Just to add to what has been said about _Le rituel du mariage en
France_ by Molin and Mutembre. They point out that most, though not all,
rites specify that the nuptial ritual takes place outside the church or at
the church door. After this the couple enter the church where mass is
heard. See. p. 32-40. Also see the appendix (pp.283-318) which provides 19
ordos for
marriage rites from the 12th to the 16th century. Most of these have some
direct reference that the service began outside the church and then moved
inside for the mass.
If anyone is interested in rites earlier than the 12th century,
see K. Ritzer, _Le mariage dans les eglises chretienne du Ier au XIe
siecles_, (Les Editions du Cerfs, 1970). Originally in German.
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