Here are 14 sets of prayers of the faithful for a Catholic wedding. The first two are a short set of six intentions for any wedding and a set that remembers a parent or grandparent who has died. After them come six sets written for a wedding ceremony and six for a Nuptial Mass (a wedding celebrated within Mass). Each set prays for the couple, their families and friends, the Church and the world, people in need and the dead. Choose one set, put in the couple’s names, and show it to the priest or deacon who will celebrate the wedding. These are intercessions; they are not the marriage vows or the Nuptial Blessing.
Common response: Lord, hear our prayer. Agree the response with your parish and use it consistently after each intention.
How to use these prayers
- Choose one set. The sets are alternatives, not one long script. You may swap in an intention from another set.
- Put in the names. Replace [Names], or [Name] and [Name], with the names of the bride and groom, and N. with the name of a relative who has died.
- Ask a relative or friend to read. At a wedding the intentions are often read by someone close to the couple. Give the reader a printed copy at the rehearsal and agree on the response.
- Keep it short. Four to six intentions are enough.
- Know where it comes. At a wedding the prayers of the faithful follow the exchange of consent and the giving of rings.
A short set for any Catholic wedding
- For [Name] and [Name], who have given themselves to each other today, that their love may be patient and kind, and grow stronger through all the years of their life together, let us pray to the Lord.
- For their parents and families, who brought them to this day, and for the friends who stand beside them, that God may reward their love and care, let us pray to the Lord.
- For all married couples here, that they may be renewed in the promises they once made, and for couples in difficulty, that they may find help and healing, let us pray to the Lord.
- For the Church and for the peace of the world, that every home may be a place of welcome, forgiveness and faith, let us pray to the Lord.
- For those who are sick, lonely or in need today, that our care for them may bring them a share in the joy of this celebration, let us pray to the Lord.
- For the relatives and friends who have died, especially N., that they may rejoice at the wedding feast of heaven, let us pray to the Lord.
A set that remembers a parent who has died
- For [Name] and [Name], that the love they have promised today may be faithful in joy and in sorrow, all the days of their lives, let us pray to the Lord.
- For the parents of the bride and groom, and for all who taught them how to love, that they may see the fruit of their care, let us pray to the Lord.
- For N., the father (mother) of the bride (groom), whom we miss today, that he (she) may rest in the peace of Christ and share our joy in the Father’s house, let us pray to the Lord.
- For all in these two families who have died, grandparents, relatives and friends, that the Lord may gather them, and us with them, to the wedding feast of the Lamb, let us pray to the Lord.
- For those who grieve even on a day of joy, that they may be comforted by the hope of the resurrection, let us pray to the Lord.
- For the Church and for all peoples, that God’s faithful love may bring peace wherever there is division, let us pray to the Lord.
Change the third intention to fit: “the grandmother of the groom,” “the brother of the bride.” Ask the family before a name is read aloud.
Six sets for a wedding ceremony
Option 1: For the Couple, Their Families and Young People Considering Marriage
- For the holy Church, that she may continue to be a beacon of hope and witness to the sanctity of marriage, let us pray to the Lord.
- That married couples everywhere may find strength and support in their communities as they live out their vocation, let us pray to the Lord.
- For [Names], who begin their married life today, that their love may grow stronger each day through the grace of the Sacrament, let us pray to the Lord.
- That the families of this newly married couple may support them with wisdom, understanding and love, let us pray to the Lord.
- For young people considering marriage, that they may prepare themselves worthily for this sacred vocation, let us pray to the Lord.
I. For the sick and homebound members of our parish family, let us pray to the Lord.
II. For all the deceased members of these families, especially N., let us pray to the Lord.
Option 2: For the Gift of Children, Couples in Difficulty and Peace in Families
- For the Catholic Church, that she may effectively proclaim the sanctity and dignity of Christian marriage, let us pray to the Lord.
- For those experiencing difficulties in their marriages, that they may find healing and reconciliation through God’s grace, let us pray to the Lord.
- That this newly married couple may be blessed with children and the grace to raise them in the faith, let us pray to the Lord.
- For all married couples present here today, that their witness may inspire others to embrace the vocation of marriage, let us pray to the Lord.
- That society may recognize and protect the sacred institution of marriage, let us pray to the Lord.
