CHURCH WEDDING MUSIC

Typically, three pieces of music will be played during the course of a Church Wedding Ceremony; Processional Music as the Bride enters, Music for the Signing of the Register, and Recessional Music as the Bride & Groom exit.

Couples may however also wish to give some thought to the pieces of music that will be played during the prelude as the guests arrive (four/five songs is sufficient) – you can expect the first guests to start arriving some fifteen to twenty minutes before the Ceremony is due to start.

The majority of Weddings that take place in Church will have the music played by the Church organist. Because of the sheer size of a Church, it is important that the music isn’t ‘lost’ in the rafters so many will couples will opt for the one instrument that has been specifically designed for the purpose of playing music in such a venue.

Minister’s up and down the country will recommend their organist and may also offer the use of the choir (for a smallish fee) to join in with the hymns and music (where required). Not only does the use of a Church organist seem natural and powerful but in many ways it also seems fitting – that said, there is nothing (other than the Minister themselves!) to prevent you using another form of musician(s) to play at your Ceremony. The repertoire of the Church organist is sometimes limited, and for those of you looking for a modern day slant on your day, their use may seem somewhat antiquated.

As long as the Church Minister approves, you may well wish to enlist the help of a string quartet, piper (of the bag variety!) or other to play the music before during and after the Service, although you should remember that the building itself will absorb aloud of the noise so you may wish to avoid the ‘quieter’ musicians. Check with your Minister if previously the Church has witnessed harpists and soloists perform effectively beforehand or whether their subtle music was ineffective in the venue. Once you have discussed options with the Minister and weighed up your alternatives, it is then time to make your decision and push ahead and choose the music you would like played.