Church Wedding Ceremony Music

Choosing your wedding ceremony music for your wedding can be a minefield. From the entrance music to what hymns to play it’s usually a daunting task.

For those of you getting married in a church, here’s a guide to help you choose the music for your wedding ceremony, including suggestions for the various parts.

(It’s a little easier if you’re having a civil service as the ceremony music is usually limited to the bride’s entrance and exit.)

Choosing your ceremony music

When marrying in a church, there is usually an organist who works in the church. Ask your priest or vicar for the contact details and speak to them direct. They will be able to help you choose your music, based on what they pieces they know or can play. I found my organist very helpful.

Think about pieces that suit your personality and/or the venue. Some brides love ‘Here Comes The Bride’, but for others, when they hear it, it’s just not right from them. There are plenty of pieces to choose from and the choice is entirely up to you.

Once you’ve chosen your music, let the organist know and they should be able to organise the sheet music. If not, try Music Scores for free classical sheet music.

Suggestions for your ceremony music

Before the entrance

This should be a piece is played as the guests are being seated. It’s usually quite calming and gentle (mainly for the groom!). My suggestion would be something like:

• Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring – Bach

Bride’s entrance

This piece is to announce the arrival of the bride. Usually is it very upbeat and sometimes even dramatic. For this one, go with what feels right for you. Listen to each and decide which fits your personality.

• Canon in D – Johann Pachelbel
• Bridal Chorus (or Here Comes The Bride) – Wagner
• Trumpet Voluntary – Jeremiah Clarke (used by Lady Diana and Prince Charles)
• Guitar Concerto in D Major - Antonio Vivaldi

Signing the register

This piece is usually quite serene and calming while the bride and groom sign the register. Its intention is fill what would be a silence during the formalities as well as muffle any noise or chatter from the guests.

• Ave Maria – Bach
• Flower Duet from Lakme - Delibes

Recessional

The recessional needs to be upbeat and celebratory. Something with a bit of pace is also good as it will help clear the church quicker! Some suggestions are:

• Wedding March – Mendelssohn (From A Midsummer Night’s Dream)
• Symphony No.5 – Widor
• Arrival, Queen of Sheba - Handel
• Spring - Vivaldi
• Trumpet Suite - Handel
• Two Trumpet Concerto – Vivaldi

After the wedding ceremony music, the next thing to think about is the reception music. Here's some tips to save on the music for your reception.

Related articles:

Wedding Ceremony Music For A Church Wedding
Civil Service Songs
Top 10 Wedding Songs For Your First Dance
Ideas For Your First Dance Dance

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