Wedding celebration, a ceremony that reflects your image!
Does religion hold an important place in your life and in your heart? Say “I do” before God and enjoy a Catholic ceremony. By getting married in a church, you are perpetuating one of the oldest traditions. The wedding mass will undoubtedly be one of the most important moments of your romance. To prepare for this day, which is fast approaching, you must immerse yourself in the codes and traditions of this religion that is so dear to you. Here’s everything you need to know to celebrate a Catholic wedding!
WHAT IS CATHOLIC WEDDING?
Catholic wedding is one of the seven sacraments of Christian life. In the Catholic faith, it is the covenant between a man and a woman united by the same love. This covenant is symbolized by the two rings. Thus, the bride and groom exchange their consent to become one and mutually promise to love and respect each other in every situation of life. A church wedding, founded on faith and love, is a commitment made before God according to four pillars: freedom of consent, fidelity of commitment (a source of mutual trust), indissolubility of the bond, and fruitfulness of love. The architectural beauty of a church makes Catholic weddings very solemn. To further immerse yourself in this atmosphere, decorate the premises, especially the pews, with flowers, for example. Be careful! You must first ask the priest for permission, as some parishes refuse. The conditions for a Catholic union are very diverse. There are human and religious conditions.
WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS OF A CATHOLIC WEDDING?
First and foremost, if you wish to get married in church, you must be Catholic and baptized. Otherwise, a dispensation or authorization for disparity of worship can be requested by your priest from the bishop of your diocese. Thus, a non-Christian can marry a baptized person, provided that they respect the faith of their spouse and the fundamentals of the Church. However, if no one is baptized, it is not possible to get married in church. In principle, the sacrament of confirmation is mandatory for a religious wedding. This is therefore an opportunity for unconfirmed people to receive their confirmation. By getting married in church, you commit to raising your children in the Christian faith. Finally, you must first be married at the town hall before uniting before God. If you are divorced, you will not be able to remarry in church, because the sacred bond of wedding cannot be broken. If you are widowed, Catholic remarriage will be possible.
WHY GET MARRIED IN CHURCH?
For a long time, many couples, both practicing and non-practicing, have wanted to get married in a church for various reasons. For some, getting married in a church is a way to perpetuate tradition and thus accommodate the family by bringing everyone together. For others, the church is considered the place for a "true" wedding. Thus, they wish to give a sacred value, as well as a spiritual dimension, to their love. A religious wedding is also an opportunity for you to open yourself to God and receive His strength during your union. Thus, you will surely realize the true meaning of this moment: love is a gift received through the sacrament of wedding. Through religious union, the Church is witness to your promise of commitment. Please note! A religious wedding is only valid in a church. An outdoor celebration is not possible.
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR WEDDING FILE?
Before preparing your wedding application, you will meet several times with a priest or deacon who will help and support you throughout the process. They are responsible for your procedures and are committed to your support. You must provide your parish priest with the following documents:
- a birth certificate issued by the town hall of your place of birth
- a baptismal certificate requested by the priest, stating the date and place
- a written declaration of intent (personal letter) from you and your spouse, stating the reasons for your union
- a list of four witnesses to the wedding : two per spouse
And don't forget your civil wedding certificate!
HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR RELIGIOUS WEDDING IN CHURCH?
Start by scheduling an appointment with your priest eight to ten months before the big day. During this initial meeting, you will participate in a wedding preparation session where you will discuss the commitment and requirements of living together. You will also choose the type of ceremony you want: nuptial blessing or mass, as well as details such as the date and location. Note that it is not possible to get married on a Sunday or a holy day, as these are sacred days. Bring your baptismal certificates and a birth certificate to this initial meeting. The priest who will be attending your ceremony is not necessarily the one who will marry you. You will then participate in a premarital investigation. Finally, find out about several necessary elements such as the rules concerning decorations and taking photos, as well as the costs related to your wedding ceremony.
HOW DOES A CATHOLIC WEDDING TAKE PLACE?
The first step—and arguably the most anticipated of a Catholic wedding—is your entrance into the church. You can choose your own music for your entrance, provided it is liturgical. The music must be approved by the priest. You can also arrange for musical accompaniment for key moments of the ceremony, using instruments such as a choir, organ, violin, or soprano. This first step is followed by readings from the Bible (chosen in advance), the psalm, and the Gospel, read by the priest. Then come the most moving moments: the exchange of the spouses' vows and the wedding rings. The priest then performs the nuptial blessing. Guests may, if they wish, contribute to the good upkeep of the church with donations. You can write the prayer of the universal and have one of your loved ones read it. This prayer will be accompanied by the "Our Father" and communion. At the end of the ceremony, the registers are signed by the couple's witnesses. The exit of the bride and groom formalizes the beginning of a new life together under divine protection.
Would you like to seal your union with a Catholic church wedding in Italy or Corsica? Noces Italiennes will guide you from start to finish to create the wedding of your dreams, while respecting your faith. Don’t hesitate to contact us for a free, personalized quote!
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Catholic wedding in Corsica
Catholic wedding in Italy
