If you are a married Caholic but the wedding did not take place in a church, there is a way for your marriage to be recognised by the Catholic Church and it may be easier than you think. This process is called convalidation.

Marriage convalidation in the Catholic Church is the process of having a civil marriage or a marriage performed in another faith officially recognised as a valid, sacramental marriage. Your partner need not be a Catholic but it would normally have to be a mutual decision to go through convalidation. For as long as there are no impediments—such as previous marriages, consanguinity (blood relationships), affinity (couples are legally related as the result of a valid marriage), perpetual vow of chastity, and so on—the process can be painless and straightforward.

You will need to provide sacramental records, evidence/testimony of freedom to marry in the church, copy of civil marriage certificate, etc. You will also need to fill in a few forms and complete a marriage preparation course (which may be done online). For more information, do speak to Fr Antonio.