- For peace in families affected by division and conflict, let us pray to the Lord.
I. For those struggling with anxiety and depression in our community, let us pray to the Lord.
II. For our departed loved ones, especially N., let us pray to the Lord.
Option 3: For Openness to Children, Couples Facing Infertility and Both Families
- For the Church, that she may continue to guide couples in building Christ-centered marriages, let us pray to the Lord.
- For world leaders, that they may promote policies that support and strengthen family life, let us pray to the Lord.
- That this married couple may be open to the gift of children and raise them in the love and knowledge of God, let us pray to the Lord.
- For couples struggling with infertility, anxiety, or marital challenges, that they may find comfort and healing, let us pray to the Lord.
- That the families of the bride and groom may be united in love and mutual support, let us pray to the Lord.
- For all married couples facing the economic pressures of inflation and healthcare costs, that they may find strength in their faith, let us pray to the Lord.
I. For our local community facing challenges of religious diversity and social integration, let us pray to the Lord.
II. For all who have died, especially N., that God in his mercy may welcome them into eternal peace, let us pray to the Lord.
Option 4: For Patience with Each Other, Couples Under Strain and Peacemakers
- For the universal Church, that she may continue to be a beacon of hope and love for all married couples, let us pray to the Lord.
- For government leaders, that they may recognize and protect the fundamental value of marriage, let us pray to the Lord.
- That this couple may always communicate with compassion, understanding, and patience, let us pray to the Lord.
- For those struggling with addiction, mental health challenges, or unemployment, that they may find support in their marriages, let us pray to the Lord.
- That married couples may be agents of peace and reconciliation in their communities, let us pray to the Lord.
- For engaged and newly married couples facing the challenges of modern society, that they may remain faithful to their vows, let us pray to the Lord.
I. For our parish outreach programs serving the needy, let us pray to the Lord.
II. For the souls of the faithful departed, especially N., let us pray to the Lord.
Option 5: For Growing in Faith Together and Marriages That Bring Hope
- For the holy Catholic Church, that she may continue to nurture and support the vocation of marriage, let us pray to the Lord.
- For civil authorities, that they may create a society that values and protects family life, let us pray to the Lord.
- That this married couple may grow together in faith, supporting each other’s spiritual journey, let us pray to the Lord.
- For couples experiencing bullying, discrimination, or social pressures, that they may find strength in their love and faith, let us pray to the Lord.
- That marriages may be a source of healing and hope in a world often marked by division, let us pray to the Lord.
- For young adults discerning their vocational path, that they may seek God’s guidance in their relationships, let us pray to the Lord.
I. For those in our community facing unemployment, let us pray to the Lord.
II. For those who have died recently, especially N., let us pray to the Lord.
Option 6: For a Home That Shows Christ’s Love, Forgiveness and Commitment
- For the Church, that she may continue to teach and model the beauty of sacramental marriage, let us pray to the Lord.
- For world leaders, that they may prioritize policies that support family well-being and social harmony, let us pray to the Lord.
- That this couple may be a living example of Christ’s love in their home and community, let us pray to the Lord.
- For couples struggling with mental health challenges, depression, or anxiety, that they may find compassion and support, let us pray to the Lord.
- That marriages may be spaces of mutual growth, forgiveness, and unconditional love, let us pray to the Lord.
- For all married couples navigating the complexities of modern life, that they may remain committed to each other, let us pray to the Lord.
I. For our local community’s efforts to address addiction and mental health challenges, let us pray to the Lord.
II. That the faithful departed, especially N., may rest in the peace of Christ, let us pray to the Lord.
Six sets for a Nuptial Mass
These six sets were first written for a Nuptial Mass, a wedding celebrated within Mass. They use [Name] and [Name] for the bride and groom. The reader ends each intention with “we pray to the Lord,” and everyone answers Lord, hear our prayer.
Nuptial Mass option 1: For the Couple, All Married Couples and the Lonely
- For the Church and its leaders, that they may continue to guide the faithful in the way of love and compassion, we pray to the Lord.
- For our world and its leaders, that peace and justice may prevail, and that societies everywhere foster the dignity and sanctity of family life, we pray to the Lord.
