What makes a valid marriage?

For a Catholic marriage to be a valid sacrament, it must meet certain criteria. . .

Fr. John Trigilio

For a Catholic marriage to be a valid sacrament, it must be between two baptized Christians who have never been previously married (validly), except for the death of a spouse. There are variations to the rule. For example, a Catholic can marry a baptized Protestant and it would be equally valid provided that the couple was prepared by the Catholic Church, the Catholic prom ises to raise any children from the marriage Catholic, and permission is procured from the diocese.

In Catholic marriage there are always two things to consider: first the civil (the contract) and second the sacrament (the covenant). Catholic marriage has to cover both aspects. A prenuptial investigation covers the candidates’ backgrounds. Couples usually take an objective inventory test which helps the minister counsel them before marriage and rate their compatibility. They also attend either an Engaged Encounter Weekend or Pre-Cana. These programs aid in the couple’s communication and self-knowledge.

Finally, the priest or deacon finishes the inventory and collects documents required by canon law, such as recent baptismal certificates, confirmation certificates and, if necessary, dispensations or permissions for a non-Catholic partner or one who was previously married. Recent refers to a docu ment less than a year old. The original baptismal certificate your mother has in the attic is no good, at least from the perspective of canon law. Every time a Catholic receives a sacrament, the church of baptism is notified. When a person obtains a recent baptismal certificate from that church, not only is the information on the front contained as in the original document but all the sacraments received would be listed on the back.

Not only is Christian marriage the sacrament of Matrimony, it’s also a legal con tract in civil law. A contract or marriage license is procured from the bride or groom’s state. The couple, along with a witness, fills out the proper paperwork. At the rehearsal, the best man and maid of honor (or two wit nesses) and clergyman (who acts as official witness for the state) sign the legal certificate, which must be mailed in to the town hall within 10 days. This certificate becomes part of the legal documentation in the county of the marriage.

This column is reprinted with permission from “The Catholicism Answer Book: The 300 Most Frequently Asked Questions” by Rev. John Trigilio Jr and Rev. Kenneth D. Brighenti (Sourcebooks, 2007).