Wedding during Lent?

by Fr. Robert Aliunzi  |  02/06/2026  |  Weekly Reflection

Dear Friends,

As your pastor, I am often asked about the Church’s stance on celebrating weddings during Lent. While the Universal Church law (Canon Law) grants the faithful a right to the sacraments, liturgical guidelines specify that any wedding held during Lent must be significantly "toned down" to respect the season of penance.

So, here at our Lady of Mt. Carmel, if you choose to celebrate a marriage during Lent, several liturgical and practical adjustments are typically required:

• Decorations and Flowers: In keeping with the Lenten Spirit, elaborate floral arrangements are usually prohibited or strictly moderated. The sanctuary should remain relatively sparse.
• Music: The music and environment are simplified to focus on the essential sacramental nature of the union rather than external spectacle.
• The Gloria: The Gloria is actually required for a Nuptial Mass even during Lent, though the musical setting chosen is often less "exuberant" than one used at Easter.
• Forbidden Days: There are specific days during the Lenten and Easter cycle when weddings are strictly prohibited:
  1. During Holy Week (Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday).
  2. Sundays of Lent

However, because Lent is a time for the community to focus on repentance and preparation for Easter, the pastor’s approval will be required if couples still want to proceed with their wedding during Lent. For specific questions about Marriage preparation, please contact Deacon Dave Knebelsberger at weddings@olmctempe.com. 

I wish you all a fruitful Lenten Season, and… I love you!