What is it?
Christian marriage is a covenant by which a man and woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life. It is ordered by its nature to the good of the spouses and to the procreation and education of children.
Theological Meaning
In the sacrament of Matrimony, the spouses themselves are the ministers of the sacrament — they confer it upon each other through the exchange of consent. Marriage reflects the union between Christ and His Church. It is indissoluble: what God has joined together, no man can put asunder.
How it's Celebrated
Pre-marriage preparation (typically 6 months) with the parish
Banns of marriage announced at the parish
The wedding Mass or Liturgy of the Word begins
The priest asks the couple's intentions: freedom, fidelity, children
Exchange of consent: 'I take you... to have and to hold, from this day forward...'
The priest receives the consent: 'What God has joined together, let no one put asunder'
Exchange and blessing of rings
Prayer of the Faithful, Nuptial Blessing