Modern Songs For Catholic Weddings: Making It Work

Music is an integral part of a Catholic wedding ceremony, enhancing the spiritual experience and celebrating the sacrament. While there is no official list of Catholic wedding songs, it's crucial that the chosen songs are prayerful, solemn, and in line with the liturgical guidelines. When selecting modern songs for a Catholic wedding, it's important to ensure they uphold the sacredness of the occasion while also reflecting the couple's personal taste and love story.

Prelude songs to set the mood

Prelude songs are played 15-30 minutes before the bride's entrance and are meant to set a reverent and joyful atmosphere before the ceremony. Prelude songs can be instrumental or vocal tunes, played by a string quartet, piano, or other instruments. They can include classical music, pop, jazz standards, ballads, or love songs.

• "Your Love is Extravagant"
• "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by Bach
• "Canon in D" by Pachelbel
• "Autumn" from Vivaldi's Four Seasons
• "Air on the G String" by Bach
• "Clair de Lune"
• Beyonce's "Halo"
• "Carl & Ellie" from Pixar's "Up"
• Dean Martin's "That's Amore"
• "Pure Imagination" from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
• "A Thousand Years"
• Ed Sheeran's "Perfect"
• "Intermezzo" from Cavalleria Rusticana by Pietro Mascagni
• "Here Comes the Bride"
• "Morning Has Broken"
• "Simple Gifts"
• "Game of Thrones" theme
• "Coro" from Handel's Water Music
• "Lascia ch'io pianga" from Handel's 'Rinaldo'
• "Feist's "Mushaboom"
• "Vivaldi's "Vivaldi's Air on G"
• "Kenny G"
• "Jim Brickman"
• "Gershwin & Cole Porter"
• "Ballads from the 70s/80s/90s"
• "Modern ballads"
• "Any of your favorites"

When choosing prelude songs, it is important to consult with the priest and the church venue to ensure that the songs align with the liturgical guidelines and the solemnity of the occasion.

Processional songs for the bridal party's entrance

When selecting music for a Catholic wedding, it’s crucial to consult with the priest and the church venue for guidance on specific rules and regulations. While there’s no official list of Catholic wedding songs, it’s essential that the songs are prayerful and align with the solemnity of the occasion.

Traditional Catholic Wedding Songs

These songs are popular choices that have stood the test of time:

• "Ave Maria" by F. Schubert, performed by Céline Dion
• "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by J.S. Bach
• "Arioso" by Johann Sebastian Bach
• "Panis Angelicus" by Franco Corelli or Andrea Bocelli
• "Canon in D" by Pachelbel
• "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" by Robert Robinson or MercyMe
• "This is the Day" by Scott Wesley Brown
• "In Christ Alone" by Keith Getty
• "Be Thou My Vision"
• "How Great Thou Art"
• "The Servant Song"

Modern Catholic Wedding Songs

These songs bring a fresh spirit to time-honoured traditions:

• "Canon in D" by Vitamin String Quartet
• "The Winner Is" by DeVotchKa and Mychael Danna
• "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles
• "I Choose You" by Sarah Bareilles
• "Love You This Way" by Aly & AJ
• "Home" by Phillip Phillips
• "Love on Top" by Beyoncé
• "Marry You" by Bruno Mars
• "The Only Exception" by Paramore
• "Moonshine" by Bruno Mars
• "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton
• "Thank You for Being a Friend" by Andrew Gold
• "Love Someone" by Jason Mraz
• "Come Away with Me" by Norah Jones
• "Falling Slowly" by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová
• "Into the Wild" by Lewis Watson
• "Only Time" by Enya
• "Red Wine Supernova" by Chappell Roan
• "L-O-V-E" by Nat King Cole

Gospel songs before the sermon and vows

Gospel songs are a great way to honour your faith and set the tone for your wedding ceremony. Here are some ideas for gospel songs to be played before the sermon and vows during a Catholic wedding ceremony:

"Ave Maria"

A timeless hymn invoking the Virgin Mary's intercession, "Ave Maria" is the perfect choice for setting a peaceful and sacred tone before the sermon and vows. Beyoncé's rendition infuses new life into the timeless hymn while respecting tradition.

"How Great Thou Art"

"How Great Thou Art" is a powerful hymn that celebrates God's majesty. This song is ideal for reflecting gratitude and reverence during a church wedding. It acknowledges God's greatness and proclaims humble adoration.

"Amazing Grace"

"Amazing Grace" is a beloved gospel song about redemption and grace. It creates a moving spiritual atmosphere and is often chosen as part of the songs needed for a wedding. John Newton's version is a great option for this classic hymn.

