Deborah Chan
Music is an integral part of a Catholic wedding mass, enhancing the worship experience and celebrating the sacrament of marriage. While there is no official list of Catholic wedding songs, the chosen music should be prayerful and solemn, reflecting the sacredness of the occasion. Couples should consult with the priest and church venue for specific guidelines and regulations. The music selected for the wedding mass should align with the liturgical guidelines and have personal significance to the couple. This paragraph introduces the topic of selecting songs for a Catholic wedding mass, highlighting the importance of music in the ceremony and providing initial guidance for couples.
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Prelude songs
When choosing prelude songs, consider sacred hymns, gospel wedding songs, or classical pieces. Some popular choices include "Ave Maria", a timeless hymn invoking the Virgin Mary's intercession, and "How Great Thou Art", a powerful hymn celebrating God's majesty. "Amazing Grace", a beloved gospel song about redemption and grace, and "Great Is Thy Faithfulness", a hymn praising God's faithfulness, are also often selected. These songs create a peaceful, sacred, and moving spiritual atmosphere.
If you are looking for more contemporary options, "God is Able" by Hillsong is a beautiful choice, best accompanied by a guitar or piano. "For the Beauty of the Earth" by Kocher is another contemporary option, perfect for a solo instrument such as a piano or a group performance. "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by J.S. Bach is flexible with instrumentation and offers a calm and reflective melody.
When selecting prelude songs, it is crucial to consult with the priest and the church venue to ensure the music follows any specific rules and regulations. While there is no official list of Catholic wedding songs, the chosen pieces should be prayerful and align with the solemnity and sacredness of the occasion.
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Processional songs
The processional marks the beginning of the Catholic wedding mass and is an important moment for the bridal party's entrance. It is common to have one or two processional songs. Many weddings will opt for a song for the grandparents, parents, clergy, groom, and bridal party to walk into, and then a separate song for the bride's entrance. The processional song should be uplifting and joyful, reflecting the anticipation of the moment.
- Canon in D by Pachelbel is a popular choice for the bride's entrance.
- "Come Thou Fount" is a popular processional for Catholic nuptial masses. It works well with a choir or can be performed by a soloist for a more modern feel.
- "In Christ Alone" by Keith Getty is a modern Christian song with an Irish melody, perfect for walking down the aisle, especially if accompanied by a talented violinist.
- "Ave Maria" by Schubert is a classic choice, best performed by a soloist accompanied by a piano or other solo instrument.
- "Panis Angelicus" by Franco Corelli is a great addition to Catholic wedding bridal processional songs.
- "This is the Day" by Scott Wesley Brown is a popular classic wedding song that has remained relevant for Catholic weddings.
- "Come to Thou Fount of Every Blessing" by Robert Robinson is a popular choice, especially when performed by a soloist.
- "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by J.S. Bach is a flexible and calm melody that can be adapted to different instruments.
- "For the Beauty of the Earth" by Kocher is a great choice for a wedding ceremony, performed by a group or solo instrument such as a piano.
- "O God Beyond All Praising" is a joyful and epic choice for the bride's entrance, reminding everyone of God's presence in the sacrament of marriage.
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Offertory songs
The offertory is a part of the Catholic wedding mass that calls for songs that emphasise love, sharing, and spiritual connection. There is no official list of Catholic wedding songs, but songs with prayerful and solemn qualities are generally preferred.
- "God is Able" by Hillsong is a contemporary option that can be accompanied by a guitar or piano.
- "For the Beauty of the Earth" by Kocher is a beautiful and prayerful song that can be played by a group or solo instrument such as a piano.
- "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by J.S. Bach is a flexible and calm melody that can be adapted to various instruments.
- "Ave Maria" by Schubert is a classic and prayerful hymn that can be performed by a soloist accompanied by a piano or other solo instrument.
- "How Great Thou Art" is a powerful hymn that celebrates God's majesty and is ideal for reflecting on gratitude and reverence during the wedding mass.
- "Amazing Grace" is a beloved gospel song about redemption and grace, creating a moving spiritual atmosphere.
- "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" is a hymn that praises God's faithfulness and offers a message of trust and love, making it a meaningful choice for the couple's future.
- "Your Love is Extravagant" is a sacred pop song that can be used during the seating of the mothers, others, and bridesmaids' processional.
- "Celtic Alleluia" by S. Angrisano is familiar to many Catholics, who often end up singing along.
- "Alleluia" from the "Mass of Joyful Heart" by Angrisano is another popular choice that is often used at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Parish.
- "This is the Day" by B. Fisher is a contemporary option that aligns with the joyful and celebratory nature of the occasion.
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Communion songs
The communion is a time for reflection and unity, so select songs that emphasise love, sharing, and spiritual connection. Here are some songs that are perfect for communion during a Catholic wedding mass:
Panis Angelicus
Franco Corelli is said to have the best version of this song, which is a beautiful choice for communion if you have a cantor who can pull it off.
Ave Maria
This is a timeless hymn that invokes the Virgin Mary's intercession. It is a popular classic that has been found on countless lists of traditional Catholic wedding songs. It is best sung by a soloist accompanied by a piano or other solo instrument.
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring
This song is flexible with instrumentation and can be sung whole or cut. It is a reflective and calm melody.
For the Beauty of the Earth
This song is a great choice for a wedding ceremony and is best played by a group or solo instrument such as a piano.
God is Able
This is a more contemporary option than the traditional hymn, but it is still a great choice for wedding mass songs. It is best sung accompanied by a guitar or piano.
Let Your Mercy Be on Us
This song has a refrain that goes: "Let your mercy be on us, O God, as we place our trust in you".
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Recessional songs
The recessional song is played at the end of the liturgy, to mark the end of the mass and the start of the couple's married life. It should be an upbeat and celebratory tune that captures the joy and excitement of the journey ahead.
- "Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring" is a popular choice, often played on the guitar while people are getting seated.
- "Ode to Joy" by Beethoven is a classic with religious lyrics and flexible instrumentation.
- "La Rejouissance" by Handel has a jubilant tempo perfect for a wedding recessional.
- "Vivaldi's Concerto for Two Trumpets in C Major" is a great choice for a couple looking for a classical piece.
- "Mendelssohn's Wedding March" is a traditional and dream choice for many brides.
- "Thank You, Lord" by Don Moen is a popular choice, often played by the guitarist during mass.
- "O God Beyond All Praising" by Gustav Holst is a grand song, especially when performed by a choir or a group of singers.
- "Toccata from Symphony for Organ No. 5" by Charles-Marie Widor is an energetic orchestral piece to get everyone moving out of their pews.
- "Celtic Alleluia" is a familiar tune that many Catholics know and love to sing along with.
When choosing music for a Catholic wedding, it is important to consider the guidelines and requirements set by the Church. It is also worth noting that contemporary music is typically not allowed, so couples may need to be creative when choosing songs that reflect their personal styles while adhering to the religious and traditional aspects of the mass.
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Frequently asked questions
Prelude songs set a reverent and joyful atmosphere before the ceremony, often featuring sacred hymns, gospel wedding songs, or classical pieces. Some songs to consider are "Prelude to 'Te Deum'" (M.A. Charpentier), "Ave Maria", "How Great Thou Art", "Amazing Grace", and "Great Is Thy Faithfulness".
The processional marks the beginning of the mass, so it is important to choose an uplifting piece that reflects the anticipation and joy of the moment. Some songs to consider are "Canon in D" (J. Pachelbel), "O God Beyond All Praising", and "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring".
The recessional signifies the end of the mass and the start of the couple's married life. A popular choice for the recessional is Mendelssohn's Wedding March.
