If you want to know how long is a Catholic wedding, expect an hour or longer. We will talk about what happens in a traditional Catholic wedding, including the elements that make up this type of ceremony.
Will you be attending a Catholic wedding? Please consider reading what to wear to a Catholic wedding to ensure that you’ll remain appropriate.
How Long Is A Typical Catholic Wedding Ceremony?
A typical Catholic wedding usually lasts for an hour or more because the Catholic sacrament of marriage occurs within Mass. On the other hand, the Catholic wedding ceremony may also last for only about half an hour if it takes place without Mass.
How long does a Catholic wedding last without Mass?
Some couples have a shorter Catholic wedding because there is no Liturgy of the Eucharist, and the wedding takes place without a Mass. However, it is still a valid Catholic wedding, and it’s an option for a Catholic to marry a baptized non-Catholic Christian.
A priest or a deacon can use the Order of Celebrating Matrimony without Mass, and the couple will need permission from the bishop if they wish to hold their wedding at a non-Catholic church. Here is what you can expect at a Catholic wedding without Mass if you prefer the shorter ceremony:
- Introductory Rites
- Liturgy of the Word
- Celebration of the Matrimony
- And if the Holy Communion is not to be distributed, the ceremony continues into The Lord’s Prayer, Blessing and Placing of the Lasso, Nuptial Blessing, Blessing of the newlyweds and the congregation, Dismissal, and Recessional
What Are The Stages Of A Catholic Marriage Ceremony?
A traditional Catholic wedding ceremony will last for an hour or longer, especially since it occurs within Mass. This is preferred when two Catholics marry, and a priest will be their main celebrant.
Sometimes, other deacons or priests are also present and assist at the mass or preach the homily. So what happens at a Catholic ceremony with Mass?
A wedding Mass is similar to any other mass, but the ritual for marriage is added. It has two key moments: the Consent exchanged by the couple and the Nuptial Blessing given to them as newlyweds.
- Introductory Rites: the priest welcomes the bride and groom and procession into the church, the priest greets the couple and the congregation, Gloria, and Opening prayer
- Liturgy of the Word: Old Testament Scripture Reading, Responsorial Psalm, New Testament Scripture Reading, Gospel Acclamation, Gospel, and Homily
- Celebration of the Matrimony: priest address to the couple, questions before the Consent, Consent, Reception of the Consent, Blessing and Giving of Rings, optional hymn, Universal Prayer, and Creed
- Liturgy of the Eucharist: preparation of the Gifts, Eucharistic Prayer, Lord’s prayer, placing of the Lazo, Nuptial Blessing, Sign of Peace, Holy Communion
- Conclusion: solemn Blessing, dismissal, recessional
- Signing the marriage record
What Can I Expect At A Catholic Wedding Mass?
The main celebrant will be a priest or bishop, and if other priests are present, they may assist at the Mass or preach the homily. Then, the wedding Mass will have the Consent and Nuptial Blessing.
Consent
The bride and groom will be the ministers of the sacrament to each other and the celebrant will receive their consent in the name of the Church. The Consent is what makes the marriage, and it’s crucial in a Catholic wedding.
Nuptial Blessing
The Nuptial Blessing refers to the invocation of the Holy Spirit. It seals the newlyweds’ covenant and serves as the couple’s source of love and strength for fidelity.
Order of Celebrating Matrimony
Before the vow exchange, the Catholic couple will undergo the Questions before the Consent according to the law of Christ and his Church. Then, after the vow exchange, the newlyweds will be blessed and given their rings as a sign of their covenant with God and with each other.
How Much Is A Catholic Wedding?
Getting married in the Catholic church costs nothing, but it’s customary for the couple to give donations and stipends. You can donate to the church with an amount that might be suggested, especially in older churches that depend on donations to support the structures.
Additionally, altar servers should be given a small offering, especially at weddings with Mass. The church marriage policy might also include fees for the instrumentalists and musicians in the ceremony.
And while the priest’s services are free, it’s always appreciated to offer a stipend since the celebrant devoted time and effort to the wedding. If you’re curious about how much do you pay a priest for a wedding, read our thorough research about it.
How Long Is A Normal Wedding Ceremony?
A typical wedding ceremony will last for half an hour. However, modern ceremonies where the couple has complete control over the elements can also mean that the duration can last longer or shorter.
You can read about how long does a wedding ceremony lasts to have an idea of what to expect in a ceremony for marriage. It’s important to know what makes a wedding ceremony legal, especially when you’re customizing it.
Conclusion
And that’s it! To answer how long is a Catholic wedding, it can last for an hour as a traditional one includes a Mass.
However, a Catholic wedding can also occur without Mass, which means the ceremony will also be shorter. Please familiarize yourself with the elements of a Catholic wedding to help you understand it better.