Rhiannon Hendricks
Music is an integral part of a wedding ceremony, and this is no different for Presbyterian weddings. Hymns, psalms, spirituals, or anthems may be sung by the congregation during Presbyterian weddings. Hymns sung by the congregation can add meaning to the service. However, music with taped accompaniment or secular associations is not permitted.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Congregation singing | Hymns, psalms, spirituals, anthems, or taped accompaniment are allowed. Secular music is not permitted. |
| Wedding planning | The couple must call the church office to speak with the minister who will perform the ceremony. The couple must also contact the church's Director of Music to discuss music choices. |
| Wedding location | Presbyterian Church (USA) (PCUSA), Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), First Presbyterian Church of Virginia Beach, First Presbyterian Church in the City of New York, Celebration Presbyterian Church of Myrtle Beach |
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What You'll Learn
Hymns and anthems are permitted
Music is an integral part of a wedding ceremony, and hymns and anthems are permitted in Presbyterian weddings. Hymns sung by the congregation can add meaning to the service. The First Presbyterian Church of Virginia Beach encourages couples to consider trained singers for the ceremony. There are four professional vocalists (soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone) on the First Church staff whose services can be arranged through the music director.
The First Presbyterian Church in Tallahassee, Florida, outlines the following wedding liturgy from the Book of Common Worship:
> Do you, the families of [name] and [name], give them your blessing, promise to uphold them in their marriage, and encourage them in their life together? The families answer: “We (I) do.” Affirmation of the Congregation. The minister may address the congregation, saying: Do all of you witnessing these vows promise to uphold [name] and [name] in their marriage and encourage them in their life together? Answer: “We will.” A psalm, hymn, spiritual, or anthem may be sung. Reading(s) from Scripture Sermon · A psalm, hymn, spiritual, or other music may follow.
The Reformed Church in America also includes hymns and anthems in its Order for Christian Marriage. During the entrance of the wedding party, the congregation may stand and sing a hymn, an anthem may be sung, or instrumental music may be played.
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Secular music is prohibited
Music is an integral part of a wedding ceremony, and couples getting married in a Presbyterian Church may wonder about the music choices available to them. While hymns sung by the congregation can add meaning to the service, not all music is considered appropriate.
The First Presbyterian Church of Virginia Beach prohibits secular music during the wedding ceremony. This includes Broadway tunes, ballads, and popular or sentimental favourites. Couples are encouraged to consider trained singers for the ceremony and can choose from four professional vocalists on staff.
Similarly, the Celebration Presbyterian Church of Myrtle Beach requires that the wedding party, florist, caterer, photographer, and musicians observe the guidelines set by the church. While they do not specify prohibited music, they emphasise that the wedding ceremony is a time for worship and reverence.
Couples planning their wedding at the First Presbyterian Church in New York City are advised to contact the church's Director of Music to discuss music choices once they have reserved their date.
In general, Presbyterian weddings follow the Book of Common Worship, which includes the option of a psalm, hymn, spiritual, or anthem to be sung during the ceremony. However, music with taped accompaniment is not permitted.
It is important for couples to familiarise themselves with the policies and guidelines of their chosen Presbyterian church to ensure that their music choices align with the expectations and requirements of the congregation.
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The couple chooses the music
The couple should contact the church's director of music as soon as their wedding date is confirmed. The director of music will be able to advise on music choices and will be available at the rehearsal to run through the songs with the musicians and set the volume levels.
Hymns sung by the congregation can add meaning to the service, but music with taped accompaniment is not permitted. Secular music, such as Broadway tunes, ballads, and popular or sentimental favourites, is not allowed during the church service.
The traditional order of a Presbyterian wedding ceremony includes the entrance of the wedding party, sentences of scripture, a statement on the gift of marriage, prayer, declarations of intent, affirmations of the families, affirmation of the congregation, a reading from scripture, a brief sermon, the exchange of vows, the exchange of rings, prayer, the Lord's Prayer, the announcement of marriage, and the charge and blessing.
