What is the order of a Catholic wedding ceremony?

Short answer

A Catholic wedding usually begins with a procession, followed by the rites of marriage and the Eucharist, then ends with a final blessing and recessional. Exact order can vary by parish, so check with your church.

The ceremony follows the Order of Celebrating Matrimony, which the parish priest will guide you through. It typically starts with an entrance procession, where the wedding party and couple walk to the altar. The priest greets everyone and opens with a prayer.

The Liturgy of the Word comes next, with scripture readings, a responsorial psalm and a Gospel reading. After the homily, you exchange vows and rings. This is the moment the marriage is celebrated. If you are both Catholic, the rite is usually part of Mass, which includes the Liturgy of the Eucharist. If one partner is not Catholic, the service may omit the Eucharist.

The ceremony concludes with the final blessing and the recessional, as everyone files back out. You may choose readings, hymns and music that suit your faith and family. Discuss these with your priest well in advance, as some parishes have their own rules.

If you want to know the precise sequence for your parish, ask the priest or the church office. They can tell you about any local customs.