Catholic Wedding Ceremony: Step by Step
See exactly what happens at a Catholic wedding from the entrance procession to the recessional. Compare the Nuptial Mass, ceremony without Mass, and mixed marriage forms side by side.
Order of Nuptial Mass
The full Nuptial Mass includes the Liturgy of the Eucharist with Communion.
Music plays as the wedding party processes in. The bride enters last, often accompanied by her father or both parents.
Musicians, wedding party, bride
Choose a processional that fits the church acoustic. Ask your music director.
The presider welcomes everyone and makes the Sign of the Cross.
Presider
The Gloria is sung or recited. May be omitted during certain liturgical seasons.
Assembly
Required at a Nuptial Mass outside of Advent and Lent.
The presider prays the opening prayer for the celebration of marriage.
Presider
Scripture readings for each slot
Which vow form (A or B)
Music for 5 slots (processional, psalm, offertory, communion, recessional)
Lectors (readers) from family or friends
Cultural traditions (lazo, arras, veil)
Gift bearers for the offertory
The order of the ceremony itself
The three consent questions
The wording of the vows (two approved forms)
The nuptial blessing
Who can preside (priest or deacon)
The requirement for two witnesses
Processional
Entrance of wedding party
Responsorial Psalm
After the first reading (always sung)
Alleluia
Before the Gospel (always sung)
Offertory
Preparation of gifts (Mass only)
Communion
During communion (Mass only)
Recessional
Couple exits the church
Work with your parish music director to choose music that fits the liturgy. A full music planning guide is coming soon.
Documents to bring
Civil marriage license, signed by witnesses before the ceremony.
Communion for guests
Holy Communion is reserved for baptized Catholics who are properly disposed and in full communion with the Catholic Church. Non-Catholic guests, and Catholics who are not receiving Communion, are invited to remain in their pews and pray, or, where permitted by the parish, to approach with arms crossed over the chest to receive a simple blessing.
Where the couple stands
Traditionally the bride stands on the left and the groom on the right, facing the altar.
Rehearsal
Typically held the evening before. Confirm the time with your presider and wedding coordinator.
Now that you know the ceremony order, choose your readings and continue with your planning checklist.