Catholic Wedding Traditions Explained
Catholic weddings are highly liturgical affairs steeped in lots of tradition. As such, there is a fairly standard format for Catholic wedding programs. Wedding professional Stephanie West of Stephanie West Photography explains that at a Catholic wedding ceremony “there are songs, readings, communion, signs of peace, and a homily but then the Sacrament of Marriage takes place. In this, there is the Rite of Marriage which includes wedding vows, consent, and exchanging rings.” Each of these elements of the marriage ceremony is included for very intentional reasons.
Aaron Lane of Aaron Lane Pro DJ Entertainment goes on to note that “A Catholic wedding Mass is exactly like a regular Sunday Mass, with the addition of the Rite of Catholic Marriage. The Rite is what recognizes the union in the eyes of the Church, and actually confers on the couple the Graces of the Sacrament of Marriage. Catholics believe these graces, as we read in the Bible, greatly assist the couple by providing spiritual help in their marriage and their commitment to God and each other, and help to live out the vows proclaimed during their wedding ceremony.”
Sample Wedding Ceremony Scripts And Writing Tips
- EMAILSHARE
The wedding ceremony is the heart of the wedding day. The dress, the flowers, the food are all icing on the cake, but the ceremony is where two people actually become marriedlegally, spiritually, and literally. Considering the significance, its surprising that many couples often leave the wedding ceremony planning to the last minute, according to wedding officiant and professional vow writing coach Tanya Pushkine. Its so rare that the wedding ceremony is thought of as a priority, says Pushkine. Its almost like an afterthought.
Meet the Expert
Tanya Pushkine is a professional vow writing coach, ceremony planner, and officiant based in New York City. Shes known as the vow whisperer for her ability to craft authentic and memorable ceremonies that reflect the unique personalities and beliefs of the couple.
Pushkine recommends that brides start thinking about the ceremony early in the wedding planning process so that they know what to ask for when they meet with their wedding planner or day-of coordinator. Religious ceremonies are typically more fixed in terms of the service, language, and traditions while secular/non-religious ceremonies give couples a lot more flexibility to personalize the ceremony to their unique tastes.
Below, weve outlined wedding ceremony script writing tips and a few sample wedding ceremony scripts to inspire you.
Also Check: Addressing Wedding Invitations With Child
What Does The Priest Say During The Wedding Ceremony
Priest: May these rings be blessed as a symbol of your union. As often as either of you look upon these rings, may you not only be reminded of this moment, but also of the vows you have made and the strength of your commitment to each other.
What was the role of a priest in ancient Rome?
Flamines Priests Who Served One God. Flamines, distinguished by their pointed headdress, as part of a procession on the Augustan Altar of Peace. Flamen was a priest who was devoted to the service of one particular god or goddess.
Read Also: Who To Invite To Your Wedding
Blessing And Giving Of Rings
Option 1Priest: May the Lord bless these rings,which you will give to each otheras the sign of your love and fidelity.Response: Amen.Priest: Bless, O Lord, these ringswhich we bless in your name.so that those who wear themmay remain entirely faithful to each other,abide in peace and in your will,and live always in mutual charity.Through Christ our Lord.Priest: Bless and sanctify your servantsin their love, O Lord,and let these rings, a sign of their faithfulness,remind them of their love for one another.Through Christ our Lord.Response: Amen.
The Priest sprinkles the rings, as the circumstances so suggest, and gives them to the bride and bridegroom.The husband places his wife’s ring on her ring finger, saying, as the circumstances so suggest:
, receive this ringas a sign of my love and fidelity.In the name of the Father, and of the Son,and of the Holy Spirit.
Likewise, the wife places her husband’s ring on his ring finger saying, as the circumstances so suggest:
, receive this ringas a sign of my love and fidelity.In the name of the Father, and of the Son,and of the Holy Spirit.
Family Declaration Of Consent 30
Because of the vows they have taken today, BRIDE and GROOM have created a whole new family. To make their commitment to that new family complete, they wish to include their children: NAMES OF CHILDREN and recognize them as an integral part of this marriage .
Do you _______ take to be the children of your heart, to love and to hug, in tears and in laughter, through successes and growing pains, as long as you shall all be together?I do.
Do you take _______ to be your step- and your friend, accomplice and ally, to love and to hug, as long as you shall all be together?I do.
to be your and your friend, through fights and through fun, as long as you shall all be together?)
We do.
Do you, , promise to support these relationships, to give them room to breathe, to encourage their special bonds with each other and love them through it all?
I do.
Read Also: Where To Rent Suits For Wedding
Celebrating A Buddhist Wedding Its Going To Be A Beautiful Day
Buddhism is neither for nor against marriage, so anyone who
The pastor usually says a few words about the two getting to know each other and, if necessary, comments on certain situations of the bridal couple. For example, when the two lovers have to pass tough tests and in the end they stuck together.
The wedding itself often lasts only a few minutes. However, this primarily depends on which aspects/wishes/thoughts were previously discussed in the bridal conversation.
