If you or your partner are Catholic and planning to get married in Australia, you might be considering a Catholic wedding ceremony. Steeped in tradition and sacred rituals, Catholic weddings follow a structured format that has been cherished for generations. More than just a celebration, they are a profound commitment—not only to each other but also to God.
But what exactly happens during a Catholic wedding, and is it the right choice for you?
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Catholic weddings in Australia, from the ceremony structure to legal requirements and costs. Whether you’re drawn to the beauty and significance of a church wedding or simply want to understand what’s involved, we’ve got you covered.
For more insights into different wedding ceremonies, check out our Ultimate Wedding Ceremony Guide.
What is a Catholic wedding ceremony?
A Catholic wedding ceremony is a wedding ceremony that takes place in a church and follows a set structure. It may or may not include a nuptial mass, which is similar to a regular mass, only it takes place alongside the wedding. If you don’t want a nuptial mass at your ceremony, speak to the priest about this and discuss your hopes and expectations with them.
The ceremony will of course focus on your love and marriage, but there’ll also be a strong link to Christianity. That means there’ll be many references to God and Jesus, which may be in the words spoken by the officiant, and in the readings, hymns, blessings and prayers.
How soon can you have a Catholic wedding ceremony?
The Catholic Church asks that you give at least six months’ notice if you intend to get married in a Roman Catholic wedding ceremony.
What happens before a Catholic wedding ceremony?
Many of the same traditions take place before a Catholic wedding in Australia as they do with other types of ceremonies — such as buck’s and hen’s parties or the tradition of the couple not seeing each other before the wedding. However, one key difference with Catholic weddings is the requirement for a marriage preparation program designed to help couples build a strong foundation for their future together.
This preparation, often referred to as Pre-Cana or a Catholic marriage course, is a mandatory program that typically runs for several months. That’s why couples must give at least six months’ notice if they plan to marry in a Catholic church.
During this course, couples explore essential aspects of married life, including their relationship with God and the Church, shared values, financial management, responsibilities, parenting, intimacy, and more. Many dioceses across Australia offer both in-person and online options, so it’s best to check with your parish priest to find a program that meets your needs and church requirements.
How popular are Catholic wedding ceremonies?
In Australia, the landscape of wedding ceremonies has undergone significant changes over recent decades. In 2018, civil celebrants officiated approximately 79.7% of marriages, reflecting a notable shift towards secular ceremonies. This trend is indicative of a broader societal move towards secularisation and evolving attitudes toward marriage in Australia.
Additionally, the median age at first marriage has been steadily increasing; in 2023, it was 31.4 years for men and 30.1 years for women. These statistics highlight changing perspectives on marriage and commitment within Australian society.
What type of couples usually choose a Catholic wedding ceremony?
As you might expect, only Catholics get married in a Catholic wedding ceremony. However, both halves of the couple don’t need to be Catholic – to have a Catholic wedding ceremony, just one needs to be a member of the church. If you’re part of a mixed-faith relationship, it’s your choice whether you have a Catholic ceremony or you opt for something else.
Whether or not you choose to have a Catholic ceremony depends on your beliefs, preferences and budget.
Are Catholic weddings expensive?
The average cost of a church wedding in Australia is between $500 and $1,500. However, this figure is the average cost of weddings that take place in any type of Christian church.
In Australia, while the Sacrament of Marriage itself is considered a sacred gift from God and does not have a set fee, individual Catholic parishes typically request donations or have specific fees to support the maintenance of the church and its services. These contributions can vary significantly depending on the parish and its location.
It’s important to note that these fees often encompass various services, including meetings with the priest, rehearsal time, and administrative costs. Additional expenses may include musician fees, marriage preparation courses, and marriage licenses. For instance, some parishes may charge for the marriage preparation course and certificate, and there may be fees associated with obtaining a marriage license.
Given the variability in fees and requirements across different parishes, it’s advisable to contact the specific church where you intend to marry. This will provide clarity on the expected contributions and any additional costs associated with your wedding ceremony.
It’s also worth noting that there’s also an additional fee for any ‘extras’ you might like to have included at your ceremony. These, and their approximate costs, include:
- Organist – around $100–$300
- Bell ringing – around $50–$150
- Verger – around $50–$100
- Extra heating – around $75–$200
You’ll also need to factor in the cost of external vendors you might choose to hire, such as florists, decor, a photographer and videographer. In Australia, a Catholic priest or deacon typically serves as the authorised marriage celebrant, fulfilling both religious and legal roles during the wedding ceremony. Therefore, hiring an additional registrar is generally unnecessary. However, it’s essential to confirm this arrangement with your chosen church, as procedures can vary. Additionally, you are required to have two witnesses, each at least 18 years old, present at the ceremony to sign the marriage register.
