What constitutes canonical form for a Catholic marriage?

• A. The couple's consent alone suffices.
• B. Celebration before a valid minister (priest or deacon) and two witnesses, with free and informed consent.
• C. Any celebration in a church with a priest presiding.
• D. Licence from civil authorities suffices.

Answer: (B)

For a Catholic marriage to be valid, the required form means the couple must exchange their consent in the presence of a valid minister and two witnesses, and the consent must be freely and knowingly given. The minister—usually a legitimately ordained priest or deacon—verifies the exchange and witnesses it, while the two witnesses attest that the vows were properly made and help record the marriage. This combination protects the public, sacred nature of the bond and ensures the marriage is recognized both liturgically and juridically by the Church. If any of these elements are missing—consent alone, or a ceremony with a priest but without two witnesses, or a civil license alone—the marriage does not meet canonical form and would not be valid unless a special dispensation from canonical form is granted for a grave reason.