Junior Rasmussen
Music is an important part of a wedding ceremony, and this is no different for Catholic weddings. The number of songs you choose for your Catholic wedding will depend on the elements you include in your ceremony. For example, you may want songs for the seating of guests, the processional, the signing of the register, and the recessional. Some couples also choose to include a song for the unity candle or an offering to Mary. It's important to note that the music selected for a Catholic wedding should follow the liturgical guidelines of the church and be sacred in nature.
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What You'll Learn
Processional songs
The number of songs you choose for your Catholic wedding will depend on the elements you include in your ceremony. You may opt for a simple ceremony, with just a processional and recessional song, or you may choose to include other elements, such as an offering to Mary, a unity candle, or a full mass, which will require additional music.
For the processional, you can choose one song to be used for the entire procession, or you may select two: one for the procession of the wedding party and one for the bride's entrance. The processional marks the beginning of the mass, so choose an uplifting piece that reflects the joy and anticipation of the moment. The music should be prayerful and align with the sacredness and solemnity of the occasion. The organ is usually played for the processional, sometimes accompanied by trumpets. Popular choices include "Arioso" by Johann Sebastian Bach, "Panis Angelicus" by Franco Corelli, and "This is the Day" by Scott Wesley Brown. You could also opt for a more traditional processional song, such as "Canon in D".
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Hymns
The number of songs you choose for your Catholic wedding will depend on the elements you include in your ceremony. A simple processional song for the wedding party and a recessional song as the couple exits are the bare minimum. However, you may also want to include a song for the bride's entrance, a song after the vows, a song for the offering, and a communion song.
- "Be Thou My Vision" – the tune is said to bring on happy wedding tears!
- "Panis Angelicus" – a beautiful hymn that requires a skilled cantor.
- "Hallelujah" – the Leonard Cohen version is well-suited for the signing of the register.
- "When the Saints Go Marching In" – a joyful hymn to walk out to as a married couple.
Remember to check with your parish music director, as they will have important guidelines on music and can provide you with specific suggestions that are permitted within your parish.
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Communion songs
For a Catholic wedding, the number of songs you choose will depend on the elements you include in your ceremony. A simple wedding may only require a song for the bride's entrance and another for the exit. However, additional elements like an offering to Mary or a unity candle lighting will likely require more music.
When it comes to Communion songs specifically, in general, only one Communion song is needed. This song is usually instrumental but can also be a vocal piece or congregational hymn. The music should be joyous and festive, resembling the music played during a Sunday Mass. It should also be sacred, reflecting the sanctity of the sacrament.
- The Rejoicing (La Rejouissance) from the Royal Fireworks Suite by Handel
- Psalm 19 by Benedetto Marcello
- Toccata in G Major by William Walond
- Rondeau by Mouret
- Panis Angelicus (with a notable version by Franco Coreli)
Remember to check with your parish's guidelines and music director to ensure your song choices align with their requirements and to confirm which musicians will be present at your wedding.
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Secular music
The number of songs you choose for your wedding will depend on the elements you include in your ceremony. A simple processional and recessional song should suffice for a basic ceremony. However, if you want to incorporate other elements, such as an offering to Mary or a unity candle, you may need to select additional music.
When selecting secular music for your wedding, consider the following:
- Processional song: This is the song that will play when the wedding party, parents, and groom, as well as the bride, make their entrance. You can choose one piece for the entire procession or a separate piece for the bride's entrance.
- Gathering hymn: This is optional but can be a good way to encourage participation from your guests, especially in mixed (Catholic/non-Catholic) congregations.
- Communion song: Usually, only one communion song is needed, and it can be instrumental or a vocal piece.
- Instrumental music: You can play instrumental music while your guests are being seated and in between the ceremony elements.
- Recessional song: This song will play at the end of the ceremony as the couple and wedding party recess.
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Musicians
The number of songs you will need for your Catholic wedding ceremony will depend on the elements you are including in your ceremony. For example, you may want a song to seat your guests, a song for the mothers and grandmothers, your entrance song, a song after the ring and vows, and a processional song.
In general, only one Communion song is needed, and this is usually instrumental, but it can also be a vocal piece or congregational hymn. A Processional song is also usually instrumental and can be one piece for the entire procession or one piece for the wedding party, with a separate piece for the bride's entrance.
The music for your wedding should be sacred and resemble the music played for a Sunday Mass. It should encourage the participation of the entire assembly and unite them in one voice. The text of the music chosen should speak of the love between husband and wife as a reflection of God's love. Secular love songs may not be used in the liturgy.
The most common musicians for a Catholic wedding are an organist/pianist and a cantor (a singer who leads the sung prayer and sings the verses of the Responsorial Psalm). However, many additional vocal and instrumental forces are available, including guitar, trumpet, flute, strings (individual or ensemble), harp, and SATB vocal ensembles.
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Frequently asked questions
The number of songs you choose for your Catholic wedding ceremony depends on the elements you include in your ceremony. You will need at least one processional song, and you may want to include a song for seating your guests, one for your entrance, a song after the ring and vows, and a recessional song. You may also want to include a song for the offering to Mary, a unity candle song, a communion song, and songs for the bridal party, parents, and groom.
The music for a Catholic wedding ceremony should be sacred and resemble the music played during Sunday Mass. It should encourage the participation of the entire assembly and unite the congregation in one voice. Secular love songs are not allowed. The most common musical choices for a wedding are an organist/pianist and a cantor, but other options include guitar, trumpet, flute, strings, and harp.
No, recordings, taped music, CDs, or accompaniment tracks are not allowed in the liturgy.
Your parish may provide guidelines on music and may have a music director or parish musicians who can help you select songs. Your priest or deacon may also be able to provide suggestions.
