Must a marriage be consummated to be considered valid?

[ChiroCatholic]

Must a marriage be consummated to be considered valid? Or is it just the ability to consummate that makes it valid?

In our Engaged Encounter, a priest said it must be consummated. However, I was under the impression it was just the ability to consummate that makes the marriage valid (thinking about Mary and Joseph, and how they never had relations).

I ask too, because my fiance and I will be practicing NFP when we’re married – and if we have to prolong our relations until my infertile time, we wonder if our marriage will not be valid until then.

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Must a marriage be consummated to be considered valid? Or is it just the ability to consummate that makes it valid?

In our Engaged Encounter, a priest said it must be consummated. However, I was under the impression it was just the ability to consummate that makes the marriage valid (thinking about Mary and Joseph, and how they never had relations).

I ask too, because my fiance and I will be practicing NFP when we’re married – and if we have to prolong our relations until my infertile time, we wonder if our marriage will not be valid until then.

Hi,

The priest was incorrect. The marriage is valid with the statement of the vows at the altar. The marriage is completed with the consummation of those vows.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.