WEDDING MUSIC

Planning music for a wedding can be a difficult task.  With so many choices in music, I have decided to compile a list of many pieces that are suitable for a wedding service.  Please scroll and click on the music selections to listen to each piece. (Not all pieces have sound files at this time.)

PRELUDE

Prelude music consisting of 15-20 minutes is played before the wedding service while guests are being seated.  Music during this time is selected by the organist and is reflective to the festive nature of the occasion.  In addition, if a instrumentalist or vocalist is chosen, the organist will program pieces with these musicians during the prelude.

PROCESSIONAL

The processional is usually played by the organ alone or with instrumentalists. Several wonderful possibilities are listed here. Usually two different pieces are used; the Wedding Party procession and the formal Bride/Groom procession.  Any of the Bride/Groom selections may also be used for the wedding party.

Wedding Party

Canon In D- Johann Pachelbel

Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring- Johann Sebastian Bach

Sheep May Safely Graze- Johann Sebastian Bach

Water Music: Air- George Frideric Handel

Bride/Groom

Processional in D- David N Johnson

UNITY CANDLE

If there will be a unity candle, a short meditation could be sung by the vocalist or played by organ alone. Here are several vocal and instrumental pieces with short length that are most commonly used.

Vocal

One Hand, One Heart- Bernstein

Bridal Prayer

Instrumental

Water Music: Air- George Frideric Handel

Liebster Jesu- Johann Sebastian Bach

SIGN OF PEACE (Catholic Wedding)

During the sign of peace, the bride and groom may wish to present flowers to the parents and greet the wedding party. A vocal selection could be used at this time, or the organist may fill the time by improvising.

Let There Be Peace on Earth

PRESENTATION TO THE BLESSED MOTHER (Catholic Wedding)

If this rite is used, the bride and groom travel to the Blessed Mother alter and present flowers.  An Ave Maria or another Marian hymn can be used at this time.

Ave Maria- Franz Schubert

Ave Maria- Bach/Gounod

On This Day, O Beautiful Mother- Hymn

RECESSIONAL

The wedding recessional is the most joyous musical selection.  This is usually played by the organ alone or with additional instruments.  Two pieces are usually selected; one for the wedding party and another as guests exit.