Office of Worship

Wedding Planning Home / Wedding Liturgy Planning

Sacred music for a Catholic wedding

Wedding ceremony outside of mass

entrance rite

processional

liturgy of the word

Responsorial Psalm

Gospel Acclamation

Rite of Marriage

Recessional

First Form of the Procession – Full Procession of Clergy and Bridal Party

This form of the procession is carried out in the same manner as the First Form within Mass.  An Entrance Chant is suggested, although a Sacred hymn is likely most appropriate in this instance, such as the following:

Hymns

"Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" (tune - Hyfrydol)
"O Perfect Love" (tune - Sandringham)
"Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven" (tune - Lauda anima)
"Now Joined by God " (tune - O Herre Gott)
"Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow" (tune - Old 100th)
"Praise to the Lord" (tune - Lobe den Herren)
"Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee" (tune - Hymn to Joy)
"Now Thank We All Our God" (tune - Nun danket)
"O God, Our Help in Ages Past" (tune - Saint Anne)

Second Form of the Procession – Bridal Party Procession

In this form of the procession the priest or ministers and ministers meet the bridal party at the place prepared for them.  The bridal party then processes into the church to their places.  The priest receives and greets them.  He then reverences the altar and/or tabernacle and kisses the altar.

In this case, since no mention is made of the Entrance Chant, instrumental music is most appropriate. The music should continue until the celebrant has greeted the wedding couple and arrives at the chair.

ORGAN AND INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

   Processionals and Recessionals -

     Strong Processionals or Recessionals

"A Wedding Processional" (Gerald Near) [Gray]
"Allegro vivace" (G.F. Handel)
"Entrée" (Calvert Shenk) from Maestoso
"Fanfare" (Jacques Lemmens)
"Festival Intrada" (Gary Penkala)
"Festive Procession" (Calvert Shenk) from Maestoso
"In dir ist Freude" (J.S. Bach)
"Joyful Procession" (Calvert Shenk) from Festive Processionals
"Marche royale" (Jean-Baptiste Lully)
"Meine Seele erhebt den Herren" (J.S. Bach)
"Praise the Lord with Drums and Cymbals" (Sigfrid Karg-Elert)
"Processional" (Calvert Shenk) from Maestoso
"Processional on Westminster Abbey" (Robert Wetzler)
"Rigaudon" (André Campra)
"Solemn Processional" (F.J. Haydn)
"Suite gothique" (Léon Boellmann)

    Quiet Processionals

"Aria in F" (G.F. Handel)
"Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" (J.S. Bach)
"Saint Anthony Chorale" (Johannes Brahms)
"Solemn Processional" (G.F. Handel)

for additional music selections and recordings - see Music at Mass

PSALM

The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord (Psalm 33)
I will bless the Lord at all times (Psalm 34)
The Lord is kind and merciful (Psalm 103)
Happy are those who do what the Lord commands (Psalm 112)
Happy are those who fear the Lord (Psalm 128)
The Lord is compassionate to all his creatures (Psalm 145)
Let all praise the name of the Lord (Psalm 148)

other settings may be used, provided the texts are taken from the Lectionary, not simply a "Song" based-on scripture.

Acclamation at The Reception of Consent (NEW!)

 After the Vows are given, the Priest/Deacon receives the consent, ending with the following words:

 "...what God joins together, no one may put asunder."

 A suitable acclamation then follows, taking care that the congregation can respond: