Catholic wedding ceremony guide
Understand the parts of a Catholic wedding, with or without Mass, and plan respectful photography and video coverage with your parish.
Opening the celebration
Priest’s greeting
The presiding priest welcomes the assembly at the beginning of the celebration.
Penitential Act
A familiar part of many Masses, but omitted in the Canadian Order of Celebrating Matrimony. Do not add it to a wedding schedule simply because it appears in a general Mass outline.
Gloria
The Glory to God hymn or prayer. Its use depends on the form of celebration and the liturgical guidance for the day.
Collect
The opening prayer that concludes the introductory rites.
Profession of faith
The Creed, included when the liturgy for the day calls for it; it is not a universal item in every wedding celebration.
Readings and prayer
Responsorial psalm
A psalm with a response sung or spoken by the assembly.
Gospel acclamation
The sung acclamation before the Gospel reading.
Gospel proclamation
The Gospel is read by the priest or deacon.
Wedding homily
The presiding minister’s reflection on the readings and Christian marriage.
Prayer of the Faithful
Prayers for the couple and others, with a response from the assembly.
The marriage rite
Questions before consent
Questions about the couple’s freedom and intentions before they declare consent.
Declaration of consent
The couple express their consent to marry. Joining right hands, the spoken words and the listener’s response form one meaningful sequence.
Reception of consent
The presiding minister receives the couple’s consent; the assembly may respond in thanksgiving.
Blessing and giving of rings
The rings are blessed and given. The blessing and each placement are distinct moments to anticipate.
Nuptial blessing
The Church’s prayer of blessing over the couple. Its position differs between celebrations within and without Mass.
When the wedding includes Mass
Presentation of gifts
Bread and wine are brought forward for the Eucharist. Identify any relatives chosen as gift bearers.
Preparation of the altar
The altar and vessels are prepared for the Eucharistic liturgy.
Eucharistic Prayer
The central prayer of thanksgiving and consecration in the Mass.
Consecration
The consecration of bread and wine within the Eucharistic Prayer.
Lord’s Prayer
The assembly prays the Our Father.
Sign of peace
A gesture of peace exchanged according to the parish’s practice.
Lamb of God
The Agnus Dei prayer or hymn during the breaking of the bread.
Communion
Reception of the Eucharist. Photography positions and movement should follow the parish’s instructions.
Prayer after Communion
The prayer concluding the Communion portion of Mass.
Concluding the celebration
Final blessing
The blessing given near the end of the celebration.
Dismissal
The concluding words sending the assembly forth. Plan the couple’s exit separately with the parish and wedding party.
Planning photography and video
Send us the parish’s confirmed order of service, names of readers and gift bearers, and camera restrictions. We can anticipate spoken consent, ring placement, blessings and family reactions while following the church’s directions. A wedding without Mass does not include the Eucharistic portion above.
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