If you plan on celebrating after the ceremony with a wedding breakfast and reception, this will of course come at a cost, as you can’t host this at the church.
Who officiates a Catholic wedding ceremony?
A Catholic wedding is usually officiated by a priest, or in some cases a deacon.
Is a Catholic wedding ceremony legally binding?
In Australia, a Catholic wedding ceremony is legally binding without the need for a separate civil ceremony, provided that certain legal requirements are met. Catholic priests and deacons are authorised to officiate marriages recognised by both the Church and the state.
To ensure the legality of the marriage, couples must complete and submit a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) form to their chosen celebrant at least one month, and up to 18 months, before the wedding date. Additionally, both parties are required to provide valid identification, such as birth certificates or passports, and, if applicable, proof of the termination of any prior marriages.
After the ceremony, the officiating priest or deacon is responsible for registering the marriage with the appropriate state or territory registry. It’s important to note that specific procedures can vary by state or territory; therefore, consulting with your local parish and reviewing regional marriage laws is advisable to ensure all legal obligations are fulfilled. By adhering to these guidelines, a Catholic wedding ceremony in Australia serves as both a sacred religious rite and a legally recognised union.
Where are Catholic wedding ceremonies held?
Catholic weddings are always held at a Catholic church. If you’re looking for greater flexibility and would like to get married elsewhere, you’ll have to consider having a different type of wedding ceremony.
How long are Catholic wedding ceremonies?
When you speak to your priest about your wedding, you should be given a choice about whether or not you’d like to include a mass at the same time as your ceremony. If you include a communion and mass, your wedding ceremony will take around an hour. If you don’t have a mass, your ceremony will take between 30 and 45 minutes.
Catholic weddings often last longer than traditional weddings due to the references to God and religion, with the addition of hymns, readings, blessings and prayers.
When does a Catholic wedding ceremony take place?
Catholic wedding ceremonies usually take place sometime after lunch, often between 1pm and 3pm. This is because there is often mass in the late afternoon or early evening.
Read our post on the best wedding day timeline for more information about what happens on a wedding day and when.
What words are exchanged at a Catholic wedding ceremony?
Many Roman Catholic wedding ceremonies follow a set structure, so the words spoken will often be reminiscent of other Catholic ceremonies you may have been to. Most of the words are spoken by the officiant, but you and your partner will also speak to exchange vows and consent to the marriage. These include
1. The address and statement of intention
The priest will ask whether you’ve come together to enter into marriage freely and without coercion, to which you’ll both respond by saying, ‘I have’.
The priest will then ask whether you’re both prepared to follow the path of marriage, to love and honour each other for as long as you both shall live. You’ll then respond by saying, ‘I am.’
2. Exchange of consent
The priest will then ask you to repeat the exchange of consent, which is as follows:
“I, [YOUR FULL NAME], take you, [YOUR PARTNER’S FULL NAME], to be my [WIFE/HUSBAND/PARTNER]. I promise to be faithful to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love you and to honour you all the days of my life.”
3. Exchanging of the rings
As you exchange rings, you’ll also say the following words:
“[YOUR PARTNER’S FULL NAME], receive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
Unfortunately, because Catholic ceremonies follow a program template, it’s unlikely that the priest will allow you to write or speak personal vows. If you would like a much greater amount of personalisation at your wedding, you may have to plan a different type of ceremony.
What traditions are there at a Catholic wedding ceremony?
Because Catholic wedding ceremonies stick to a relatively strict structure, there are plenty of traditions that take place. Which traditions you choose to include in your own ceremony depends on your preferences and the flexibility of that structure. If there are any traditions you want to change, you can speak to the priest ahead of the ceremony. Some of the most popular Catholic wedding ceremony traditions include:
- The processional, which is a staple at many different ceremonies. However, unlike traditional ceremonies, the groom enters first but from the side, not down the aisle.
- The opening greeting and hymn, where the priest issues a greeting and invites your guests to sing a hymn, which is often Gloria.
- Nuptial mass, which many couples choose to include.
- Recitation of the Lord’s Prayer, shared as a unifying, sacred expression.
- Holy Communion, which symbolises the spiritual unity of the couple and their journey together.
What do you wear at a Catholic wedding?
Catholic wedding ceremonies are semi-formal, so you don’t have to wear a tuxedo or dig out a hat. But, grooms will probably want to wear a suit, and brides a dress that’s relatively modest. The Church is becoming more open to sleeveless shirts and dresses, but aren’t quite as happy about plunging necklines or deep backs. Traditionally, the bride wears a veil, but this is also something the modern Church is more relaxed about.
