Why Marry in the Catholic Church?

If you’re thinking about getting married, you’re probably also thinking about where to have the ceremony. John Bosio, author of three books on marriage, explains why marrying in the Catholic Church can have a positive impact on the rest of your married life.

Planning Your Catholic Wedding: Ten Tips

Are you planning to get married in the Catholic Church? Congratulations! Whether your wedding is next month or next year, here are some helpful tips for making it a ceremony to remember.

Things You Won’t See at a Catholic Wedding

Weddings are steeped in tradition, so we can be surprised when some of the expected elements “go missing.” Why are some of these words and actions (for example, “I now pronounce you man and wife”) not part of the Catholic wedding ceremony?

A Wedding Planning Reality Check

If you’re caught up in the stress of wedding planning, step back for a moment and consider what’s really important about your big day.

How Much Does it Cost to Marry in the Church?

How much does it cost to get married in the Catholic Church?

Actually, nothing. Sacraments are not for sale. It’s appropriate, however, for the bride and groom to share their joy and, in generosity, to contribute to the support of the Church and its ministers.

Responsorial Psalms

1. 33:12 and 18, 20-21, 22 R. (5b) The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. Blessed the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he has chosen for his own inheritance. But see, the eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness. [...]

Rite for Celebrating Marriage Between a Catholic and an Unbaptized Person

The rite for a Catholic marrying a catechumen (one who is preparing for baptism), a non-Christian, or someone who does not believe in God exemplifies sensitivity for the unbaptized person and his/her family. This third form has the same four basic elements as the first two forms of the rite: questions about intent, exchange of consent, the blessing and exchange of rings, and the nuptial blessing.

Rite for Celebrating Marriage Outside of Mass

When a Catholic marries a Christian of another denomination, the Rite for Celebrating Marriage Outside Mass is used. Hospitality suggests that this form is the appropriate one when a significant number of guests are not Catholic and cannot join in Holy Communion.

Rite for Celebrating Marriage Within Mass

The Catholic Rite of Marriage centers around two key moments: the Exchange of Consent and the Nuptial Blessing. Marriage is rooted in the couple’s mutual vows of faithful love and is blessed by God as an image of the marriage between Christ and the Church. The couple’s declaration of reciprocal consent and the nuptial blessing reveal the sacramental nature of marriage as the spouses become symbols of Christ’s selfless love.

Gospel Readings

Gospel reading suggestions for a Catholic wedding ceremony.

New Testament Readings

Readings and reflections from the New Testamant.

Old Testament Readings

Readings and reflections from the Old Testament.