It is a requirement for baptized Catholics wishing to be married in the Church to receive the sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation prior to marriage. HOWEVER, non-Catholics engaged to marry Catholics are NOT required to be become Catholic in order to be married to a Catholic within the Church. If the non-Catholic wishes to become Catholic, that is great, but it is not necessary.  

If, however, a baptized Catholic becomes civilly married, they are unable to receive their sacraments until they are married within the Church (called “convalidation"). Likewise, a non-Catholic who becomes civilly married to a Catholic is unable to become Catholic until they are first married within the Church. 

If you are engaged, PLEASE DO NOT GET CIVILLY MARRIED IF YOU WISH TO RECEIVE YOUR SACRAMENTS. You may receive the sacraments first, and then be married... preferably within the Church (which is a civil marriage as well). 

If it is necessary for some reason that you do get civilly married prior to receiving your sacraments, or if you are already civilly married only, PLEASE LET US KNOW! You will need to first be married within the Church (convalidated) prior to receiving your sacraments. This is possible, just not preferable! (It is possible to receive sacraments at a Catholic wedding, or for you to be married in the Church during your sacramental initiation.)

Please let us know if you are civilly married or for some reason it is necessary for you to be civilly married so that we can make the proper arrangements for convalidation with you!