A Catholic wedding ceremony is a profound sacramental event, rich in symbolism and tradition. Rooted in the beliefs and teachings of the Catholic Church, the ceremony follows a structured format that underscores the sanctity and permanence of marriage. The wedding script of a Catholic ceremony typically includes several key components: the introductory rites, the Liturgy of the Word, the Rite of Marriage, the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and the concluding rites. Each segment carries specific prayers, readings, and rituals that reflect the solemn nature of the sacrament.

Introductory Rites

The ceremony usually begins with the introductory rites, which set the tone for the sacred celebration. The priest greets the assembly and invites them to join in the celebration. A hymn is often sung as the bride and groom, along with their bridal party, process into the church. This entrance hymn serves to unify the congregation and prepare their hearts for worship.

Greeting and Welcome

Priest: "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

All: "Amen."

Priest: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy
Spirit be with you all."

All: "And with your spirit."

The priest then welcomes the congregation and introduces the purpose of the gathering.

Priest: "Dearly beloved, we have come together in the house of the Church so that in the presence of the Church's minister and the community, your intention to enter into marriage may be strengthened by the Lord with a sacred seal. Christ abundantly blesses the love that binds you. Through a special sacrament, He enriches and strengthens those He has already consecrated by Holy Baptism, that they may be faithful to each other for ever and assume all the responsibilities of married life."

Opening Prayer

The priest invites everyone to pray.

Priest: "Let us pray. Be attentive to our prayers, O Lord, and in your kindness pour out your grace on these your servants (name) and (name), that, coming together before your altar, they may be confirmed in love for one another. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever."

All: "Amen."

Liturgy of the Word

The Liturgy of the Word follows, consisting of readings from the Bible, a responsorial psalm, and the Gospel. These readings highlight the theological foundations of marriage and the virtues necessary for a successful Christian marriage.

First Reading

The first reading is typically from the Old Testament, emphasizing the creation of man and woman and the sanctity of their union.

Responsorial Psalm

The responsorial psalm, often sung, reflects on God's love and faithfulness.

Second Reading

The second reading is usually from the New Testament, often from one of the letters of St. Paul, which speaks about the nature of love and the relationship between husband and wife.

Gospel Acclamation

Before the Gospel reading, the congregation stands and sings the Alleluia, praising God and preparing their hearts to hear the words of Jesus.

Gospel

The Gospel reading is taken from one of the four Gospels and focuses on Jesus’ teachings about love, commitment, and the sanctity of marriage.

Homily

The priest then delivers a homily, offering reflections on the readings and the sacrament of marriage. He may provide practical advice and spiritual insights to the couple and the congregation.

Rite of Marriage

The Rite of Marriage is the heart of the ceremony, where the couple exchanges their vows and rings, committing to a lifelong union.

Consent

The priest questions the couple about their intentions.

Priest: "Dearly beloved, you have come together into the house of the Church so that in the presence of the Church's minister and the community, your intention to enter into marriage may be strengthened by the Lord with a sacred seal. Christ abundantly blesses the love that binds you. Through a special sacrament, He enriches and strengthens those He has already consecrated by Holy Baptism, that they may be faithful to each other for ever and assume all the responsibilities of married life. And so, in the presence of the Church, I ask you to state your intentions."

He then asks the couple:

Priest: "(Name) and (Name), have you come here to enter into Marriage without coercion, freely and wholeheartedly?"

Couple: "We have."

Priest: "Are you prepared, as you follow the path of Marriage, to love and honor each other for as long as you both shall live?"

Couple: "We are."

Priest: "Are you prepared to accept children lovingly from God and to bring them up according to the law of Christ and His Church?"

Couple: "We are."

Exchange of Vows

The couple then exchanges vows, pledging their love and commitment to each other. Bride/Groom: "I, (name), take you, (name), to be my wife/husband. I promise to be faithful to you, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love you and to honor you all the days of my life."

Blessing and Exchange of Rings

The priest blesses the rings.

Priest: "May the Lord bless these rings which you give to each other as a sign of your love and fidelity."

The couple then exchanges rings.

Bride/Groom: "(Name), receive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

Liturgy of the Eucharist

If the wedding includes a Mass, the ceremony continues with the Liturgy of the Eucharist, where the gifts of bread and wine are prepared, consecrated, and received as the Body and Blood of Christ.

Preparation of the Altar

The altar is prepared for the celebration of the Eucharist.

Presentation of the Gifts

The newly married couple may present the gifts of bread and wine to the priest.

Eucharistic Prayer

The priest leads the Eucharistic Prayer, consecrating the bread and wine.

Communion Rite

The congregation participates in the Lord's Prayer, the sign of peace, and then receives Holy Communion.

Concluding Rites

The ceremony concludes with the final blessings and the dismissal.

Nuptial Blessing

The priest offers a special nuptial blessing for the couple.

Priest: "Holy Father, maker of the whole world, who created man and woman in your own image and willed that their union be crowned with your blessing, we humbly beseech you for these your servants, who are joined today in the sacrament of Matrimony. May your abundant blessing, Lord, come down upon this bride, (name), and upon (name), her companion for life, and may the power of your Holy Spirit set their hearts aflame from on high, so that, living out together the gift of Matrimony, they may enrich the Church. In happiness may they praise you,
O Lord, in sorrow may they seek you out; may they have the joy of your presence to assist them in their toil, and know that you are near to comfort them in their need; let them pray to you in the holy assembly and bear witness to you in the world, and after a happy old age, together with the circle of friends that surrounds them, may they come to the Kingdom of Heaven. Through Christ our Lord."

All: "Amen."

Final Blessing and Dismissal

The priest gives the final blessing.

Priest: "The Lord be with you."

All: "And with your spirit."

Priest: "May Almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit."

All: "Amen."

Priest: "Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life."

All: "Thanks be to God."

Recessional

The couple, now married, exits the church, often accompanied by joyous music, signifying the beginning of their new life together.

Final Thoughts

A Catholic wedding ceremony is a beautiful and sacred event, deeply rooted in the traditions and teachings of the Church. The script is designed to highlight the spiritual and communal aspects of marriage, emphasizing the couple’s commitment to each other and to God. From the introductory rites to the concluding blessings, each element serves to reinforce the sanctity and solemnity of the sacrament of marriage.