Church Weddings: Music Suggestions

by Ben Maton

  1. Pre-service music

  2. Entrance of the Bride

  3. Hymns

  4. Signing of the Marriage Document

  5. 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