The first step in choosing the music for your church wedding is to ensure you understand when the music can actually be played. The religious ceremony, unlike a civil one, has many restrictions, and you must follow ecclesiastical regulations regarding the musical moments.

A church wedding, in its structure, doesn't differ much from a regular Sunday mass. The mass is held in the same way, except during the "marriage rite," when the couple exchanges rings, and the priest establishes the marital bond. Below, we will present the moments when, for example, a string quartet might play, along with our suggested pieces. Some parts are not mandatory, like the music for the Alleluia hymn. Another example is the entrance of the couple, which can take on various forms.

When can music be played during the religious ceremony?

• 1. Groom's Entrance
• 2. Bride's Entrance
• 3. Gospel Hymn (optional)
• 4. Offertory
• 5. Communion
• 6. Signatures (optional)
• 7. Couple's Exit

Before discussing individual moments, we'd like to make some general considerations. The music choice for a church wedding must consider both the nature of the ceremony and the sacred, solemn atmosphere. During the mass, avoid secular pieces, danceable, overly rhythmic, and commercial music, as well as those with content inappropriate for the sacred context. Of course, before and after the mass, you have more freedom.

Naturally, we recommend discussing with your priest before the wedding and asking them to approve the pieces you want to hear at your ceremony. Some priests are more or less restrictive, and this may influence the final repertoire. Many songs, due to their musical content and mood, are suitable for a wedding ceremony, but because of their secular lyrics, they may be rejected by the priest.

We sometimes perform film music during church weddings, which suits the character of the mass. Even though it was created for a different purpose, priests have not been concerned about it and focused only on the atmosphere the music creates. Therefore, choose your program well in advance and discuss it with your priest.

1. Groom's Entrance

The first significant moment is the entrance (the groom's entrance), which can happen in various ways:

• Separate entrances with different melodies: The groom enters first with a piece of music, followed a few minutes later by the bride's entrance with a different melody. This is the most popular church entrance. It highlights the symbolism and presents the two main characters of the day.
• Groom's entrance in silence: Knowing the bride will be slightly delayed, the groom may enter the church without musical accompaniment, greeting the guests. Music begins with the bride's entrance, drawing attention to her.
• Couple entering together: In rare cases, the couple chooses to enter together, sharing the same moment and the same piece of music.

Once you decide how to enter, you can take a look at the pieces we recommend. Both for the groom and separately for the bride. In the case of a joint entrance, you can choose any song from the list. Note that the entrance may happen before the mass begins, so you should have a lot of freedom in choosing the music.

• You Raise Me Up - Josh Groban
• Largo - Georg Friedrich Handel
• Aria on the G String - Johann Sebastian Bach
• Always on My Mind - Elvis Presley
• Gabriel's Oboe - Ennio Morricone
• Con te partirò - Andrea Bocelli

2. Bride's Entrance

When the start of the ceremony is evident to all, the bride's entrance moment arrives. This passage, full of meaning and emotion, allows you to admire not only the bride's beauty and her dress but also the magic of the entire celebration. It's also the moment when the couple appears together for the first time.

• Arioso - Johann Sebastian Bach
• Flower Duet - Léo Delibes
• Gabriel's Oboe - Ennio Morricone
• La Califfa - Ennio Morricone
• Canon in D - Johann Pachelbel
• The Swan - Camille Saint-Saëns
• Salut d'Amour - Edward Elgar
• You Raise Me Up - Josh Groban
• Wedding March - Richard Wagner
• Hallelujah - Leonard Cohen

3. Gospel Hymn (optional)

The Alleluia hymn can be sung a cappella or with a musical background. Instead of the hymn, you can opt for the instrumental or vocal version with instruments, such as Alleluia - Georg Friedrich Händel or Hallelujah - Leonard Cohen (with changed lyrics).

4. Offertory

The moment of presenting the gifts. It is a mandatory part of the mass, during which the priest offers the bread and wine to God. A calm piece is recommended to highlight the moment.

• Ave Verum Corpus - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
• Arioso - Johann Sebastian Bach
• Aria on the G String - Johann Sebastian Bach
• Gabriel's Oboe - Ennio Morricone
• Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - Johann Sebastian Bach
• Largo (l'inverno) - Antonio Vivaldi
• Panis Angelicus - César Franck

5. Communion

A special moment of the mass. The prayer and closeness to God should be emphasized with calm, meditative music. Depending on the number of attendees, one or two pieces can be chosen. The second piece is often played after communion ends as a form of reflection.

• Ave Verum Corpus - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
• Panis Angelicus - César Franck
• Ave Maria - Franz Schubert
• Ave Maria - Charles Gounod
• Ave Maria - Giulio Caccini
• Largo - George Frideric Handel
• Adagio in G minor - Tomaso Albinoni
• Largo (l'inverno) - Antonio Vivaldi
• Aria on the G String - Johann Sebastian Bach
• Oceans - Hillsong UNITED

6. Signatures (optional)

Another point is the signatures. Depending on the parish, these may be done during the mass. This is when you can choose your favorite songs. You may need 2 or 3 pieces, as the signing may last over 5 minutes. This happens after the rite ends, so you are free to choose the pieces. If you plan to take photos in the church before leaving, don't forget to tell the musicians. Choose cheerful pieces!

• Hallelujah - Leonard Cohen
• Flower Duet - Léo Delibes
• Salut d'Amour - Edward Elgar
• Canon in D - Johann Pachelbel
• Arrival of the Queen of Sheba - George Frideric Handel
• Oceans - Hillsong UNITED
• Laudate Dominum - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

7. Couple's Exit

The couple's exit, just like the entrance, should highlight the protagonists of the day. This final moment should be characterized by a triumphant and joyful atmosphere.

• Wedding March - Richard Wagner
• Wedding March - Felix Mendelssohn
• Prince of Denmark's March - Jeremiah Clarke
• Te Deum - Marc-Antoine Charpentier
• Viva la Vida - Coldplay

Choose the melodies that best represent you to make your wedding an unforgettable event!