Question
I have noticed at some weddings that the bride and groom greet their guests together at the door of the church and then process together to the altar. Is this allowed?
--Green in Grayson
Answer
The Rite for Celebrating Marriage During Mass states in paragraphs 19 and 20:
At the appointed time, the priest, vested for Mass, goes with the ministers to the door of the church, or if more suitable, to the altar. There he meets the bride and bridegroom in a friendly manner, showing that the Church shares their joy. Where it is desirable the the rite of welcome be omitted, the celebration of marriage begins at once with the Mass.
If there is a procession to the altar, the ministers [cross bearer, altar server, communion ministers, and lector(s)] go first, followed by the priest, and then the bride and bridegroom. According to local custom, they may be escorted by at least their parents and the two witnesses. Meanwhile, the entrance song is sung.
There is nothing in the Roman Rite about brides secretly hiding somewhere. They may greet their guests, especially in a parish that has multiple weddings on a particular day, it may be the only time they see their guests at church.