What is a nuptial Mass?

A nuptial Mass is a Catholic wedding celebrated within the Mass. It includes both the sacrament of Matrimony and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

What happens during it. The Mass begins in the usual way with Scripture readings, a homily, and prayers. After the homily, the bride and groom state their freedom and intention to marry, exchange consent, and usually exchange and receive rings. In the Latin Church, the spouses themselves confer the sacrament upon each other by expressing their consent before the Church's authorized minister and witnesses (CCC 1623, 1626). The Mass then continues with the offertory, Eucharistic Prayer, Communion, and a solemn nuptial blessing.

Why Matrimony is celebrated with the Eucharist. Christian marriage is a covenant in which a baptized man and woman establish a lifelong partnership ordered toward their good and the procreation and education of children (CCC 1601). The Eucharist makes present Christ's self-giving sacrifice and is the source and summit of Christian life (CCC 1324, 1367). Celebrating marriage within Mass shows that the spouses' promises are rooted in Christ's faithful love for His Church (Eph 5:25-32). They receive grace to love each other faithfully, permanently, and generously (CCC 1641-1642).

When a nuptial Mass is appropriate. A wedding between two Catholics is normally celebrated within Mass, although circumstances may call for a wedding liturgy outside Mass. When one party is a baptized non-Catholic, the wedding is often celebrated outside Mass. Whether Mass is appropriate depends on Church law, the required permissions, and pastoral judgment. A marriage between a Catholic and an unbaptized person requires a dispensation for validity and is ordinarily celebrated without Mass.

Who may receive Communion. All present may participate in the prayers and respond during Mass. Reception of Holy Communion follows the Church's normal discipline. Catholics who are properly disposed may receive. Non-Catholic guests ordinarily do not receive Communion, since Eucharistic communion expresses full communion in faith, sacraments, and Church governance (CCC 1400).

Couples preparing for marriage should meet with their parish early, often six months or more before the wedding. The priest or deacon will explain preparation, permissions, music, readings, and whether a nuptial Mass is suitable.