With or without Mass?
A wedding may be celebrated within a Mass (with the Eucharist and Communion, about 1 hr 15) or without Mass: the Liturgy of the Word, the exchange of consent and the nuptial blessing, without Communion (about 45 min). This choice is made with the celebrant, often depending on whether the congregation is mostly practising or not. The outline below describes the version with Mass; the moments proper to the Eucharist (offertory, Sanctus, Communion) simply drop out in the shorter version.
How a wedding Mass unfolds, moment by moment
A wedding Mass involves around fifteen moments. Not all of them are necessarily sung, the celebrant and the choir director decide, but having the overall view makes it possible to build a coherent celebration.
1. Procession of the couple
The couple's entrance into the church. Most often instrumental (organ or ensemble), broad and joyful. This is their moment: they are left to walk up the aisle, carried by the music.
2. Entrance of the liturgical procession
If the couple are already seated, the entrance corresponds to the procession of the celebrant and the servers. It is the congregation's first hymn, which gathers and sets the solemnity.
3. Kyrie (optional)
Depending on the celebrant, the penitential rite may simply be spoken or else sung. Its presence is not systematic for a wedding, to be confirmed with the priest.
4. Gloria
A hymn of resounding praise. Indispensable at a wedding (outside Lent), it sets the festive tone.
5. Responsorial psalm
The pivot of the Liturgy of the Word. A soloist sings the verses, the congregation takes up the refrain. Never to be replaced by an “extra” hymn.
6. Gospel acclamation, Alleluia
Short but joyful. The whole congregation stands. If the choir is small, it is a good occasion for a very simple a cappella polyphony.
7. Invocation of the Holy Spirit
Just before the exchange of consent, the invocation of the Spirit establishes the sacramental character of the marriage. The Gregorian Veni Creator Spiritus is the most traditional: accessible even to a modest schola.
8. Exchange of consent and blessing of the rings
The heart of the sacrament. It is lived in silence and in word, with no music during the exchange itself, the music resumes to give thanks, just afterwards.
9. Thanksgiving after the consent
Once the sacrament is exchanged, thanks is given. This is the great moment when the music may overflow without excess: a Te Deum, a Magnificat, or a thanksgiving hymn from the community.
10. Offertory
During the procession of the gifts, a meditative piece that lets things breathe. Ideal for an a cappella motet or an inward hymn carried by the choir.
11. Sanctus
The congregation's acclamation at the Eucharistic Prayer. Brief and carried by all, avoid “concert” Sanctus settings.
12. Agnus Dei
The acclamation at the breaking of the bread, just before Communion. Simple, recollected.
13. Communion
The longest moment. Plan a hymn with several verses or two consecutive pieces. Inward, where congregation and choir pray together.
14. Hymn to the Virgin
A strong tradition of French weddings: the couple lay flowers before Mary, accompanied by an Ave Maria or a Marian hymn. A moment of particular intensity.
15. Sending forth and signing of the registers
The signing of the registers extends the ceremony, a good chance for a final broad, luminous hymn. On the way out, a brilliant organ piece (Widor's Toccata, a Wedding March) accompanies the procession.
Three pointers to get organised
- Distinguish what belongs to the liturgy (psalm, acclamation) from what is ornamental.
- Avoid secular music during the rites themselves; keep it for the entrance or the exit if the venue allows.
- Meet the organist or choir director early: fine pieces take preparation.
To set this outline within the wider framework of the liturgy, see also the guide Preparing a Mass.