How many readings are there at a Wedding?
There are two forms of Marriage service - the first is the Marriage service itself, and the second is the Marriage service joined with a celebration of the Mass. In both forms the Liturgy of the Word is the same, and so are the ‘rules’ governing it.
There will always be a Gospel reading.
There will always be ONE other reading from scripture, but there may be two.
If there is ONE other reading, then this may be taken from with the selection of First Readings or the selection of Second Readings.
If there are to be TWO other readings, one should be taken from the selection of First Readings and the other from the selection of Second Readings.
There will also be a psalm and an Acclamation before the Gospel. The psalm and the Acclamation before the Gospel are intended to be sung.
The Gospel reading is read by a priest. This may be the priest who is presiding at the wedding service. It may also be another Catholic priest who has been invited to assist at your wedding.
Other reading(s) may be read by family members or friends. Please be sure to choose a reader who is able to read clearly and audibly, so that your guests will be able to hear the reading you have chosen. If they are not regular ministers of the word in their own parish then it would be important for them to try to attend the wedding rehearsal so that they can practice, and become used to the microphone and ambo/lectern.
If you feel that family members or friends will not be able to read confidently and well, then please let the priest know. In such a case he will happily arrange for someone else to to read the chosen readings.
Watch this space for updates with music selections