Church Weddings: Music Suggestions
by Ben Maton
Pre-service music
Entrance of the Bride
Hymns
Signing of the Marriage Document
Recessional
Pre-service: Gathering Music
Music as guests enter the church and take their places, often lasting 20-30 minutes. These pieces are not normally printed on the service sheet.
Spring from the Four Seasons, Vivaldi
Hornpipe, Handel
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, Bach
Wachet Auf, ruft uns die Stimme BWV 645, Bach
Sheep may Safely Graze, Bach
Largo from Xerxes, Handel
Canon in D, Pachelbel
Morning from Peer Gynt, Grieg
Entrance of the Bride
To accompany the bridal procession as it makes its way down the aisle.
Bridal March from Lohengrin, Wagner
Prince of Denmark’s March, Clarke
Air from Suite No. 3, Bach
Canon in D, Pachelbel
Trumpet Tune, Purcell
Hymns
Normally, three hymns are sung.
All things Bright and Beautiful
Jerusalem
Lord of all Hopefulness
Come Down, O Love Divine
Guide me O Thou Great Redeemer
Immortal, Invisible, God only Wise
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
Morning Has Broken
I vow to Thee, My Country
Now Thank We All Our God
Praise my Soul the King of Heaven
Thine be the Glory
Lord of the Dance
Shine, Jesus Shine
Signing of the Register
This is light background music played during the signing of the marriage document.
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, Bach
Canon in D, Pachelbel
Priere a Notre Dame, Boellmann
Nun Danket Alle Gott, Bach
Ode to Joy, Beethoven
Sheep May Safely Graze, Bach
Largo from Xerxes, Handel
Wachet Auf, ruft uns die Stimme BWV 645 Bach
Exit of the Bride and Bridegroom (Recessional)
A joyful end, played as the newly married couple and guests leave the church!
Toccata in F, C. M. Widor (NB: only suitable on larger organs - please enquire first)
Wedding March from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Mendelssohn
Hornpipe, Handel
Arrival of the Queen of Sheba, Handel
Grand March from Aida, Verdi
Marche-Sortie, Dubois
Nun Danket Alle Gott, Karg-Elert
Sortie in Eb, Lefebure-Wely
Wedding March from Symphony No. 3, Saint-Saens
Overture from Fireworks Music, Handel