Deborah Chan
Music is an integral part of a wedding, helping to establish the vibe of the day and honour the couple's culture and beliefs. For those planning a Christian wedding, there are many opportunities to incorporate Christian wedding songs, from the lighting of the unity candle to the communion and reception. However, it's important to note that churches often have strict guidelines regarding music, with some allowing only religious songs and hymns. Couples getting married in a church should be prepared to have their songs approved in advance and may need to select from a provided list.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wedding song type | Christian, Secular, Pop, Gospel, Classical, Old-time, Modern |
| Lyrics | Scripture-inspired, Christian love songs, Non-religious |
| Song choice | Hymns, Instrumental, Contemporary Christian, Classical, Disney, Pop |
| Song approval | Varies by church, some strict, some flexible |
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Christian wedding songs
Music is one of the most important aspects of a wedding, helping to establish the vibe of the day. For Christian couples, marriage is a sacrament, and wedding music should reflect this theme. There are many ways to honour your faith through music, from classic hymns to modern arrangements, scripture-inspired songs, and even instrumental renditions.
If you're looking for a traditional and classic vibe, consider timeless Christian songs such as "Amazing Grace" or "How Great Thou Art". These hymns are well-known and loved for their powerful messages and beautiful melodies. Another option is to choose songs with lyrics that reflect your beliefs, such as "Oh, Lord my God/When I in awesome wonder/Consider all the worlds/Thy hands have made/I see the stars/I hear the rolling thunder/Thy power throughout/The universe displayed".
If you want to add a modern twist, there are plenty of contemporary Christian songs that might resonate with you. Consider songs by popular Christian artists or bands, such as "Bless the Broken Road" by Rascal Flatts, or "The Wedding Song" by Peter, Paul and Mary. These songs often explore themes of love, commitment, and faithfulness in a more modern and relatable way.
Don't be afraid to think outside the box and choose songs that speak to your unique relationship with God and each other. R&B, for example, is a great choice for Christian weddings as the songs often delve into themes of commitment and devotion. Jazz and country music can also add a laid-back and charming vibe to your wedding while exploring similar themes.
Remember to start planning your wedding songs early, and don't be afraid to ask for help from your DJ, musically-inclined friends, or family members. Collaborating with your wedding DJ or band is key to creating unexpected moments that will make your wedding day uniquely yours.
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Secular songs
When it comes to weddings, music is a key component in setting the tone and creating a personalised atmosphere. For those planning a religious wedding ceremony in a church, it is important to note that most churches do not allow secular music. Secular music is defined as music that is not connected with religion.
However, there are ways to incorporate secular songs into your wedding day. Firstly, you can choose to have a non-religious wedding officiant, which gives you more freedom in your music choices. Alternatively, you can opt for instrumental versions of secular songs, which can be played during the prelude, seating of family members, processional, bridal processional, recessional, and postlude.
One popular secular song choice for weddings is "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri, often played as an instrumental version. Another option is to include modern, updated versions of hymns, which can give a contemporary feel while still adhering to religious guidelines.
If you are set on having a specific secular song played during your church ceremony, it is worth reaching out to the church authorities and music director to discuss your options. In some cases, with the right connections and permissions, you may be able to include a secular song or two in your special day.
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Hymns
If you are a regular church-goer, you might already have some favourite hymns that you want to include in your wedding ceremony. However, if you don't go to church often, you could consider asking your friends and family for ideas, or choosing hymns you loved from your childhood, such as "Give Me Joy In My Heart", "Bind Us Together", or "One More Step Along The World I Go".
If you are having a civil ceremony, you are not allowed to sing hymns at all. Weddings in churches, on the other hand, are religious ceremonies, so having religious music (like hymns) is usually expected. You can also have non-religious songs at a church wedding, but you'll need to have approved them with your minister beforehand.
There are usually two to four hymns included in a Church of England wedding ceremony. The first often comes at the beginning, after the vicar or priest's welcome, to start the service and set the mood. The second is sung during or after the signing of the register, and the last hymn is right before the final blessing.
Some popular hymns for Catholic and Church of England weddings include:
- All Things Bright and Beautiful
- One More Step Along The World I Go
- Amazing Grace
- Give Me Joy In My Heart
- Abide with Me
- Love Divine All Loves Excelling
- Praise My Soul the King of Heaven
- Shine, Jesus, Shine
- You Who Dwell in the Shelter of the Lord
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Instrumental songs
Solo instruments such as the organ, piano, harp, or guitar can create an intimate setting while still delivering the desired musical impact. For traditional church weddings, the pipe organ is an iconic choice, with pieces like Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" from ""A Midsummer Night's Dream"" often signifying the recessional moment. The organ can also be used to play more contemporary pieces, such as "On Eagle's Wings" and "Jerusalem" as prelude music.
The harp is another instrument that can add a romantic touch to the ceremony, with pieces like Claude Debussy's "Clair de Lune" being a perfect choice for the signing of the register. String instruments, such as the violin, viola, and cello, are also a popular choice for church weddings. A string quartet, in particular, offers a rich tapestry of sound and can perform a wide range of music, from classical pieces like Bach's "Air on the G String" and Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" to more modern arrangements like "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri.
Couples may also opt for instrumental versions of songs that hold personal significance, such as the song from their first dance or a song that echoes the moment they first met. For example, an instrumental version of "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri is a popular choice for wedding ceremonies, even though it is not considered a sacred song. Ultimately, the music chosen for a wedding should be a personal soundtrack that evokes cherished memories for the couple.
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Contemporary songs
- "100 Years" by Five for Fighting
- "Stand by Me" by Ben E. King
- "You & Me" by Dave Matthews Band
- "Just the Way You Are" by Bruno Mars
- "Grow Old With You" by Adam Sandler
- "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles
- "Beautiful in White"
- "500 Miles" (acoustic version)
- "Good Day for Marrying You" by Dave Barnes
- "Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper"
- "Wherever There is Laughter Ringing"
- "Here's My Hand, It's Yours to Hold"
- "Baby, I Know That You'll Be"
- "Oh, Lord My God/When I in Awesome Wonder"
- "Cause Love is Right Here"
Remember to discuss your music choices with your officiant or music director to ensure they align with any guidelines or restrictions of the church.
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Frequently asked questions
Some popular Christian wedding songs include "Oh, Lord my God", "Love is Right Here", "Wherever There is Laughter Ringing", "Here's My Hand, It's Yours to Hold", "Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper", and "Amazing Grace".
Traditional ceremony songs for religious weddings include Ave Maria, Prince of Denmark's March, Canon in D, Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Mendelssohn's Wedding March, and Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.
Some old-time songs that are played in church weddings include In Christ Alone, Jesus Paid It All, Living Hope, Good Day for Marrying You, and Wedding March by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Some modern songs that are played during the processional at church weddings include "100 Years" by Five for Fighting, "Stand by Me" by Ben E. King, "You & Me" by the Dave Matthews Band, "Just the Way You Are" by Bruno Mars, and "Grow Old with You" by Adam Sandler.
It is important to check with the church to see if they have any restrictions on the type of music that can be played. Some churches may only allow religious music or songs from an approved list. It is also important to consider the vibe and theme of the wedding, as well as the couple's culture and beliefs.
