What is the Order of a Catholic Wedding Ceremony?

Below is the Order of a Catholic Wedding Ceremony (not a Mass). Priests will vary parts of the wedding service a bit, but this is the program they follow closely. The Catholic Wedding Ceremony usually lasts about one hour.

When most couples plan a Wedding in a Catholic Church, the #1 Question they need to answer is: “Are we having a Full Wedding Mass or a Simpler Ceremony?” This decision is made in consultation with the Parish Priest or Deacon who will be presiding over the service and is the Most Important decision to make. This decision effects the length of the service and effects how many musical selections will be needed as well as how many musicians you might need to hire.

Deciding whether or not your Catholic Service will be a Full Mass or a Simpler Ceremony effects most of the Music-Related Decisions you’ll make later on. Once this decision is made, then most other decisions affecting the music for the wedding service itself follow.

To understand the Order of a Catholic Wedding Mass, not a Simple Ceremony, Read More HERE

Order of a Catholic Wedding Ceremony:

Prelude

Processional

Gathering Hymn (optional)

Greeting by the Celebrant

Opening Prayer

Old Testament Reading

Responsorial Psalm

New Testament Reading

Gospel Acclamation

Gospel Reading

Homily (speech by the Priest or Deacon)

Nuptial Ceremony:
Wedding Vows
Blessing & Exchange of Rings
The Kiss
Lighting Of The Unity Candle (optional)

Nuptial Blessing

Prayers of the Couple/Prayers of the Faithful

Presentation to the Statue of Mary (optional)

Final Blessing

Presentation of the Couple

Recessional & Postlude

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