Catholic Wedding Mass Script: Complete Guide
Introduction
This comprehensive Catholic wedding mass script includes all traditional elements, from the processional to the final blessing. Each section contains the exact wording, instructions, and optional variations.
Complete Mass Structure
Introductory Rites
Entrance Procession
The priest, followed by the wedding party, processes to the altar while music plays.
Greeting
"Dear friends, we have come together in the house of the Church to witness the union of [Partner 1] and [Partner 2] in holy matrimony. May God bless them with His grace as they pledge their lives to one another."
Penitential Act and Gloria
The congregation reflects on their sins, followed by the Gloria: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will."
Opening Prayer
"Let us pray. Heavenly Father, You have created man and woman in Your image and called them to unite in marriage. Bless [Partner 1] and [Partner 2] as they come together in Your presence. Amen."
Liturgy of the Word
First Reading
A selected Old Testament passage, such as Genesis 2:18-24.
Responsorial Psalm
"The Lord is kind and merciful. Blessed is the man who walks in the way of the Lord."
Second Reading
A New Testament passage, such as 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.
Gospel Reading
The priest reads a Gospel passage, such as Matthew 19:4-6: "'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.'"
Homily
The priest reflects on the scripture readings and the meaning of marriage.
Celebration of Matrimony
Statement of Intentions
The priest addresses the couple: "[Partner 1] and [Partner 2], have you come here freely and without reservation to give yourselves to each other in marriage?"
Response: "Yes, we have."
Exchange of Vows
The couple repeats after the priest: "I, [Partner 1], take you, [Partner 2], to be my wedded [wife/husband]. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love and honor you all the days of my life."
Blessing and Exchange of Rings
The priest blesses the rings: "Bless these rings, O Lord, as a sign of the vows by which this man and woman bind themselves to each other in love and fidelity."
[Partner 1]: "With this ring, I thee wed." [Partner 2]: "With this ring, I thee wed."
Nuptial Blessing
The priest prays for the couple: "May the Lord bless this marriage and make it fruitful. May He strengthen their love and fill their hearts with joy. Amen."
Liturgy of the Eucharist (Optional)
- Presentation of the gifts
- Consecration of the bread and wine
- Communion
Concluding Rites
Final Blessing
"May Almighty God bless you and keep you in His grace. May He make His face shine upon you and give you peace. Amen."
Dismissal
"Go in peace to love and serve the Lord."
Recessional
The couple exits the church, followed by the wedding party.