The Rite Of Marriage During Mass
(Sometimes referred to as a Nuptial Mass.)

This Rite is traditionally chosen when two baptized Catholics marry. Your ceremony will be held within a Mass. It is sometimes possible to request a Nuptial Mass when a baptized Catholic marries a baptized non-Catholic, however you will need to discuss this with your parish priest.

A wedding held within a Mass will be similar to a regular Sunday Mass. Your wedding ceremony will be held after the homily. The homily or sermon, is when the priest addresses the congregation. Your ceremony will consist of an exchange of consent to marry, an exchange of vows, followed by a blessing of your rings and any acceptable cultural customs or traditions you may wish to have included. The Mass will then continue with the Celebration of the Eucharist and the distribution of Holy Communion.

For planning purposes - This ceremony is approximately 60 minutes long.

You require a parish priest (or another priest delegated by him) to preside over the ceremony since it will include a Celebration of the Eucharist and the distribution of Holy Communion.

The wedding ceremony is traditionally held at the parish of the bride but it may also be held at an alternate Catholic church with the permission of the presiding priest and the agreement of the other parish.

As with all Masses, you will invite the full participation of your guests through music and prayer. A wedding program will easily guide your invited guests throughout the service and can include printed music.