The Church Wedding Music
Deciding on the music for a wedding in church may be quite clear-cut. However, it often depends whether you decide on traditional music or go for a more modern choice where the Bride and groom pick music that is more contemporary or means something special to them.

Perhaps the most important music is the Bride’s processional piece. The traditional music for this is the “Bridal Chorus” by Wagner also known as “Here Comes the Bride”. However, more frequently, couples are choosing pieces that reflect their own tastes in music which may include Pachelbel’s “Canon in D” or “Jesu Joy of Mans Desiring”, both of which are very well liked. “The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba” also makes a great entry piece.

You may find that you want more hymns included in the wedding than time will allow. These may include: Love divine all loves excelling and Lead us heavenly Father lead us. Of course if you desire a lighter style of hymn like all things bright and beautiful or morning has broken and make me a channel of your peace, are all ideal.

The next decision could be deciding on the music to have during the signing of the register. If you decide to have a soloist, he or she may have a repertoire from which to choose. However, the choir may sing a suitable piece or the organist play until the Bride and groom complete their task of signing the register.

The Bride and Groom’s exit, or recessional music is often the customary “Wedding March” by Mendelssohn but it is also quite common to have Vidor’s “Toccata” – just to test the organist! Or a “Trumpet Voluntary” by Clarke or Purcell.

Wedding Musicians
An organist and choir are not the only option for a wedding ceremony. Couples regularly opt for a flute and classical guitar or a flute and harpist at wedding ceremonies. This happens mainly when couples decide not to have any hymns!

This may seem rather unusual, but not all couples who have a wedding ceremony held in a church setting, also want traditional hymns. This is even more so when it comes to civil ceremonies, where music with a religious connection is often not allowed. Other options for wedding musicians may include a pianist or string quartet.

No matter what wedding musicians or music pieces you may choose, it is the Bride and groom who should have the final approval, after all, it is their special day.

Pieces can be chosen from within each category to suit the Bride and Groom’s wedding. If you are unsure, you can get advise from speaking with the Organist or having a chat with the Vicar, Priest or Minister who will be residing over the ceremony.

The Guests Arrival

• Air on a G String - Bach

• Canon in D - Pachelbel

• Chanson de Matin - Elgar

• Salut d’Amour - Elgar

• Sheep May Safely Graze - Bach

The Bride’s Procession

• Arrival of the Queen of Sheba - Handel

• Bridal March from Lohengrin - Wagner

• Prince of Denmark’s March - Clarke

• Te Deum Prelude - Charpentier

• Trumpet Tune - Purcell

Signing of the Register – with a choir

• A Gaelic Blessing - Rutter

• All Things Bright and Beautiful - Rutter

• Brother James’ Air - MacBeth Bain

• Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring - Bach

Signing of The Register – with a vocalist

• Ave Maria - Bach/Gounod

• Laudate Dominum - Mozart

• Panis Angelicus - Franck

• Pie Jesu - Andrew Lloyd Webber

• Pie Jesu - Faure

Bride and Groom’s Recessional

• Hornpipe (Water Music) - - Handel

• Overture (Fireworks Music) - Handel

• Prelude in C - Bach

• Theme (Pomp & Circumstance March) - Elgar

• Wedding March (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) – Mendelssohn

Suitable hymns for a wedding ceremony

• Amazing Grace

• And did those feet (Jerusalem)

• At the Name of Jesus

• Dear Lord and Father of Mankind

• Give me Joy in my Heart

• I Vow to Thee my Country

• Lord Jesus Christ

• Lord of the Dance

• Morning has Broken

• Love Divine, all Love’s Excelling

• O Jesus, I have Promised

• Praise My Soul

Remember it helps to choose the hymns that will be more familiar to your bridal party as well as being your favourite. Your guests will feel more like joining in with the singing if they know the hymn, and this is especially helpful if you don’t book the choir to sing for you!