A Catholic wedding ceremony might be a simple ceremony incorporating traditional Catholic elements and Scriptural readings, but the Catholic ceremony that is most frequently performed is a Nuptial Mass service. The service incorporates the wedding elements into the regular church service that Catholics commonly observe each Sabbath.
The Catholic Nuptial Mass is divided into four parts:
The Gathering and Entrance Rite This begins with a procession of the celebrant (priest), the wedding attendants, and the bride and groom. (Usually the groom enters first, through a side entrance, and awaits the bride near the approach to the altar.) The priest greets the community and invokes God's blessings upon the couple, those gathered and the event. There may be a Penitential Rite, which consists of a communal prayer for forgiveness and mercy, followed by a prayer or song called the Gloria.
The Liturgy of the Word This is a series of readings from the Bible. The first reading is from the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament; the second reading is a Psalm, in word or in song; the third reading is from the New Testament. Typically, couples select readings that comment on the nature of love, marriage, commitment and family. The readings are most commonly done by family members who have been selected by the couple for the honor. After the singing of the Alleluia prayer or Gospel Acclamation, there is a reading from one of the four Gospels. Christians who are able are expected to stand for the reading of the Gospel. This part of the service concludes with the priest giving a short homily or speech on marriage and the union of the bride and groom.
The Marriage Rite This is typically the longest portion of the ceremony. It begins with the exchanging of vows and of rings. The Mass continues with prayers for the newlyweds, for the community, and for others who may be mentioned by name. This is followed by the Eucharist or Communion service. The bread and wine (host) is blessed and the congregation joins together in praying the Lord's Prayer. Those gathered then turn to one another to exchange a sign of peace -- a handshake or a hug. The host is distributed and communion is received.
The Concluding Rite The final segment of the service includes a blessing of the community and the new couple, a dismissal, and a final recessional from the church. Guests are free to exit once the couple, the wedding party, and the priest have recessed.