- For [Name] and [Name] on this joyful day of their marriage, that their love for each other may continue to grow and be a sign of Christ’s enduring love for the Church, we pray to the Lord.
- For all married couples that they may be renewed in their love and commitment to one another, reflecting the love of God in their relationships, we pray to the Lord.
- For all who are suffering from loneliness or the pain of broken relationships, that they may find comfort and healing in the community of the Church, we pray to the Lord.
- For the family and friends of [Name] and [Name], that they may continue to support them with their love and guidance, we pray to the Lord.
Nuptial Mass option 2: For Fidelity, Joy and Patience, and for the Couple’s Parents
- For the universal Church, that it may always be a source of hope and a beacon of unconditional love, we pray to the Lord.
- For peace in the world, that nations may resolve their conflicts by seeking the path of dialogue and reconciliation, we pray to the Lord.
- For the newlyweds, [Name] and [Name], that their marriage be blessed with fidelity, joy, and patience, we pray to the Lord.
- For the parents and families who have nurtured [Name] and [Name], that they may rejoice in the love they see fulfilled today, we pray to the Lord.
- For all who are called to the vocation of marriage, that they embrace their calling with generosity and a spirit of true partnership, we pray to the Lord.
Nuptial Mass option 3: For Faithfulness, Troubled Marriages and the Deceased of Both Families
- For the Church community gathered here, that we may always support the marriages among us with our encouragement and prayers, we pray to the Lord.
- For all government and civic leaders, that they may enact laws protecting and supporting the family unit, we pray to the Lord.
- For [Name] and [Name], that they may be faithful to each other and to the Gospel, living out their promises with deep commitment and loving service, we pray to the Lord.
- For those in troubled marriages, that they may find healing, reconciliation, and new strength in God’s love, we pray to the Lord.
- For the deceased members of both families, that they may enjoy perfect happiness and total fulfillment in eternal life, we pray to the Lord.
Nuptial Mass option 4: For a Joyful Home, the Suffering and the Couple’s Friends
- For the Church, that it may be a living example of self-giving love and a source of spiritual nourishment to all families, we pray to the Lord.
- For the leaders of our communities, that they may value the sanctity of the family and work to create conditions favorable to its growth, we pray to the Lord.
- For [Name] and [Name], as they begin their married life together, that their home may be filled with joy, laughter, and the presence of Christ, we pray to the Lord.
- For those who suffer from physical, mental, or spiritual hardships, that they may experience the healing power of Christ’s love, we pray to the Lord.
- For the friends and benefactors of [Name] and [Name], that they may be blessed for their kindness and love, we pray to the Lord.
Nuptial Mass option 5: For Mutual Respect, Families in Difficulty, the Elderly and the Sick
- For the holy Church on earth, that it may thrive as a community of love and a place of welcome for all who seek peace and truth, we pray to the Lord.
- For all nations and peoples, that they may work together towards achieving peace and enhancing the common good, we pray to the Lord.
- For [Name] and [Name], now united in holy matrimony, that they may cherish, respect, and uplift each other throughout their lives together, we pray to the Lord.
- For all families, especially those facing difficulties, that they may find strength and consolation in God’s loving plan for them, we pray to the Lord.
- For the elderly and the sick, that they may be surrounded by friends and family who cherish them, we pray to the Lord.
Nuptial Mass option 6: For Lifelong Fidelity, Married Couples Present and the Faithful Departed
- For the Holy Catholic Church: that it may be a beacon of divine truth and love, guiding all married couples towards greater sanctity, we pray to the Lord.
- For peace across our world: that the spirit of unity which blesses this marriage today may extend to heal divisions among all peoples, we pray to the Lord.
- For [Name] and [Name], united today in holy matrimony: may their love grow deeper each day, may they cherish each moment together, and may their journey be filled with grace and mutual respect, we pray to the Lord.
- For the grace of lifelong fidelity and patience: that [Name] and [Name] may always find in each other a loving heart and a listening ear, we pray to the Lord.
- For all married couples present here: that they may renew their commitment to one another and find their marriages strengthened and refreshed by today’s celebration, we pray to the Lord.
- For all the faithful departed, especially those dear to us: that they may rest in the peace of Christ and enjoy the vision of God with the saints in heaven, we pray to the Lord.
