Official Website of the
Catholic Diocese of Little Rock
Married outside Church? Register for class
Published: February 6, 2024
Register for Virtual Convalidation Class
Click on the button above to complete the registration form online. Please note that your registration is not complete until you mail your registration fee of $75 (check or money order) to the address provided. For more information, contact Elizabeth Reha at (501) 664-0340, ext. 373.
Convalidation classes are offered for couples who are married civilly (i.e., "outside the Catholic Church") and who wish to have a valid marriage recognized by the Church. Canon law requires that Roman Catholics marry according to sacred ritual before a priest or deacon, unless a dispensation (permission) is received from the Church beforehand.
If a Catholic does not observe this requirement and marries outside the Church, his or her marriage is not valid. Couples who wish to have their civil marriage recognized by the Church are asked to participate in a special marriage preparation program (including a convalidation class), complete marriage paperwork and have vows witnessed by a priest or deacon.
All convalidation classes in English are offered online. With the approval of your pastor, register for the next Convalidation Class, Feb. 24. The cost is $75 per couple. Registration is required one week prior to the event. Classes are offered in February and September each year. Visit our calendar to register for a different date.
Register online. Please note that registration is not complete until the registration fee is received at the address provided. Online payment cannot be accepted at this time. After registration is completed, instructions are provided. This event is sponsored by the diocesan Family Life Office. For more information, please contact Elizabeth Reha, director of family life, at (501) 664-0340, ext. 373.
