I have not completely left the faith, still attend mass regularly. I do not receive communion, because I was married but not in the church. I was wondering what would be my steps to being able to begin receiving communion again? I know I would have to go to confession.
First, let us praise God for your desire to do what is right! That in itself is a gift from God. Without knowing all of the details of your case, it is not possible in this forum to give you an exact answer. You should make an appointment with one of the deacons or priests who can understand your circumstances and provide you firm direction. And yes, you are correct, in any event a good confession would be needed.
Being married in the eyes of the Church involves more than just paperwork. The government sees marriage as a legal contract that can be easily broken. In contrast, the Church views marriage as a sacrament instituted by God, a permanent covenant between husband and wife.
If you are no longer civilly married to that spouse, than ALL that is required is confesion before returning to receive the Eucharist.
Assuming that you are 1) still civilly married to your spouse and 2) eligible for a sacramental marriage, all that would be required is for to have your civil marriage convalidated in the Church. This is generally a simple process and can be handled by either a priest or deacon.
If one or both of you is not currently eligible for a sacramental marriage, for example, due to a prior bond of marriage on one or both of your parts, than you would need to obtain a Declaration of Nullity (commonly known as an annullment) before proceeding with convalidation. This process is much simpler and quicker under the new guidelines adopted in the Church last year.
Couples who are married outside the Church but agree to refrain from conjugal acts until such time as their civil marriage can be convalidated, after receiving the sacrament of Reconciliation, may immediately resume receiving the Eucharist.
Again, your needs would be best served by meeting with a priest or deacon so that we can understand the details of your situation and guide you on to the right path for your situation.
God bless you.