George Boyle
Music is an integral part of any wedding ceremony, and this is no different for Catholic weddings. The songs chosen for a Catholic wedding should be prayerful and align with the solemnity of the occasion. While there is no official list of Catholic wedding songs, there are still rules and regulations that must be followed. The music chosen for a Catholic wedding should encapsulate the beauty of the divine, foster communal participation, and be inherently prayerful. Couples should consult with the priest and the church venue for guidance on specific rules and regulations. This paragraph will explore the topic of Catholic wedding songs, including the process of selecting songs, the significance of music in Catholic weddings, and popular choices for processional and recessional songs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Religious | Yes |
| Secular | No |
| Hymns | Ave Maria, Be Thou My Vision, Panis Angelicus, In Christ Alone, etc. |
| Modern Songs | All I Need Is You by Hillsong UNITED, Commitment by Sanctus Real, etc. |
| Classical Music | Canon in D, Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Mendelssohn's Wedding March, etc. |
| Other Considerations | Songs with meaningful lyrics, songs familiar to the congregation, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Bridal entrance songs
When choosing songs for a Catholic wedding ceremony, it's important to consult the priest and the church venue for guidance on specific rules. While there's no official list of Catholic wedding songs, the songs should be prayerful and align with the solemnity of the occasion.
Arioso, Johann Sebastian Bach
A popular favourite when it comes to Catholic wedding songs, and for good reason. Any work by J.S. Bach is a wonderful choice, and Arioso stands out as one of the world's most magnificent melodies.
Panis Angelicus, Franco Corelli
Taken from the hymn "Sacris Solemniis", Panis Angelicus is a popular choice for Catholic wedding bridal processional songs. Franco Corelli's version is particularly beautiful and is sure to add an uplifting, celebratory feel to the bridal entrance.
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, Robert Robinson
This song is best when rendered by a simple soloist. It's a popular choice for Catholic wedding processional songs and is sure to evoke emotions.
In Christ Alone, Keith Getty
A modern Christian song with an Irish melody, this is a great choice for the bridal entrance, especially if you have a talented violinist.
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Bach
A joyful and uplifting choice, this song is often used during the wedding party processional or the signing of the register.
O God Beyond All Praising
A joyful and epic choice for the bridal entrance, this song is a wonderful reminder of the true meaning of the sacrament of marriage.
Remember to choose songs that hold a special meaning to you and your partner, and don't be afraid to get creative and incorporate contemporary pieces or praise and worship-style music if that's what you connect with.
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Hymns and psalms
When selecting hymns and psalms for a Catholic wedding, it's important to consult the priest, church venue, and parish music director for guidance on specific rules and regulations. The music should be prayerful and align with the solemnity and theme of the occasion. Here are some ideas for hymns and psalms that would be suitable for a Catholic wedding:
Hymns
- "Arioso" by Johann Sebastian Bach: A popular favourite for Catholic weddings, and any work by J.S. Bach is a wonderful choice.
- "Panis Angelicus" by Franco Corelli: Taken from the hymn "Sacrissolemniis", this hymn is a popular choice for the bridal processional.
- "Ave Maria", especially the version by Beyoncé: A timeless hymn that has been given new life by Beyoncé while still respecting tradition.
- "All of Me" by John Legend: A tender love ballad that is perfect for vows or a symbolic unity ceremony.
- "How Beautiful" by Twila Paris: A contemporary Christian song that celebrates the profound beauty of love and devotion.
- "I Will Be Here" by Steven Curtis Chapman: A poignant pledge of enduring love that fits seamlessly into a Catholic wedding ceremony.
- "This is the Day" by Scott Wesley Brown: A popular classic that has remained relevant as a Catholic wedding song since the 1970s.
- "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.
- "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" by Robert Robinson: This hymn has multiple versions, but it is best performed by a simple soloist and is a popular choice for Catholic wedding processional songs.
- "Blessed Assurance": A joyful gospel song about salvation and trust in God, perfect for adding an uplifting, celebratory feel to the prelude songs.
Psalms
The Responsorial Psalm is a sung form of scripture between the first and second readings, so it must use the exact text from the Psalms found in the Bible. You can find a complete text of approved Psalms for weddings on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website. Here are some ideas for psalms that would be suitable for a Catholic wedding:
- Psalm 128: This psalm is specifically mentioned as a suggestion for a Responsorial Psalm on the St. Thomas More Catholic Church website.
- Psalms that harmonise with the liturgical season and the couple's faith journey: For example, you could choose psalms that reflect the couple's spiritual journey and incorporate their favourite verses or those that are significant to their relationship.