During the entrance of the wedding party, the congregation may stand and sing a hymn, an anthem may be sung, or instrumental music may be played. After the people have been seated, the minister may state the gift and purpose of Christian marriage. A psalm, hymn, spiritual, or anthem may be sung before or after the vows are exchanged.
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The congregation may stand to sing
The congregation may stand and sing a hymn during the entrance of the wedding party, or an anthem may be sung, or instrumental music may be played. The First Presbyterian Church of Virginia Beach encourages hymns sung by the congregation, which they believe can add meaning to the service. Secular music, taped accompaniment, and popular music are not allowed during the church service.
Hymns, psalms, spiritual songs, or anthems may be sung during the wedding ceremony. The couple is responsible for making provisions for musicians. The First Presbyterian Church in Virginia Beach has four professional vocalists (soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone) on staff who are available for weddings and can be arranged through the music director.
The traditional order of ceremonies for a Presbyterian wedding based on the Presbyterian Book of Common Worship includes the entrance of the wedding party, sentences of scripture, a statement on the gift of marriage, prayer, declarations of intent, affirmations of the families, affirmation of the congregation, a reading from scripture, a brief sermon, the exchange of vows, the exchange of rings, prayer, the Lord's Prayer, the announcement of marriage, and the charge and blessing.
During the wedding, in the presence of God, family members, and other guests, the pastor or minister will ask for God's blessing so that the Holy Spirit may rest upon the couple as they honor the promises they make in matrimony as part of the holy bond of marriage. When it's time to give their vows, guests may be asked to stand.
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The congregation affirms the marriage
The congregation plays an important role in affirming the marriage during a Presbyterian wedding ceremony. Here are some details and instructions for this special occasion:
The Role of the Congregation
The congregation's participation in the wedding ceremony is significant. They are not merely observers but active participants in this sacred event. Their presence serves as a testament to the couple's commitment and marks the beginning of their new life together.
Hymns and Music
Hymns and music are an integral part of the Presbyterian wedding ceremony, with the congregation often joining in singing. Hymns should be sacred and meaningful, adding depth to the service. Secular music, such as Broadway tunes or popular ballads, is generally not permitted during the church service. Instead, the couple may select psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, or anthems for the congregation to sing.
Affirmation of Support
During the affirmation of the congregation, the minister addresses those gathered, asking if they promise to uphold and support the couple in their marriage journey:
> Do all of you witnessing these vows promise to uphold [Couple's Names] in their marriage and encourage them in their life together?
The congregation then responds with a heartfelt, "We will," signifying their commitment to stand by the couple and offer encouragement throughout their married life.
Readings and Scriptures
The congregation may also participate by listening attentively to the readings and scriptures shared during the ceremony. These passages provide spiritual guidance and emphasize the sacred nature of the marriage covenant.
Prayer and Blessings
Additionally, the congregation can join in prayer, seeking God's blessing upon the couple. They may pray for the couple's happiness, long life together, and the strength to uphold their marriage vows.
Practical Considerations
To ensure a smooth and meaningful wedding ceremony, the couple should communicate their musical preferences to the church's music director or organist well in advance. The couple is also responsible for making provisions for musicians and ensuring that all participants, including the wedding party and musicians, are familiar with the church's guidelines.
In summary, the congregation's affirmation in a Presbyterian wedding ceremony involves singing hymns, providing support and encouragement to the couple, listening to scriptures and sermons, and joining in prayer and blessings. Their active participation enhances the sacredness of the occasion and demonstrates their commitment to standing by the couple as they embark on their married life together.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is common for the congregation to sing at Presbyterian weddings. Hymns sung by the congregation can add meaning to the service.
No, taped accompaniment is not permitted.
Music with a secular association, such as Broadway tunes, ballads, or popular and sentimental favorites, is not allowed during the church service.
Yes, you may choose your own musicians. If your wedding requires the use of the church sound system, the church will secure a sound technician.
You should contact the musicians as soon as the date is confirmed.
