George Boyle
Music is an integral part of Catholic weddings, with traditional hymns and songs holding a special place in the ceremony. When selecting music for a Catholic wedding, it is important to consider the liturgical guidelines and choose music that aligns with the sacredness of the occasion. The music should also be approved by the parish Director of Liturgy and Music, who ensures the suitability of the musical selections and the musicians. In this text, we will explore various musical options, from hymns to instrumental pieces, that can be used throughout the different parts of a Catholic wedding ceremony, including the prelude, processional, and recessional. We will also discuss the role of the music director and provide suggestions for personalized music choices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of songs | Two or three songs are played before the processional while guests are being seated |
| Prelude songs | Sacred hymns, gospel wedding songs, or classical pieces |
| Processional songs | One or two songs are played during the processional. Some couples choose a song for the wedding party to walk into and a separate song for the bride's entrance |
| Hymns | Ave Maria, How Great Thou Art, Amazing Grace, Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee, Here I Am, Lord, Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, Panis Angelicus, Be Thou My Vision |
| Wedding mass songs | God is Able, For the Beauty of the Earth, Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, Ave Maria, This is the Day, Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, In Christ Alone |
| Communion hymns | Marian options if the couple is bringing flowers to Mary |
| Recessional songs | Orchestral pieces, O God Beyond All Praising, Toccata from Symphony for Organ No. 5 |
| Musicians | Organist/pianist, cantor, guitar, trumpet, flute, strings, harp, SATB vocal ensembles |
| Music selection | The music should align with liturgical guidelines and reflect the sacredness of the occasion. It should also have personal significance to the couple |
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Prelude music
If you prefer traditional-style music, organs or Gregorian chants are a good option. The parish organist can provide guidance on music selection, and couples may also seek advice from their parish music director to ensure the music aligns with liturgical guidelines and the theme of the ceremony.
Couples may also opt for a combination of sacred hymns and instrumental pieces. For instance, "O God Beyond All Praising" by Gustav Holst has an instrumental-only equivalent, "Thaxted", which is a popular choice for the bride's entrance. "Toccata from Symphony for Organ No. 5" by Charles-Marie Widor is another option that can accommodate various instruments and choir arrangements.
Remember, it is essential to consult with your music director and provide your music selections in advance to ensure a smooth and well-coordinated wedding ceremony.
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Processional songs
The processional marks the beginning of the Catholic wedding Mass. It is common to have one or two processional songs. Many weddings will choose a song for the grandparents, parents, clergy, groom, and bridal party to walk into, and then start a new song for the bride to make an entrance. The processional song should be uplifting, reflecting the anticipation and joy of the moment. It should also be prayerful and align with the sacredness and solemnity of the occasion.
- Canon in D: This is a popular choice for the processional, but some may find it overplayed.
- Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring: This song can be a good fit for the wedding party processional.
- Panis Angelicus, Franco Corelli: Drawn from the hymn "Sacris Solemniis", this song is a great addition to Catholic wedding bridal processional songs.
- Ave Maria: This song is often considered for the bridal processional.
- O God Beyond All Praising: This song is an epic and joyful choice for when the bride walks down the aisle, reminding everyone that the heart of the occasion is to worship God and witness His goodness through the sacrament of marriage.
- Prelude to "Te Deum" (M.A. Charpentier): This song can be used during the processional while guests are being seated.
- This is the Day, Scott Wesley Brown: A popular classic wedding song that has remained relevant for Catholic weddings.
- Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing, Robert Robinson: This song, best rendered by a simple soloist, is a popular choice for Catholic wedding processionals.
- In Christ Alone, Keith Getty: A modern Christian song with an Irish melody, this out-of-the-box option is great for walking down the aisle, especially with a talented violinist.
- St. Anthony Chorale- Haydn: This piece can be used for the whole procession, including the entrance of the clergy, groom, wedding attendants, and the bride.
- Processional of Joy- Beethoven: Another option for an uplifting piece to accompany the entire procession.
It is important to consult with the priest and the church venue for specific rules and regulations regarding music. The type of choir and instrumentation chosen will also influence the style of the songs. Couples are encouraged to select music that aligns with their faith journey and the liturgical season.
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Hymns
Prelude Hymns
These hymns are played before the ceremony as guests arrive and are seated, setting a reverent and joyful atmosphere. Some popular choices include sacred hymns, gospel songs, or classical pieces such as:
- Ave Maria, a timeless hymn invoking the Virgin Mary’s intercession and perfect for setting a peaceful, sacred tone.
- How Great Thou Art, a powerful hymn celebrating God’s majesty and ideal for reflecting gratitude and reverence.
- Amazing Grace, a beloved gospel song about redemption and grace that creates a moving spiritual atmosphere.
