What Happens at a Catholic Wedding Mass (Step-by-Step)

A Catholic wedding Mass is longer than a civil ceremony, typically 60 to 75 minutes, because it contains the full Rite of Marriage and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. If you're attending a friend's wedding, joining a new faith, or planning your own, here is what happens and why.

1. The Entrance Procession

The bridal party enters to a chosen hymn or processional. The priest greets the bride and groom at the altar. Scripture: the procession itself echoes Psalm 118, "the day the Lord has made."

2. Introductory Rites

The priest welcomes the assembly, everyone makes the sign of the cross, and, because this is a wedding Mass, the Gloria is typically sung (except during Advent or Lent). The Collect prayer gathers the intentions of the community around the couple.

Skipped or simplified?

Most weddings skip the Penitential Act since the Rite of Marriage has its own character of vow and commitment. Your priest decides.

3. Liturgy of the Word

The approved readings are proclaimed in order: First Reading (Old Testament), Responsorial Psalm, Second Reading (New Testament epistle), and the Gospel. The priest or deacon then preaches a short homily on the meaning of marriage.

Choose readers from among family and friends ahead of time. See our guide to choosing wedding readings.

4. The Rite of Marriage

This is the sacramental core. It has four movements:

• Declaration of Consent — the priest asks the couple if they've come freely, if they will love each other faithfully, and if they're open to children.
• Exchange of Vows — the couple states their vows to each other. They can choose between two approved forms.
• Blessing and Exchange of Rings — the priest blesses the rings; the couple gives them to each other as signs of their love and fidelity.
• (Optional) Arras / Lasso ceremony — in many cultural traditions (Filipino, Mexican, Spanish), additional symbols are exchanged here.

At this point the couple is sacramentally married. Everything that follows is the Mass.

5. Liturgy of the Eucharist

The newlyweds (or selected family members) bring the bread and wine to the altar. The Preface and Eucharistic Prayer are prayed — often with a proper "nuptial" prayer that includes intentions for the couple. The assembly says the Sanctus, the Our Father, and the Lamb of God.

6. The Nuptial Blessing

After the Our Father, the priest prays a solemn blessing over the couple. It is one of the most ancient parts of the liturgy, asking God for faithfulness, fruitfulness, and long life together.

7. Communion and Recessional

The couple receives Communion first, followed by the wedding party and assembly. A communion hymn is sung. Final prayers are offered, the priest gives the blessing, and the newlyweds process out together to a recessional.

Printing a program for guests

A wedding program helps guests, especially non-Catholic friends, follow along. It typically includes the order of service, the full text of readings, the names of the wedding party, and hymn texts. You can create a print-ready program here in a few minutes.