- Catholic weddings are highly traditional and follow a set standard, rarely deviating from the religious customs. The ceremony consists of biblical readings, a sermon, the exchange of vows and rings and the Prayer of the Faithful followed by additional prayers. The ceremony always takes place within the church--never outdoors. It is considered a public event, and the entire Catholic community is encouraged to participate in the liturgy. A very important element of a Catholic wedding ceremony is the Sacrament of Matrimony, which Catholics believe is a route toward God's grace. In many instances, the Sacrament of Matrimony is preceded by the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Catholic weddings are never held on Holy Thursday, Good Friday or Holy Saturday.
- The processional is a key aspect of the Catholic wedding ceremony. The processional usually consists of altar servers, the priest, witnesses, bridesmaids and groomsmen. Traditionally, the groom processes with his parents. The bride also has the choice of processing with her parents. The bride usually is led down the aisle by her father, who escorts her on his right arm. If the bride's father cannot walk her down the aisle, tradition dictates that she walk alone. During the nuptials, the bride and groom must promise to continue observing the Catholic faith and raise their children as Catholics, as well. However, if one of the partners is not Catholic, he is not required to make the same promises.
- After the processional, the official ceremony begins with a greeting by the priest to the bride and groom, and their guests. The priest's greeting is followed by prayers, readings from the Old and New Testament, a psalm, the "hallelujah" and a Gospel reading. The priest then gives a sermon, which may contain personal references to the bride and groom. Finally, the vows and rings are exchanged by the couple. The rings are blessed before they are placed on the partners' fingers. Then the congregation participates in the Prayer of the Faithful. If the ceremony takes place during a Mass, the Liturgy of the Eucharist occurs after this prayer. If the ceremony does not include Mass, the service concludes with the Lord's Prayer and a blessing. To conclude the Mass, the priest issues a final blessing followed by the dismissal.