What is the order at a Catholic wedding ceremony?
As we’ve already highlighted, Catholic weddings usually follow a set structure that will happen in a certain order. However, there will be a slight variation to this if you haven’t chosen to include a nuptial mass to take place alongside your wedding ceremony. Below is an example of what your Catholic wedding mass program might look like:
1. The processional
The processional begins with the priest entering from the side, followed by the groom and his best man. They stand at the altar, as the rest of the wedding party enter and walk down the aisle towards the altar in the following order:
- Bridesmaids
- Groomsmen
- Maid of honour
- Ring bearer or page boy
- Flower girl
- The bride and her father
2. The entrance rites
Once everyone has taken their seats, the priest begins by welcoming everyone to the ceremony and invites everyone to sing a hymn, usually Gloria, before reading a prayer. Because at least half of the couple has to be Catholic, it’s assumed that at least half of the guests will also be Catholic and therefore take part.
3. The readings
You can invite some of your guests to read Bible verses, which will usually include one from the New Testament and one from the Old Testament. The theme of the readings will be love, marriage or commitment. Your guests will repeat the Responsorial Psalm. There are seven to choose from, which you and your partner should consider during the lead-up to the ceremony.
4. The gospel
The priest will ask your guests to stand and they’ll read a passage from Matthew, Mark, Luke or John which will centre around love or marriage. Popular passages include Matthew 5:13-16, Mark 10: 6-9 and John 2:1-11.
5. The homily
The priest will perform a sermon, also known as the homily. This explains the meaning behind the gospel and how it applies to your marriage.
6. The vows
You will now be asked to say your vows, which are known as the rite of marriage. You can choose to recite them or read them, or the priest may read the vows so you can say I do. These are sacred and special words, which means you can’t write your own vows to use in a Catholic ceremony.
7. The ring ceremony
The priest will ask the best man for the rings, which they’ll first bless with holy water and by saying a prayer. You’ll then be asked to say a few more words as you place the ring on your partner’s finger.
8. The offertory
Some of your guests will now offer gifts, which they’ll do by bringing them to the altar. You’ll ask your guests to do this ahead of the ceremony, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise. For your other guests, a collection plate will be passed around the church so they can give a monetary donation.
At the same time, the priest will bless bread and wine, which is known as the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
9. The Lord’s Prayer
The congregation will recite The Lord’s Prayer in unison.
10. The sign of peace
The priest will ask everyone in attendance to greet each other with a warm welcome and handshake. This is a gesture of neighborly love.
11. Holy Communion
Your guests will line up at the altar for the priest to offer them bread and wine, something that symbolises the body and blood of Jesus Christ.
12. The first kiss
The priest will invite the two of you to share your first kiss as a married couple. If the bride chooses to wear a veil, this is when the groom will lift it to see his wife’s face.
13. The nuptial blessing
The priest will say a final prayer which will end with the words, go in peace. Your guests will respond by saying, thanks be to God.
14. The recessional
The wedding party will leave the church in the opposite order to how they entered. Outside, you’ll take part in a photoshoot, including the wedding staple, the confetti shot.
For more information on the different orders at various ceremonies, read our guide to wedding ceremony orders.
How do you book a Catholic wedding ceremony?
Once you’re engaged and have decided you’d like to have a Catholic wedding ceremony, the first thing to do is speak to the priest at your local Catholic church. The priest will then explain everything that needs to be done ahead of the wedding, such as the preparation program and paperwork. They should also be able to suggest a number of dates so you can begin planning the rest of your wedding.
Who plans a Catholic wedding ceremony?
You can plan a Catholic wedding ceremony with the help of your priest. They should be able to advise you about what you want to include at the ceremony, including hymns, readings and any extras, such as an organist or bell ringer.
What comes after a Catholic wedding ceremony?
While Catholic wedding ceremonies in Australia follow a structured format with limited personalisation, the reception is where you can truly bring your own style and creativity to the day.
Many couples opt for a formal sit-down dinner with multiple courses, heartfelt speeches, and flowing drinks, followed by an evening of music, dancing, and late-night snacks. Others prefer a more laid-back approach, such as a relaxed garden party, a beachfront celebration, or a rustic country-style gathering. Whether you choose an elegant reception venue, a cosy winery, or a festival-style outdoor event, your reception is the perfect chance to make your wedding uniquely yours while staying within your budget and vision.
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Browse other similar articles…
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Happy Planning!
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