The Sacrament of Marriage is a covenant, which is more than a contract. Covenant always expresses a relationship between persons. The marriage covenant refers to the relationship between the husband and wife, a permanent union of persons capable of knowing and loving each other and God. The celebration of marriage is also a liturgical act, appropriately held in a public liturgy at church. Catholics are urged to celebrate their marriage within the Eucharistic Liturgy.
The ordinary minister of the Sacrament of Matrimony is the priest. A deacon can administer the Sacrament if it is not celebrated in the context of Mass and there is no consecration of the Holy Eucharist.