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After the love that unites us to God, conjugal love is 'the greatest form of friendship.' It is a union possessing all the traits of a good friendship: concern for the good of the other, reciprocity, intimacy, warmth, stability and the resemblance born of a shared life.Pope Francis, The Joy of Love
A bride and groom marrying in the Catholic Church know that their wedding is about more than the perfect dress or flowers. The wedding is a sacramental expression of God’s love and a witness to the couple’s faith. These pages offer resources for Catholic weddings at St. John Chrysostom Parish.
The Rite of Marriage: 3 FormsThe Catholic Church provides three forms for celebrating the Rite of Marriage.
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When two Catholics are marrying, the celebration normally takes place within a Mass.
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The second form, which does not include a Mass, is used when a Catholic marries another baptized Christian.
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A third form, also outside Mass, is usually celebrated when a Catholic marries someone who is not baptized.
The couple chooses one of these options based on their particular circumstances in conversation with the priest or deacon who will witness the marriage vows. Note: When a deacon presides, the wedding is always celebrated outside of Mass.
The video below walks you through these options.
You may also be interested in:
Ten Tips for Keeping Your Catholic Wedding Focused on Faith
Getting Married Catholic
Planning a Catholic Wedding
The Nuptial Blessing
The Questions Before the Consent
ConvalidationOther resources are available at For Your Marriage, from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
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