"Great Is Thy Faithfulness"

This hymn praises God's faithfulness and offers a message of trust and love for the couple's future. It is often selected as a church wedding song, providing reassurance and hope for the journey ahead.

"Blessed Assurance"

"Blessed Assurance" is a joyful gospel song about salvation and trust in God. It adds an uplifting and celebratory feel to the prelude of the wedding. The rendition by Alan Jackson exudes a sense of assurance and peace in God's promises.

These gospel songs will help create a reverent and joyful atmosphere before the sermon and vows, blending contemporary melodies with sacred themes to enhance the spiritual experience of your Catholic wedding ceremony.

Communion songs for the sharing of the Eucharist

"In Christ Alone" by Keith & Kristyn Getty is a contemporary Christian hymn that highlights the centrality of Christ's sacrifice and resurrection. It offers a profound expression of faith and trust during the communion service.

"Here I Am, Lord" by Dan Schutte features heartfelt lyrics and an uplifting melody. This song invites worshippers to respond to God's call and offer themselves in service, making it ideal for the communion reflection.

"Blessed Assurance" by Alan Jackson is a rendition of a beloved hymn that exudes a sense of peace and assurance in God's promises. It creates a comforting atmosphere during the communion hymn.

"Remembrance" by Hillsong Worship has soft and reverent lyrics that specifically focus on remembering the bread and cup as the body and blood of Jesus. This song is perfect for communion, either during the service or as a reflective piece beforehand.

"Mystery" by Charlie Hall starts with soft and introspective verses that process the mystery of Jesus Christ. The chorus then moves to a hopeful proclamation of the Gospel, and the bridge celebrates Christ's return.

"Remember" by Steffany Gretzinger is an intimate and reflective song perfect for communion. With lyrics like "You broke the bread and blessed the cup... I wanna see the Glory / And all that You’ve done", it captures the significance of the sacrament.

"Surrounded (Fight My Battles)" by Upperroom references the Lord's table in the presence of enemies. It's an upbeat and energetic song that still aligns with the communion theme.

"Behold the Lamb (Communion Hymn)" by Keith & Kristyn Getty is a modern hymn written specifically for the Lord's supper. The lyrics beautifully describe the cost of our salvation through the body and blood of Jesus on the cross, making it ideal for communion reflection.

"The Table" by Chris Tomlin is a simple yet powerful invitation to find joy and restoration through communion with God. It reminds us that peace and healing are found at God's table, with a place for all.

"Communion" by Brooke Ligertwood is a newer song that reflects on the sacrifice of love and the blood poured out for us. It includes a bridge with the fitting words, "Take of the bread, receive the cup."

"Forgiven" by Bethel Music is a response of thankfulness for forgiveness through Jesus' sacrifice. Communion is a time to reflect on God's forgiveness, and this song captures that sentiment triumphantly.

These songs provide a blend of contemporary and traditional hymns that can enhance the spiritual atmosphere of a Catholic wedding ceremony during communion. They reflect on the love that binds the couple and the divine love that sustains them through their shared faith.

Recessional songs to celebrate the end of the mass

When choosing music for a Catholic wedding, it's important to consult with the priest and music coordinator to ensure the songs align with the Catholic Church's regulations and enhance the sacredness of the ceremony. The songs should also reflect the couple's individuality and respect timeless Catholic customs.

• "Ode to Joy" by L. Beethoven: A classic and easily recognisable tune with religious lyrics and flexible instrumentation.
• "La Rejouissance" by Handel: This song has a jubilant tempo perfect for a wedding recessional, and works best when played by instrumentalists.
• "This is the Day (That the Lord Has Made)" by M. Joncas: This version of the song has a celebratory feel and tempo to mark the close of the service.
• "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" by Chris Rice: The upbeat version of this song is ideal for the recessional, while a soft and solemn version can be used for communion.
• "O God Beyond All Praising" by Gustav Holst: This grand song will sound amazing if performed by a choir or a group of singers.
• "Symphony No. 3 (Saint-Saëns)": A beautiful option for couples who want to showcase their church's organ. It is also recognisable to guests from the movie "Babe".
• "Rocking Me Baby" by Steve Miller Band: A fun and upbeat option, depending on the priest's preferences.
• "Praise the Lord with Drums and Cymbals" by Sigfrid Karg-Elert: This song is especially impactful when played on a church organ.
• "All I Ask of You" from "Phantom of the Opera": A well-known and uplifting choice.
• "Hold Us Together" by Matt Maher: A more modern choice that may require approval from the priest.

Frequently asked questions