Are you a bride getting married in the Catholic church? Or a photographer shooting a catholic wedding, who’s maybe a little unfamiliar with the Mass? This post is for you.

I’m Ruthie, a Catholic wedding photographer, and I’m providing a Catholic Mass shot list.

The Catholic wedding Mass is a lot more complicated than many wedding ceremonies. Brides, you’ll want to make sure your photographer captures all of these moments- so this may be a handy post to send them. Another thing I highly recommend is hiring a Catholic wedding photographer, so they know the Mass and its significance well.

I always recommend checking with the priest about rules concerning photographers beforehand. Each parish has its own set of guidelines to ensure keeping the mass sacred and preventing the photographer from being a distraction. This is a holy event, so its important to be reverent!

1. The Processional: This is where some family, bridal party, and the bride and groom walk down. They will most likely be walking down the main aisle. Sometimes the groom, or the groomsmen will enter from a side door with the priest.

1. Liturgy of the Word: This includes two readings, a gospel reading, and the homily. These are all going to be read by people hand picked by the bride and groom, so these photos are very important. The gospel and the homily are by the priest, and the homily is the priest’s words to the couple. 

1. The Vows and marriage: This is where the couple shares their vows and exchanges rings.

1. The Eucharist: There are many shots that are SO important for this part of the mass. The presentation of the gifts is often done by family members, then there are the shots of the couple kneeling, especially when the priest is holding up the Eucharist. This is a must have shot. Another must have shot is the couple receiving the Eucharist.

1. The Conclusion: After receiving the Eucharist, the church will stay kneeling for some time, and often, this is where the couple may add in bringing flowers to the virgin Mary. If this happens, make sure to follow them to the Mary statue. After this happens, the priest will announce the bride and groom as married, and they will share their first kiss. Then the bride and groom, bridal party, and family will process out.

These shots are so important to capture the beauty of the sacrament of marriage! Prepare for this ceremony so you can best serve your couple!