(Even If You’re Not Sure Where to Start)
Planning a Catholic wedding comes with a unique set of traditions, expectations, and blessings. As a seasoned wedding planner who’s helped many couples navigate the beautiful complexities of a Catholic ceremony, I’m here to guide you through what you need to know—from choosing your church and décor to balancing your timeline and selecting the right readings.
Whether you’re planning a full Nuptial Mass or a simpler ceremony without the Eucharist, this post will help you feel confident and prepared.
Image by Naniu Studio
A Note from Alexa, Catholic Wedding Planner & Owner of Monarch Creative Events
As a Catholic myself—and someone who was married in the Church—I understand the deeper meaning behind these traditions. One of the most cherished moments from my own wedding Mass was honoring the Blessed Mother. My husband and I brought flowers to Mary in the middle of our ceremony and said a prayer asking her to bless our marriage and future children. It was peaceful, intentional, and incredibly sacred.
That experience is one of the reasons I love helping couples plan weddings rooted in their faith. I know how important it is to blend the sacred with the celebratory—and I’m here to guide you through every step of that journey.
💡 Most churches require couples to attend Pre-Cana or similar marriage prep programs. You can find more details from the Archdiocese of Chicago here.
Catholic Wedding Ceremony vs. Nuptial Mass: What’s the Difference?
One of the first decisions you’ll make is whether to have a Catholic wedding ceremony with or without a full Mass.
- A Nuptial Mass includes the full liturgy with the Eucharist and typically lasts 60–75 minutes.
- A Ceremony without Mass omits the Eucharist and usually runs 30–45 minutes.
💡 Want to dive deeper into Catholic wedding traditions? Check out this helpful overview from For Your Marriage.
Selecting Your Church: What to Consider
Not all Catholic churches are the same. Every parish has its own guidelines and personality. When choosing your church, be sure to:
- Inquire about pre-marital requirements like Pre-Cana or FOCCUS
- Ask about ceremony times and rehearsal scheduling
- Confirm rules for florals, musicians, and photographers
- Check whether the parish allows outside planners or coordinators
💒 A few beautiful Chicago-area churches I’ve loved working with:
- Holy Name Cathedral – grand and iconic
- St. Clement Church – soft, romantic light and ornate architecture
- Old St. Patrick’s Church – historic charm and deep tradition
- St. Mary of the Angels – grand and iconic
Image by Philip Gregory Photography
Designing the Space: Simple, Elegant, and Respectful Decor
Most churches don’t allow over-the-top decor, but that doesn’t mean your ceremony can’t be beautiful.
Altar Decor Ideas
- Two symmetrical arrangements in urns or gold vases
- Candles or lanterns near the altar steps (if permitted)
Aisle Enhancements
- Pew flowers or greenery (attached with ribbon, not tape)
- A light runner or simple greenery lining the aisle floor
Image by The Delac Collective & Lauren Elizabeth Photography
Let’s Talk Music: What’s Allowed?
Many parishes require you to use their in-house musicians or select from an approved list. But that doesn’t mean your music won’t be meaningful.
✅ Some beautiful choices include:
- “Ave Maria” for the Presentation to Mary
- “Canon in D” for the processional
- Traditional hymns like “The Servant Song” or “Be Thou My Vision”
💡 Ask your church about using a string quartet, organist, or soloist for a special touch.
Timeline Tips: How to Bridge the Gap Between Church & Reception
Catholic ceremonies are often held earlier in the day, creating a natural time gap before the reception. With smart planning, that break can become a benefit.
Sample Timeline (With 2:00 PM Ceremony & 5:30 PM Reception)
- 1:00 PM – Couple arrives for prayer/photos
- 2:00 PM – Ceremony begins
- 3:00 PM – Ceremony ends (Mass)
- 3:00–3:30 PM – Portraits at the church (you usually only have 30 mins after the ceremony to capture photos on the alter
- 3:30–5:00 PM – Portraits at reception venue or local photo location
- 5:00 PM – Couple & Wedding party fresh up up before cocktail hour
- 5:30 PM – Cocktail hour begins at reception venue
💡 Still looking for a reception venue near your parish? Grab our free Chicago Wedding Venue Guide for our favorite local picks.
Image by The Delac Collective
Choosing Readings & Involving Loved Ones
You’ll select three readings from the Church’s approved texts:
- Old Testament
- Responsorial Psalm (often sung)
- New Testament
- Gospel (read by the priest or deacon)
✅ You can invite parents, godparents, or close friends to read Scripture—just make sure they’re comfortable reading in front of others.
Popular Bible Readings:
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 – “Love is patient, love is kind…”
- Ruth 1:16-17 – “Where you go, I will go…”
- Romans 12:9-13 – “Let love be sincere…”
- Genesis 2:18-24 – The creation of Eve
✨ You can view the full list of approved wedding readings here.
Final Thoughts: Trust a Planner Who Understands Your Faith
Catholic weddings are more than just events—they’re sacred celebrations of love, family, and lifelong commitment. As a Catholic planner, I understand the meaning behind every ritual and can help you coordinate all the moving parts with reverence and ease.
Whether you’re navigating Pre-Cana, selecting meaningful decor, or managing a tricky ceremony-to-reception timeline, Monarch Creative Events is here to make it seamless.
Let’s plan a wedding that reflects your faith and your future.
💍 Ready to Plan Your Catholic Wedding With Confidence?
Whether you’re just starting Pre-Cana or already have your church booked, I’d love to help you plan a day that’s both spiritually meaningful and beautifully executed. At Monarch Creative Events, we specialize in guiding couples through Catholic traditions with grace and ease—while also handling the logistics that make the celebration seamless.
👉 Let’s connect and start planning your wedding day the faithful, stress-free way »