Processional Hymns
These hymns accompany the wedding party as they walk down the aisle. Some popular choices include:
- "This is the Day" by Scott Wesley Brown, a classic wedding song that has remained relevant in Catholic weddings.
- "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" by Robert Robinson, a simple and soulful song that can be rendered by a soloist.
- "In Christ Alone" by Keith Getty, a modern Christian song with an Irish melody that is perfect for walking down the aisle, especially with a talented violinist.
Offertory Hymns
The offertory hymn is sung right after the prayer of the faithful/intentions (“Lord, hear our prayer”) when the gifts/bread and wine are brought to the altar. Some popular choices include:
- "For the Beauty of the Earth" by Kocher, a beautiful song that can be played on a piano or other solo instruments.
- "Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring" by J.S. Bach, a flexible and reflective melody that can be sung whole or cut to fit the timing of the ceremony.
- "Ave Maria" by Schubert, a classic solo hymn often accompanied by a piano or other solo instruments.
Communion Hymns
Communion hymns are sung during communion and can be chosen to speak of love and unity in the Body of Christ. It is recommended to pick two or three communion hymns to avoid awkward silences or unnecessary repetition. Some popular choices include:
- "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee", a vibrant and uplifting hymn that expresses joy and gratitude for God’s love.
- "Here I Am, Lord", a hymn signifying a readiness to respond to God’s call and dedicate one’s life to serving Him.
- "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling", a hymn that celebrates God's surpassing love and invokes His blessings upon the couple.
Recessional Hymns
These hymns accompany the priests and wedding party as they exit the church, embodying “joy” or “praise”. Some popular choices include:
- "All Glory, Laud, and Honor" by J. M. Neale.
- "O God, Beyond All Praising" by M. A. Perry, an epic and joyful song reminding us that marriage is a sacrament to worship God.
- "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" by C. Wesley, a hymn that celebrates God's love and invokes His blessings.
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Offertory and communion hymns
The offertory hymn is played right after the prayer of the faithful/intentions ("Lord, hear our prayer"), when the gifts/bread and wine are brought to the altar. For this solemn moment, you could consider the following hymns:
- "Ave Maria" by Schubert: A classic that has been featured on countless lists of traditional Catholic wedding songs. It is best performed by a soloist accompanied by a piano or other solo instrument.
- "For the Beauty of the Earth" by Kocher: A beautiful and uplifting song that celebrates God's creation. It can be performed by a group or a solo instrument such as a piano.
- "Panis Angelicus": A Eucharistic hymn that reflects on the sacred presence of Christ in the Eucharist and invokes His grace upon the couple's union.
The communion hymn is played during communion and usually starts once the priest has received from the Chalice. If you are expecting many Catholic guests, it is recommended to choose two or three hymns to avoid awkward silences or unnecessary repetitions. Here are some suggestions:
- "How Great Thou Art": A powerful hymn that celebrates God's majesty and reflects gratitude and reverence during the ceremony.
- "Amazing Grace": A beloved gospel song about redemption and grace, creating a moving spiritual atmosphere.
- "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" by C. Wesley: This hymn celebrates God's surpassing love and invokes His blessings upon the couple.
- "Be Thou My Vision": A prayerful hymn that seeks God's guidance and wisdom, asking Him to be at the centre of the couple's lives and their shared vision for the future.
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Recessional music
The recessional music is the final piece of music your guests will participate in. It will accompany the priests and wedding party as they exit the church, just as they would at the end of a typical Sunday Mass. The music for this moment should embody "joy" or "praise", or both.
- All Glory, Laud, and Honour, J. M. Neale
- O God, Beyond All Praising, M. A. Perry
- Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, C. Wesley
- All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name, E. Perronet
- Holy God, We Praise Thy Name, I. Franz
- Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, J. Neander
- Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee, H.
- Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, J.S. Bach
- Toccata from Symphony for Organ No. 5, Charles-Marie Widor
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Frequently asked questions
The music for your wedding should resemble the music played during Sunday Mass. All music selections must be sacred, in keeping with the sanctity of the sacrament.
Consult your music director or parish music director for suggestions that align with the ceremony’s solemnity and theme.
Ave Maria, How Great Thou Art, Amazing Grace, Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee, Here I Am, Lord, Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, Panis Angelicus, and Be Thou My Vision are some beloved traditional Catholic wedding hymns.
"This is the Day" by Scott Wesley Brown, "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" by Robert Robinson, and "In Christ Alone" by Keith Getty are some popular songs for Catholic weddings.
There are often two or three songs played prior to the processional while guests are being seated. It is common to have one or two processional songs. You will also need an offertory hymn and a communion hymn. If you are expecting many Catholic guests, it is recommended to pick two or three communion hymns.
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