Matrimonial Crowns before Byzantine Catholic Rite of Matrimony (2025) by Shalone Cason - Catholic Stock Photo

The Rite of Matrimony, or Mystery of Crowning, is a sacred ceremony with key elements: betrothal, exchange of vows, crowning, blessing, and procession. The crowning, introduced in 1646, places crowns on the couple, symbolizing their status as “king and queen” of their new family.