NEED HELP!!!! (Bit Long)

Two of our close friends - who are engaged just reveleved to us this past weekend that they got married last year at city hall...no one in their families know...they just knew that they wanted to get married and went ahead and did it (which I think is really romantic)...now heres where their situation gets a little complicated...they did not tell anyone this bc they thought that their families would think they were crazy (they were only dating for a short time at that point), so they decided that they would keep it between them and then do it the traditional way (enggement, church, etc...)

The only reason they told us was bc I worked for our church in hs, so she tought I would know the answer to this...are they going to have a problem with booking the church (or rather geting married in the church)...he thinks they may bc they never did pre cana, and that they have been living in sin according to the church...

I don't know the answer to this...I told them to call the church and explain that they want to get married in a church and have their marriage recognized by the catholic church...I really don't know protocal on marriage certificates or licenses (as far as them having it for over ayear now)...I really don't think its a problem...they just have been married for a year in the eyes of the state...right???

anybody have any clue on this kind of situation???

I've never encountered anything like this - but it's my understanding that some churches will work with them. They'll probably have to do pre cana, and they may have to abstain for a bit. I think it really depends on the church. Some may tell them to take a hike, but others recognize the variety of living situations that exist these days.
Maybe they can even work it out as a renewal of their vows?
It's not a lost cause - so make sure they don't get disappointed if the first priest they speak with isn't totally encouraging (I've found some priests to be nasty, while others are absolutely wonderful).