Weddings & Funerals
Your first Catholic wedding or funeral? Here's what to expect — and how to take part with confidence.
Catholic weddings and funerals are beautiful, prayerful liturgies. If you've never been to one, the structure may feel unfamiliar — but you don't need to know every detail to participate well.
Both are built on the Mass, so if you've been to Mass (or read our guide to your first Mass), much of it will be familiar. The special parts are woven in around the familiar prayers.
A Catholic Wedding
The celebration of Matrimony — two becoming one in Christ.
The Procession
The wedding party enters the church. The priest or deacon greets the assembly at the door. In a Nuptial Mass, the entrance hymn begins the liturgy.
The Introductory Rites
If it's a Nuptial Mass, the priest leads the Sign of the Cross, a greeting, the Penitential Act, and the Opening Prayer. If it's a wedding outside Mass, the liturgy begins directly with the greeting and opening prayer.
The Liturgy of the Word
Scripture readings — typically an Old Testament reading, a Psalm, a New Testament reading, and a Gospel. A homily follows, reflecting on marriage as a sacrament.
The Rite of Marriage
The couple stands before the priest. They declare their freedom to marry. They exchange consent — their vows. The priest receives and blesses the consent. This is the heart of the sacrament.
The Blessing and Exchange of Rings
The rings are blessed and exchanged as a sign of the couple's permanent, faithful love.
The Nuptial Blessing
After the Lord's Prayer, the priest invokes God's blessing upon the couple — a beautiful, ancient prayer asking for God's grace in their marriage.
The Conclusion
The final blessing is given, and the couple is sent forth. A receiving line or reception follows.
A Catholic Funeral
A liturgy of hope — entrusting the departed to God's mercy.
The Vigil (Wake)
Often held the evening before the funeral. Family and friends gather to pray, share memories, and support one another. The priest or deacon may lead prayers, or it may be a time of visitation.
The Funeral Mass
The central liturgy. It begins with the reception of the body at the church door. The priest sprinkles the casket with holy water and drapes it with the white pall — a reminder of Baptism. The Mass follows its usual structure: Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and the Rite of Commendation.
The Word of God
Scripture readings proclaim the hope of resurrection. The homily reflects on the person's life and Christ's promise of eternal life — not a eulogy, but a message of hope.
The Eucharist
The funeral Mass is above all a prayer for the deceased, offered within the sacrifice of the Mass. The community prays that the departed may be welcomed into God's kingdom.
The Final Commendation
After Communion, the priest prays the Final Commendation — entrusting the deceased to God's mercy. The casket is incensed as a sign of respect and prayer. The body is then taken to the cemetery.
The Committal (Burial)
At the graveside, the priest leads prayers of committal — committing the body to the earth, with the sign of faith in the resurrection. 'May the angels lead you into paradise.' The mourners are then sent forth in hope.
Practical Tips
What should I wear?
Modest, respectful attire. For a wedding, dress as you would for any formal celebration. For a funeral, darker, more subdued clothing is traditional. Neither requires anything elaborate — respect is what matters.
Can I receive Communion?
Catholics in a state of grace may receive Communion. Non-Catholics are welcome to come forward for a blessing (cross your arms over your chest) or to remain in their pew. Either is perfectly acceptable.
When do I sit, stand, and kneel?
Follow the assembly. Generally: stand for processions and the Gospel, sit for the other readings and the homily, and kneel during the Eucharistic Prayer. If you're unsure, just follow along.
Can I take photos?
For weddings, check with the couple — most allow photos but may have guidelines. For funerals, photos are generally not taken during the liturgy itself; be discreet and respectful.
Attending Your First Mass?
Weddings and funerals are built on the Mass. If you'd like to understand the structure first, our guide walks you through it step by step.
Your First Mass →Thinking About Becoming Catholic?
You don't have to have it all figured out before you begin.