The pastor then begins to ask the all-important question. However, the exact wording is up to the clergyman and the bridal couple themselves: Do you want to love and honor XY present here, be loyal to him, in good times and in bad ?
Traditionally, the marriage vows are made, which can also be formulated by the groom . This is always a very special, unforgettable moment.
It is therefore usually up to the bride and groom to decide what words the pastor says at the wedding. However, it is essential that the ceremony is carried out honestly, emotionally and with all devotion.
Building Blocks Of Your Wedding Ceremony Script
- Opening and welcome
- Pronouncement
While you can include or omit most of these elements, depending on personal taste and preference, in most places you do generally, legally, need to include a declaration of intent in their ceremony. This is what we think of as the I dos, or I do in fact legally want to marry this person, and Im here by choice. So as youre crafting your own wedding ceremony, remember to include that key part.
There is great news here though. When youre creating your wedding ceremony, plagiarism highly recommended. You cant do it in a term paper, you cant do it when youre writing a book, but when youre crafting your wedding ceremony script, you can steal all the best stuff that everyone else has written. How do you think traditions get started, anyway? Which is why weve collected our very favorite real wedding ceremony scripts for you to steal from.
Pro-Tip: Beyond the scripts below, we have a ton of other ceremony-writing resources here on APW: traditional wedding vows from various cultures and religions, non-cheesy wedding poems, an essay examining what it means to invite the sacred into your wedding, and hundreds of comments in which readers share their own vows.
But today we wanted to highlight some of our favorite ceremonies from the APW archives, plus a ceremony written in the middle of the pandemic. .
You May Like: What Can You Put On A Wedding Registry
This Phrasing Can Be Removed If You’re Uncomfortable With It Being In Your Script
- EMAILSHARE
WHITNEY DARLING PHOTOGRAPHY
Though the movies might make it seem like weddings objections happen on the reg, theyre actually quite rare. Whats even rarer? That an opportunity for objections would be even built into a ceremony in the first place. Weddings are full of ritual, says officiant Jill Magerman. Fortunately, the phrase speak now or forever hold your peace is not really one thats held onto anymore.
Meet the Expert
Jill Magerman is a wedding officiant, life cycle celebrant, and interfaith minister based in the Philadelphia area.
Which begs the question: Why was it incorporated into weddings, to begin with? Read on for an in-depth look at the speak now or forever hold your peace traditionas well as meaningful alternatives you can add to your ceremony in its place.
Order Of Celebrating Matrimony Without Mass
Related Topics: Dating & Engaged, Ecumenical Marriage, Interfaith Marriage, Planning a Catholic Wedding, Sacrament Of Marriage, Wedding Liturgy / Nuptial Mass
The engaged coupleshould be given catechesis not only about the Churchs teaching on Marriage and the family but also about the Sacrament and its rites, prayers, and readings, so that they may be able to celebrate it thoughtfully and fruitfully. Order of Celebrating Matrimony, no. 17
There are several reasons why a Catholic wedding would take place without a Mass: when a Catholic marries a baptized non-Catholic Christian when a significant number of wedding guests are not Catholic or when a priest is not available. Either a priest or a deacon can use the Order of Celebrating Matrimony without Mass. Interchurch couples might wish to talk with the priest or deacon about the participation of clergy from the non-Catholic partys church. If the couple wishes to hold their wedding at the non-Catholics church, they need to receive permission from the bishop to do so in order for the marriage to be valid.
Catholics marrying non-Catholic Christians may want to read the article Ecumenical and Interfaith Marriages for guidance on other aspects of preparation for their marriage.
You May Like: How Much Does It Cost To Officiate A Wedding
Welcome & Opening Prayer
Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God, and in the presence of family and friends to join together this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony, which is commended of St. Paul to be an honorable estate, instituted of God and therefore is not to be entered into unadvisedly or carelessly, but reverently, joyfully and in the love of God. Into this holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined.
Recommended Reading: What Goes First Engagement Or Wedding Ring
When Two Lovers Say Yes To Each Other
Most people expect these typical sentences at the wedding itself: Do you want to remain loyal to him/her, in good times and in bad?, I hereby declare you husband and wife. You may marry the bride now kiss and Anyone who wants to comment on this connection may speak now or he may remain silent forever.
The fact is, however, that such phrases are rarely heard. Rather, they appear in old love films so they only correspond to reality to a very limited extent.
Recommended Reading: How Much Are All Inclusive Destination Weddings
Can A Non Catholic Go To Confession
Confession For Baptized Non-catholics
Confession is a sacrament reserved for Catholics who have gone through baptism and are in communion with the church. However, If you are non-catholic, but have been baptized the proper Christian way, you can seek out a priest for penance in cases of grave necessity.
Recommended Reading: Which Ring Goes On First Engagement Or Wedding
How Soon Can We Use Our Marriage License After We Pick It Up And When Does It Expire
Your marriage license is valid and ready to be used for your Colorado self solemnization as soon as you get it !
You simply have to sign it within 35 days of acquiring it, and it must be returned within 63 days. Seriously, solemnizing your own marriage in Colorado is really that simple.
