Wedding Music

Prelude — The bells in the dome of the church (outside) will begin playing music approximately 15  minutes before the ceremony. Inside the church, the organist, pianist, or other musicians will begin playing prelude music approximately 15 minutes before your wedding. A vocal selection, "Ave Maria" (Franz Schubert) for example, may be sung just prior to the beginning of the Entrance Procession.

Entrance of Bridesmaids, Groomsmen and Attendants — Some popular suggestions for music are "Canon in D" (Johann Pachelbel), "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" (J.S. Bach), "Prince of Denmark's March" (Jeremiah Clarke), "Bridal Chorus" from Lohengrin (Richard Wagner).

Responsorial Psalm — The cantor or organist will lead the singing of the Psalm after the First Reading from the Old Testament.

Gospel Acclamation — The cantor or organist will lead the singing of the acclamation before the Gospel Reading.

Unity Candle — If a "unity candle" is lit by the bride and groom (usually after the exchange of vows), the organist will play a brief interlude.

Preparation of the Gifts — if a nuptial Mass is celebrated, a hymn or vocal solo will be sung or the organist will play a brief interlude.

Ordinaries of the Mass — if a nuptial Mass is celebrated, the cantor will lead the singing of the "Holy, Holy, Holy," "Memorial Acclamation," Amen" and "Lamb of God." The Ordinaries of the Mass may be recited.

Communion — if a nuptial Mass is celebrated, the cantor will lead the singing of a hymn or sing a solo, or the organist will play instrumental music.

Recessional — A few popular suggestions include "Wedding March" (Felix Mendelssohn), "Allegro Maestoso" from Water Music Suite (George Frideric Handel) and "Trumpet Tune" (Henry Purcell).

There are many other choices of music! Listen to music recordings here.