Choosing a Roman Catholic Wedding Ceremony

Catholic Wedding Rituals

The ritual for a Catholic wedding begins with engagement when the couple discusses the type of ceremony they’d like to have and the expectations for guests. This is also the time to discuss finances and find out if there are any costs associated with having your wedding at your parish. Some parishes have a fee for the use of their facilities and others do not, but all may require the payment of a minister’s fee. Some parishes also have a fee for a marriage license and may charge a fee for a certificate of marriage. The next step is to decide on a date and time for the wedding ceremony. Catholics are not permitted to get married during Lent (the 40 days leading up to Easter) or on Ash Wednesday or Good Friday. Many parishes hold special marriage ceremonies during Advent (the four weeks leading up to Christmas) and many also schedule ceremonies on the First Friday of the month.

Nuptial Mass

The nuptial Mass is a wedding Mass and the first type of Catholic wedding ceremony we’ll examine. It is a special Mass that is reserved for couples who have been married before in a civil ceremony and are now getting married in the Catholic Church. Traditionally, this Mass was restricted to couples whose children were being baptized. As time passed, the Church made it more accessible to others. The couple may select any appropriate Mass, e.g., the Mass of the Immaculate Conception, the Mass for the Renewal of the Church, or the Mass for the Priest's Spouse. If the couple selects a Mass other than a special marriage Mass, they should discuss the appropriateness of the Mass with their priest.

Confession and Communion

The next type of Catholic wedding ceremony deals with the reception of Communion. If a couple has been baptized in the Catholic Church and is not in a state of mortal sin, they can receive Communion. If a couple has been married before in a civil service, they must make a confession before receiving Communion. Before the wedding Mass, the couple meets with the priest for a brief confession. This is the only time the priest does not impose the usual length of time for a confession associated with the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The priest will administer the sacrament briefly, just long enough to examine the couple’s conscience and make sure they are not in a state of mortal sin.

A Service of Celebration Only

The next type of Catholic wedding ceremony we’ll examine is a service of celebration only. A couple who wants a simple, low-key Catholic wedding ceremony may choose to have only a service of celebration. For these couples, the most important part of their day is the exchange of vows. A service of celebration only may be held at any time of the day, although it is usually held in the morning. It usually does not include a procession, although the bride may be escorted to the altar by her father or another family member. It also does not include a homily (preach) by the priest, but it does include the Liturgy of the Word, i.e., the reading of Scripture and the reading of the bride and groom’s vows.

A Catholic wedding during Mass

This type of Catholic wedding ceremony is a wedding during Mass and may be chosen by couples who want a relatively short and simple ceremony that includes elements of the Mass. This type of ceremony may be held at any time of the day and may include any of the following elements:

- The Liturgy of the Word and the exchange of vows can be included in the beginning of the Mass.

- The exchange of vows can be done at the lectern.

- The groom may kneel at the altar.

- The bride may stand or kneel near or at the altar.

- The groom may give the bride away.

- The bride may walk down the aisle by herself.

- The bride may be given in marriage by her father.

Other Options for a Catholic Wedding Ceremony

The Catholic wedding rituals described above are just some of the standard wedding ceremonies that may take place in a Catholic church. Couples who wish to have a more elaborate or unique wedding ceremony may wish to consider a Catholic wedding ritual that reflects their cultural or religious background, or one that reflects their personal style. Some examples of alternative Catholic wedding ceremonies include:

- A Catholic wedding ceremony conducted in a language other than English

- A Catholic wedding ceremony that incorporates aspects of the couple’s cultural or religious background

- A Catholic wedding ceremony that incorporates aspects of the couple’s personal style

- A Catholic wedding ceremony that includes a formal procession

- A Catholic wedding ceremony that includes a formal reception

- A Catholic wedding ceremony that includes a symbolic ritual

- A Catholic wedding ceremony that includes a non-denominational ceremony

Conclusion

From selecting a date to choosing an appropriate Catholic wedding ceremony, and everything in between, a Catholic wedding is a special occasion. To make the most of this momentous occasion, it's important to take the time to consider the various options and select a wedding that reflects your personalities and beliefs as a couple. With the help of your priest or other representatives at your church, you can customize everything from the date and time to the details of your Catholic wedding ceremony.