[redgolum]

Correct in that is how the law is handled.

But the standard is still is still that the marriage is not officially "valid" until consummation.

Not trying to throw mud.

It is kind of funny in one sense. We Lutherans tend to think that Mary probably was a lifelong virgin, but that brings in a whole lot of marriage laws that can lead to a lot of speculation. But in the end, it is more of something to speculate on, and not to be viewed as "necessary for salvation" one way or the other.

My old pastor explained it this way. If you were Joseph, and your wife just gave birth to the Son of God, wouldn't you want to keep to yourself?

[Campion]

But the standard is still is still that the marriage is not officially "valid" until consummation.

It's "valid" but not "indissoluble", unless it's known beforehand that consummation is impossible.