Marriage is a sacrament that is regulated by Church law, mainly in the Code of Canon Law of 1983. Matrimony’s sacramental grace Besides this increase in sanctifying grace—which all “the sacraments of the living” confer—Matrimony gives its own special grace, its sacramental grace. The rings, although not required as part of a Catholic marriage, are an ancient symbol of the couple’s commitment to one another and their desire to enter into the covenant relationship of marriage. "A committed, permanent, faithful relationship of husband and wife is the root of a family. The Church declares every valid sacramental consummated marriage to be indissoluble, that is, no one can dissolve the marriage …

Just as individual states have certain requirements for civil marriage (e.g., a marriage license, blood tests), the Catholic Church also has requirements before Catholics can be considered validly married in the eyes of the Church. It is different from the rest of the sacraments, because what makes it valid is mainly marriage consent. 123 It is therefore appropriate for the bride and groom to prepare themselves for the celebration of their marriage by receiving the sacrament of penance. Consent Makes a Marriage: The Theology of Marriage . Sadly, the reality is that not all marriages succeed. Major USCCB Marriage Projects & Activities Marriage, validly contracted, is a lifelong covenant that cannot be broken. A marriage can be either non-sacramental or sacramental. After being blessed by the priest the rings are exchanged between bride and groom. What is the difference between a valid and an invalid Catholic marriage? “What God has joined together, no human being must separate” (Mk 10:9). The Catholic theology of marriage stems from the idea that free and mutual consent of a man and a woman makes a valid marriage. In majority non-Christian countries, it happens countless times every day! SEVEN STEPS TO THE CONVALIDATION OF YOUR MARRIAGE Being married in the eyes of the Church involves more than just paperwork.
A sacramental marriage is the very same thing only between two baptized persons, which raises the dignity of the marriage to being a sacrament and a witness to the unity of Jesus with the Church. It strengthens all the members, provides best for the needs of children, and causes the church of the home to be an effective sign of Christ in the world" (U.S. Catholic Bishops, Follow the Way of Love: A Pastoral Message to Families, 1994). It’s quite possible to celebrate a non-sacramental marriage that is unquestionably valid in the eyes of the Catholic Church. must be, per se, valid, worthy, and fruitful."

In contrast, the Church views marriage as a sacrament instituted by God, a permanent covenant between husband and wife.
The government sees marriage as a legal contract that can be easily broken. In the Scriptures, rings were given as signs of commitment. The marriage still would be a true and valid marriage; but it would be a most unhappy beginning for what is designed to be a partnership with God. Instead of only planning for the worst in man, it offers mercy and forgiveness to spouses who sin, recognizing of course that this does not necessitate remaining with an abusive spouse. A Christian marriage is a sacramental relationship in which a couple establishes a partnership for the entire life. A person must want to get married to his spouse, and manifest this will verbally to the priest or deacon at the wedding ceremony. . In Nora’s case, her marriage clearly couldn’t have been sacramental, because she herself was not a Christian at the time. We have already noted that God’s plan for marriage involves a permanent covenant embraced by the couple. Sacramental marriage rebels against the utility of civil marriage and the notion that marriage is but a contract affecting no one but the signing parties.

1622 "Inasmuch as it is a sacramental action of sanctification, the liturgical celebration of marriage . . It is a holy covenant of life and love, demanding a mature commitment and conscious decision to love from the partners—one that should not be entered into lightly.