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Modern songs
When it comes to choosing music for a Catholic wedding ceremony, it's important to select songs that are prayerful and align with the solemnity of the occasion. While there is no official list of Catholic wedding songs, you should opt for melodies with meaningful lyrics that reflect the significance of the occasion. Here are some modern song suggestions:
"All I Need Is You" by Hillsong UNITED is a popular modern choice. It's a moving take on modern devotion with powerful lyrics such as "I give my life to You, receive this offering/It's all I have but You deserve my everything".
"In Christ Alone" by Keith Getty is another modern Christian song with an Irish melody. It's an excellent choice for walking down the aisle, especially if accompanied by a talented violinist.
"Blessed Assurance" is a joyful gospel song about salvation and trust in God, adding an uplifting and celebratory feel to the prelude songs for a wedding.
"Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" by Robert Robinson is a popular choice for Catholic wedding processional songs. It works beautifully with a simple soloist.
"This is the Day (That the Lord Has Made)" by M. Joncas is a great choice to close the service, with its celebratory feel and tempo.
Remember to consult with the priest and the church venue for guidance on specific rules and regulations, and consider the spiritual journey and favourite verses of the couple when making your selections.
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Recessional songs
Music is an integral part of any wedding ceremony, and when it comes to Catholic weddings, music takes on a sacred dimension, complementing the vows, prayers, and blessings of the newlyweds. The right Catholic wedding songs can elevate the ceremony to new heights, creating a spiritual atmosphere that resonates with the couple and their guests.
When selecting recessional songs for a Catholic wedding, it is essential to choose prayerful and solemn melodies that align with the occasion's significance. These songs often feature meaningful lyrics that reflect the importance of communion and enhance the spiritual atmosphere. Additionally, opting for familiar songs allows the congregation to participate and connect more deeply with the sacred moment.
- "Ode to Joy" by Ludwig van Beethoven: A classic choice with recognisable, flexible instrumentation and joyous, religious lyrics.
- "La Rejouissance" by George Frideric Handel: This song captures the jubilant and celebratory mood of the occasion with its upbeat tempo.
- "Trumpet Tune" by Henry Purcell: A majestic and triumphant tune to announce the newlyweds' recessional.
- "Hornpipe" by George Frideric Handel: Another majestic option from Handel, adding a grand vibe to the ceremony.
- "This is the Day (That the Lord Has Made)" by M. Joncas: With its celebratory feel and tempo, this song is a perfect choice to close the service on a joyous note.
- "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee" by Ludwig van Beethoven: Beethoven's ode to joy captures pure happiness and celebration.
- "Wedding March" by Felix Mendelssohn: A traditional recessional choice that is familiar and beloved by many.
Remember, it is crucial to consult with the priest and the church venue before finalising any musical selections to ensure they align with the specific rules and regulations of the ceremony.
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Processional songs
When choosing songs for a Catholic wedding ceremony, it's important to consult the priest and the church venue for guidance on specific rules. While there's no official list of Catholic wedding songs, the songs should be prayerful and align with the solemnity of the occasion. It's also helpful to select familiar songs to encourage participation and create a deeper connection for the congregation.
For the processional (the beginning of the liturgy), you could opt for one or two songs. The first song can be used for the entrance of the grandparents, parents, clergy, groom, and bridal party. Then, you can start a new song for the bride's entrance. Some popular choices for the processional include:
- Canon in D
- Arioso by Johann Sebastian Bach
- Panis Angelicus by Franco Corelli
- Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing by Robert Robinson
- In Christ Alone by Keith Getty
- Ave Maria
- Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring by Bach
- Largo from "Winter Concerto" by Vivaldi
- O God Beyond All Praising
- Prelude to 'Te Deum' by M.A. Charpentier
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Frequently asked questions
The prelude consists of about 10-15 minutes of music as guests arrive and are seated. Music during this time is selected at the discretion of the musicians and can include a combination of pieces that reflect the joyous nature of the occasion as well as the solemnity of prayerful reflection. Some common choices include instrumental pieces, organs, or Gregorian chants.
It is common to have one or even two processional songs. Many couples 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 walk down the aisle. Some popular choices include "O God Beyond All Praising," "Prelude to 'Te Deum'" (M.A. Charpentier), and "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring."
Yes, the signing of the register is an important part of the Catholic wedding ceremony. Some popular songs for this moment include "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by J.S. Bach, "Largo" from the Winter Concerto by Vivaldi, and "Covenant Hymn."
