedding, by the priest's urging. Family was there (parents, kids, siblings I believe). They did not live apart at any time prior and had 3 kids.

So as a PP said, it will vary from church to church. I would meet with your priest before the legal ceremony to find out all your options.

When we were considering a DW, we mentioned it to the priest and he said he could do a small ceremony before we left (the 3 of us and a witness). A small ceremony in the church now, followed by a large "ceremony" (vow renewal) at the venue of your choosing later could be an option too.

Well we have been married for 7 years by the court and have 2 children. But never got married through the Catholic Church. We are having a convalidation through the Catholic Church on July 20th. We are treating it as a wedding. We have a bridal party, we have invited 125 guests. We have a venue, and so on and so forth...
But I agree with above it depends what rules your church has... but I don’t see why you can’t have a nice/big reception after the church

Thank you all for your answers! I feel a lot better about speaking with my priest. He's been my priest since I was in high school and my family has a really good relationship with him and the church. I'm sure he'll work with my fiance and me

I agree - check with your church. We were told a small, intimate ceremony is typical, but we were given the option to have a large, traditional type convalidation.