If youre local to Colorado, I recommend getting your marriage license at least a week before your Colorado self solemnization, because its one less thing to have to worry about before you elope.
If youre traveling to Colorado for your self solemnization elopement, make sure you arrive on a weekday to pick up your marriage license before your self solemnization.
Read Also: Wedding Invitations Without Inner Envelope
Don’t Miss: How Many Weeks Before Wedding To Send Invitations
Nuptial Mass Or Celebration Of Marriage
If both members of the wedding couple are Catholic, they may opt for the full Catholic wedding ceremony Nuptial Mass. The Nuptial Mass includes several readings from the Old Testament and New Testament, as well as hymns and psalms. “Typically, there are 2 readings at the beginning of the ceremony. These are done by friends or family selected by the couple,” explains Donaho. After that, the priest offers a homily, which typically includes readings and teachings on marriage and love. If the couple opts to skip the Nuptial Mass, they’ll have what’s called a Celebration of Marriage, which begins with the Liturgy of the Word.
The Questions Before The Consent
The Priest then questions them about their freedom of choice, fidelity to each other, and the acceptance and upbringing of children, and each responds separately.
and , have you come here to enter into Marriage without coercion, freely and wholeheartedly? The bridegroom and bride each say: I have.Are you prepared, as you follow the path of Marriage, tolove and honor each other for as long as you both shall live?The bridegroom and bride each say: I am.The following question may be omitted if circumstances suggest this, for example, if the couple is advanced in years.Are you prepared to accept children lovingly from God and to bring them up according to the law of Christ and his Church?The bridegroom and bride each say: I am.
Recommended Reading: How To Book Hotel Blocks For Wedding
How Do You Start Off Wedding Vows
RANT: My thoughts on the PRIEST who yelled at the Wedding Photographers
How to Write Wedding Vows Step by Step
You May Like: Pawn Shops Wedding Rings
Wedding Ceremony In Christianity:
Still, A church witness must be present at the wedding for a marriage to be legal. The role of witness is to ask some queries from the couple to ensure that they dont have any obstacles to marriage and they are freely selecting to marry.
All ordained clergy are permitted to witness the wedding ceremony. Albeit most weddings take place during a Mass, which deacons do not have the power or ability to celebrate.
Quaker:
The pair marries each other without the involvement of a third party in a Quaker wedding.
Judaism:
A Rabbi officiates Jewish weddings in Judaism. On the other hand, the Rabbi verifies that the Jewish religious rules of the wedding ceremony are observed, particularly the validity of the Jewish witnesses. Although the groom would have recited the blessing for the ritual in ancient times, the Rabbi traditionally does so on his behalf.
Non-religious:
American Marriage Ministries and the Universal Life Church have minimal or no ordination requirements. These groups are sometimes referred to as ordination mills. Yet, their ordinations usually give them the same legal standing as mainstream officiants. The issued by their representatives are valid and acknowledged.
Many non-religious people get married in churches with Christian pastors, while others get married in mosques and synagogues.
Humanist:
Humanist celebrants are individuals who have received qualifications from several humanist organizations to be able to solemnize marriages in any way they see fit.
Read Also: How To Word No Kids At Wedding
What Does A Priest Say At A Wedding
If youre a newly-ordained minister whos tackling this whole officiant thing for the first time, you might be asking yourself: What does a priest say at a wedding? Its a complicated question, but this guide should shed some light on the topic.
For the most part, what you saying during the wedding will depend on what type of ceremony the couple wishes to hold. Unlike traditional religious weddings that are quite formal and regimented, wedding ceremonies performed by ULC ministers can be customized to fit the couples vision for their big day. Given this flexibility, you should work closely with them to create a personalized script that closely reflects their values and beliefs. If youre in need of ideas, dont forget to consult the wedding script generator here on our site.
Below weve put together a sample wedding script to give you an idea of what a typical ceremony looks like. Remember: while most of the script can be heavily customized, the legal sections of the ceremony must be included.
Perform The Wedding Ceremony
Our ministers perform all different types of weddings from formal and traditional ceremonies to laid-back weddings with fun themes, weve seen it all. Here at the ULC we always encourage creativity, and applaud unique ceremony ideas. However, as minister, you should be familiar with the basic requirements that all ceremonies must meet.
In order for a marriage to be legally binding, the wedding ceremony itself must include two key elements. The first is the Declaration of Intent this is most commonly recognized as the Do you take I do exchange. The second is the Pronouncement, where you will pronounce the couple officially married. While most weddings will involve additional elements, these segments constitute the bare minimum for a legal ceremony. Make sure you cover them!
Planning the wedding ceremony itself is generally left up to the couple, though you may be asked to provide input or advice. If you are officiating a wedding ceremony for close friends or family, your personal knowledge of the couple will likely mean more involvement in the planning stages. Either way, it is important to communicate with the couple to figure out what type of ceremony they want and which elements theyd like included.
Read Also: When Should You Start Planning A Wedding
