Marriage

Marriage is one of the most beautiful and demanding vocations of Christian life. It is not simply a social contract or a private arrangement between two people but a sacred covenant, a lifelong partnership of love and fidelity, blessed and strengthened by God. In marriage, a man and a woman freely give themselves to one another, promising to love, honour, and cherish each other for all the days of their lives. Through this union, they become a living sign of Christ’s faithful love for His Church.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “the matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptised persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament” (CCC 1601).

In this sacrament, the couple themselves are the ministers. They confer the sacrament upon each other by their exchange of vows before God and the Church, represented by the priest or deacon. The priest receives their consent in the name of the Church and blesses their union, praying that their love may reflect the love of Christ himself: steadfast, forgiving, and enduring.

Marriage is not an isolated choice but a calling, a vocation that involves the whole of life. It is a way of following Christ, of learning how to give and receive love daily, even when it costs. Married life calls for patience, faithfulness, humility, and joy. It draws the couple into a journey of mutual sanctification, where ordinary acts of care, forgiveness, and sacrifice become the building blocks of holiness.

In the Dioceses of Clonfert, and of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora, marriage is seen as a vital part of parish life and pastoral ministry. The Church rejoices in couples preparing for marriage and seeks to support them, not only on their wedding day but throughout their life together.

Couples who wish to marry in the Church are invited to begin their preparation well in advance, ideally at least six months before the wedding date. This allows time for thoughtful preparation, both spiritual and practical. Couples will meet with their parish priest, who will guide them through the necessary steps, including documentation, understanding the meaning of the sacrament, and arranging participation in a pre-marriage course.

In these dioceses, the ACCORD Catholic Marriage Care Service is the only recognised provider of pre-marriage preparation courses. These courses offer couples the chance to reflect deeply on their relationship, to explore communication, faith, family life, and the challenges and joys that come with commitment. They are led by trained facilitators who combine practical experience with insight into the Church’s vision for marriage.

Information on course availability can be found at www.accord.ie. Early booking is strongly encouraged, as courses often fill quickly. Couples should also ensure that their baptismal and confirmation certificates are up to date (issued within six months of the wedding), and they will need to complete the Church’s pre-nuptial enquiry form with their priest.

A Catholic marriage usually takes place within a Nuptial Mass, though in some circumstances it may be celebrated within a Liturgy of the Word. The rite itself is deeply symbolic and profoundly simple. It includes the exchange of vows, the giving of rings, and a blessing over the couple. The readings, prayers, and music are chosen carefully to reflect both the faith of the Church and the personal story of the couple.

The priest or deacon who witnesses the marriage will work closely with the couple to help them prepare the liturgy, ensuring that it is prayerful, dignified, and personal. In every celebration of marriage, the Church rejoices in the mystery of love that mirrors God’s own faithfulness, a love that endures through every season of life.

A wedding in the Church is a sacred act of worship. It is a celebration of the love between two people, but it is also a moment of grace when God blesses that love and makes it a sign of His presence. With so many details to plan, it can be easy to overlook that the liturgy itself already carries its own beauty and dignity. The most prayerful ceremonies are often the simplest ones, where the symbols, readings, and quiet moments are allowed to speak for themselves. The goal is not to make the ceremony impressive, but to let it feel real, prayerful, and reverent.

Music

Music has an important role in creating a sense of reverence and joy. Choose music that suits the setting and reflects the faith you are celebrating. Hymns such as Be Thou My Vision or Love Divine, All Loves Excelling are often chosen for their simplicity and timelessness. Instrumental pieces, like those played on harp, violin, or organ, can give a gentle and reflective tone. It is best to speak with the parish organist or priest early on, as they can guide you on what works well within the liturgy. Popular songs that do not have a place in the Church’s worship are better kept for the reception.

Booklets

Many couples prepare a wedding booklet to help guests follow the ceremony. It does not need to be elaborate. A simple folded sheet with the order of the Mass, the readings, the names of the wedding party, and perhaps a prayer or reflection is quite sufficient. What matters most is that it helps everyone to participate and to understand that this is a moment of prayer, not a performance.

Flowers and Decorations

Flowers bring warmth and beauty to the church, but experience has shown that less is often more. A few well-placed arrangements at the altar and perhaps near the lectern or the front pews are usually enough. The Church building itself carries great beauty; too many decorations can distract from the simplicity of the sacrament. Always speak with the parish before arranging flowers, as there may already be seasonal displays or local guidelines to consider.

Photography

Photographs are important, but the liturgy should not feel like a stage. Couples are encouraged to speak with their photographer beforehand and agree on a quiet, respectful approach. Most priests will allow photographs during the entrance, exchange of vows, and signing of the register, provided it is done discreetly and without flash. The aim is to preserve the atmosphere of prayer and avoid unnecessary movement around the sanctuary.