A sample introduction and concluding prayer
The priest or deacon who celebrates the wedding introduces and concludes the intentions. These samples were written for this guide; the celebrant may use his own words or those given in the wedding rite.
Introduction:
Dear friends, God is love, and he has joined [Name] and [Name] in the covenant of marriage. Let us pray for them, for the Church and for the needs of all his people.
Concluding prayer:
Father, you have made the bond of marriage a sign of your faithful love. Hear the prayers we offer for [Name] and [Name] and for all your people, and keep them always in your care. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Preparing the prayers with your parish
Replace [Names] with the couple’s names. Where an intention uses N., supply the name agreed with the family or use a general wording for the departed. Confirm names and pronunciation before the celebration, and share only details the people concerned are comfortable having announced.
The options are alternatives, not one combined script. Keep your chosen intentions brief and focused, with room for the needs of the Church, the world and people experiencing difficulty as well as the couple and their families. Your parish can help you choose the number and wording appropriate to your celebration.
At Mass, the priest introduces and concludes the Universal Prayer; the intentions may be announced by a deacon or another suitable minister. The assembly joins in with the agreed response or silent prayer. For a wedding without Mass, follow the order and ministerial roles provided by your parish rather than adapting a Mass script on your own.
How many prayers of the faithful are there in a wedding?
There is no fixed number. Most weddings use four to six short intentions, and some parishes allow one or two more. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (no. 70) gives the usual order of intentions (the Church, public authorities and the whole world, people in any kind of difficulty, the local community) and says that at a celebration such as a marriage the intentions may focus more closely on the occasion. A balanced set usually prays:
- for the couple, their love and their life together;
- for their families and friends;
- for the Church and the world;
- for people facing difficulties, including couples whose marriages are troubled;
- for the local community;
- for the deceased members of both families. This is a prayer for the departed, which is different from asking the saints to pray for us.
The priest’s introduction and closing prayer are not counted among the intentions. Ask the priest or deacon how many the parish normally uses, and agree the final text with them.
Frequently asked questions
Who reads the prayers of the faithful at a wedding?
A deacon, if one is assisting; otherwise a reader, who at a wedding is often a relative or friend of the couple (GIRM 71). One reader is usual, and two may share the intentions. The bride and groom are the ones being prayed for, so they do not usually read.
When do the prayers of the faithful come in a wedding?
After the couple have exchanged their consent and their rings. This is the same in a wedding within Mass and in a wedding without Mass.
Can we write our own wedding intercessions?
Yes. The intentions are not fixed texts. The wedding rite gives sample forms, and a couple may adapt the sets on this page or write their own. Show the text to the priest or deacon well before the wedding.
How do we remember a parent or grandparent who has died?
Add one intention for the dead and name the person; it usually comes last. The second set on this page is written for this. Many couples also mention the person in the wedding program.
What is the response?
In the United States, usually “Lord, hear our prayer.” In Ireland and Britain the reader often says “Lord, hear us” and all answer “Lord, graciously hear us,” or the reader says “Lord, in your mercy” and all answer “hear our prayer.” Print the response in the wedding program so that every guest can join in.
Are prayers of the faithful the same as bidding prayers?
Yes. “Bidding prayers” is the name used in Britain and Ireland. The Roman Missal calls them the Universal Prayer or Prayer of the Faithful.
Related
For the reader’s preparation, see how to read the prayers of the faithful. For another occasion, see the wedding anniversary intercessions.
- Catholic wedding readings
- Catholic wedding program
- Catholic wedding guide
- Catholic wedding prayers
- Prayers of the Faithful for a golden wedding anniversary
- Prayers of the Faithful examples: 50 intentions
- What is prayer of the Faithful?
- Prayers of the Faithful for World Youth Day
- Prayers of the Faithful for New Zealand
- How To Correctly Write Prayers of the Faithful
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Sources
Liturgical references: GIRM 69-71 on the Universal Prayer, the full General Instruction of the Roman Missal and the USCCB’s Catholic wedding resources. These examples do not replace the ritual texts supplied by the parish.
- General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 69–71.
- The Order of Celebrating Matrimony (second edition): the Universal Prayer in a wedding within Mass and without Mass, and its sample forms.